MACON, Ga. — Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) has been ranked among the 2026 Best Graduate Medical Schools by U.S. News and World Report.
The rankings include:
- No. 20 in Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care
- No. 27 in Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas
- No. 59 in Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas
The Best Graduate Schools rankings provide in-depth evaluations of programs across essential fields, including business, education, engineering, law, medicine and nursing.
“This year, we rose seven spots to No. 20 in Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care and rose 23 spots to No. 27 in Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas. While we’re proud of this recognition, what it truly reflects is our mission in action,” said Jean Sumner, M.D., M.A.C.P., dean of Mercer University’s School of Medicine. “We were created to fulfill a mission to improve health care in rural underserved areas of Georgia. Every day, our faculty, staff, students and alumni bring that mission to life by serving communities and strengthening care in a place I’m proud to call home.”
Through the ongoing, annual collection of graduate school data — including figures on enrollment, job attainment, faculty and other critical quality indicators — U.S. News provides the essential information that helps prospective students make informed decisions.
“The 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings are designed to provide those pursuing an advanced degree with a wealth of data to inform their academic choices and to help them as they evaluate their post-college choices,” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “Achieving a top rank signifies a program demonstrates strong performance across key metrics — from faculty resources and research activity to graduate employment and student selectivity — which ultimately serves those seeking the best possible graduate education.”
To learn more about Mercer University School of Medicine, visit medicine.mercer.edu.
About Mercer University School of Medicine (Macon, Savannah, Columbus and Valdosta)
Mercer University’s School of Medicine was established in 1982 to educate physicians and health professionals to meet the primary care and health care needs of rural and medically underserved areas of Georgia. Today, more than 60% of graduates currently practice in the state of Georgia, and of those, more than 80% are practicing in rural or medically underserved areas of Georgia. Mercer medical students benefit from a problem-based medical education program that provides early patient care experiences. Such an academic environment fosters the early development of clinical problem-solving and instills in each student an awareness of the place of the basic medical sciences in medical practice. The School opened additional four-year M.D. campuses in Savannah in 2008 and in Columbus in 2021, and a clinical campus in Valdosta in 2024. Following their second year, students participate in core clinical clerkships at the School’s primary teaching hospitals: Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center and Piedmont Macon Medical Center in Macon; Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah; Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital and St. Francis Hospital in Columbus; and SGMC Health in Valdosta. The School also offers master’s degrees in preclinical sciences and family therapy and Ph.D.s in biomedical sciences and rural health sciences.
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.
