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2025 Best Physician Assistant Schools

198 Colleges in the United States
12,000 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded
If you pursue a degree in physician assistant, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #71 most popular program in the country. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

College Factual reviewed 198 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of physician assistant. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 12,000 degrees in physician assistant annually.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Physician Assistant School

Best Physician Assistant Schools Your choice of physician assistant school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Physician Assistant School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Physician Assistant Degree Level

Bachelor's Degrees in Physician Assistant
Master's Degrees in Physician Assistant
Doctor's Degrees in Physician Assistant

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Physician Assistant Schools list to help you make the college decision. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Physician Assistant in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of physician assistant degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Physician Assistant

1

Mayo Clinic School of Medicine is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in physician assistant. Mayo Clinic School of Medicine is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Rochester.More information about a degree in physician assistant from Mayo Clinic School of Medicine

2
Loma Linda University crest
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
9th Most Popular In CA
36 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Every student who is interested in physician assistant has to check out Loma Linda University. Located in the large suburb of Loma Linda, Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were approximately 36 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Loma Linda University in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Loma Linda University

3
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NC
89 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

It's hard to beat Duke University if you want to pursue a degree in physician assistant. Located in the city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were about 89 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Duke University

4
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In SC
85 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Medical University of South Carolina is a good decision for students pursuing a degree in physician assistant. Located in the city of Charleston, MUSC is a public university with a small student population.

There were roughly 85 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at MUSC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Medical University of South Carolina

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MA
231 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Boston, MCPHS University is a private not-for-profit college with a moderately-sized student population.

There were roughly 231 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at MCPHS University in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In PA
128 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 7th out of 103 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 128 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Thomas Jefferson University in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Thomas Jefferson University

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In TX
44 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

UT Health San Antonio is a small public university located in the city of San Antonio.

There were approximately 44 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at UT Health San Antonio in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In WA
124 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 50 schools for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were about 124 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In TX
90 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

UTMB Galveston is a small public university located in the small city of Galveston.

There were roughly 90 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at UTMB Galveston in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from The University of Texas Medical Branch

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NE
74 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

UNMC is a small public university located in the large city of Omaha.

There were roughly 74 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at UNMC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from University of Nebraska Medical Center

11
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In CA
48 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Oakland, Samuel Merritt University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.

There were approximately 48 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Samuel Merritt University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Samuel Merritt University

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In DC
55 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

GWU is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #25 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means GWU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 55 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from George Washington University

13
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In NJ
92 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Rutgers New Brunswick is a fairly large public university located in the small city of New Brunswick. This university ranks 2nd out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were about 92 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Rutgers University - New Brunswick

14
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In CA
52 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

USC is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Los Angeles. A Best Colleges rank of #13 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were roughly 52 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from University of Southern California

15
SUNY Stony Brook crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In NY
79 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Located in the large suburb of Stony Brook, SUNY Stony Brook is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 14th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 79 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at SUNY Stony Brook in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Stony Brook University

16
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In GA
56 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Atlanta, Emory is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #31 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were about 56 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Emory University

17
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In MA
48 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Tufts is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Medford. A Best Colleges rank of #39 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Tufts is a great university overall.

There were about 48 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Tufts in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Tufts University

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In IL
35 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Northwestern is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Evanston. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were roughly 35 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Northwestern University

19
Touro crest
Touro College
New York, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NY
205 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of New York, Touro is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly large student population. This college ranks 77th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 205 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Touro in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Touro College

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
18th Most Popular In NY
34 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

SUNY Upstate Medical University is a small public university located in the medium-sized city of Syracuse.

There were approximately 34 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at SUNY Upstate Medical University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Upstate Medical University

21
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In IA
48 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Iowa is a very large public university located in the small city of Iowa City. This university ranks 1st out of 37 colleges for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were about 48 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from University of Iowa

22
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In OK
76 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

UOHSC is a small public university located in the city of Oklahoma City.

There were roughly 76 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at UOHSC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from University of Oklahoma - Health Sciences Center

23
South College crest
South College
Knoxville, TN
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In TN
150 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Knoxville, South College is a private for-profit college with a medium-sized student population.

There were roughly 150 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at South College in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from South College

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In CT
50 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Located in the suburb of Hamden, Quinnipiac is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 5th out of 18 schools for overall quality in the state of Connecticut.

There were about 50 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Quinnipiac in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Quinnipiac University

25
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NV
75 Physician Assistant Degrees Awarded

Touro University Nevada is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Henderson.

There were approximately 75 physician assistant students who graduated with this degree at Touro University Nevada in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in physician assistant from Touro University Nevada

Rest of the Top Best Physician Assistant Schools

26
27
NUS Florida crest
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
28
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
29
30
31
LIU Post crest
LIU Post
Brookville, NY
32

33

34
35
36
Hofstra crest
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY
37
Drexel crest
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
38
Rush University crest
Rush University
Chicago, IL
39
Duquesne crest
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Physician Assistant Schools award.

Rank College Location
40 Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH
41 Wagner College Staten Island, NY
42 Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science Los Angeles, CA
43 Idaho State University Pocatello, ID
44 Marquette University Milwaukee, WI
45 Saint Joseph’s University Philadelphia, PA
46 MGH Institute of Health Professions Boston, MA
47 Northeastern University Boston, MA
48 Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale, IL
49 University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WI
50 Creighton University Omaha, NE
51 Samford University Birmingham, AL
52 Pacific University Forest Grove, OR
53 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC
54 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
55 Oregon Health & Science University Portland, OR
56 Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MO
57 University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA
58 Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI
59 California State University - Monterey Bay Seaside, CA
60 Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CT
61 DeSales University Center Valley, PA
62 Springfield College Springfield, MA
63 Dominican University of California San Rafael, CA
64 University of Wisconsin - La Crosse La Crosse, WI
65 Le Moyne College Syracuse, NY
66 Marist College Poughkeepsie, NY

Physician Assistant by Region

View the Best Physician Assistant Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

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One of 23 majors within the Allied Health Professions area of study, Physician Assistant has other similar majors worth exploring.

Related Major Annual Graduates
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) 27,240
Radiologic Technology 10,633
Surgical Technology 7,412
Respiratory Care Therapy 6,569
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician 6,160
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapy 4,080
Athletic Training 3,408
Other Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 2,012
Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist 1,367
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology 773

View All Physician Assistant Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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