Be Ready for the Rush!
Getting into Rush University is a challenging yet rewarding process. Known for its exceptional healthcare programs, Rush University attracts top talent every year, enrolling over 2,000 new students across its College of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, and Rush Medical College. Whether you're aiming for a career in medicine, nursing, or allied health sciences, understanding what it takes to be admitted is crucial. In this guide, we'll break down the Rush University acceptance rate, program specifics, and tips to help you enhance your application and increase your chances of admission.
Rush University (RU) is located in Chicago and specializes in healthcare education and research. It offers a wide range of programs, including medicine, nursing, allied health sciences, and public health. Rush University is ranked #62 in the QS World University Rankings for Medicine and also ranks highly for its nursing and allied health programs. Notable alumni include Dr. Robert H. Shmerling from Harvard Medical School and Dr. R. Adams Cowley, founder of Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center. With a focus on improving healthcare outcomes, Rush University remains a top choice for aspiring healthcare professionals.
The Rush University acceptance rate varies depending on the program, but one thing is clear, admission is competitive. For example, Rush Medical College has an acceptance rate of around 4%, making it one of the top medical schools in the US to get into. Meanwhile, programs in the College of Health Sciences have a higher acceptance rate of about 18%. These numbers mean you’ll need a strong GPA, solid test scores, and relevant experience to stand out. If you're an international student, the process can be even more challenging. While specific data on the Rush University acceptance rate for international students isn’t widely published, you’ll need to meet the same rigorous academic standards as domestic applicants. Plus, you’ll need to prove English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Understanding these numbers helps you set realistic expectations and prepare a strong application that increases your chances of getting in.
Rush University is highly competitive, especially for programs in healthcare and medicine. With an overall acceptance rate of 37.4%, this means that for every 100 applicants, only about 37 are admitted to Rush University. However, this varies by college, with Rush Medical College having the lowest acceptance rate, while some graduate programs offer higher chances of admission. For students applying in 2025, understanding historical acceptance trends and how Rush compares to other medical schools can help you gauge your chances and prepare a strong Rush University application.
Looking at historical trends, we can see fluctuations in Rush University acceptance rates:
Yes, with a Rush University acceptance rate of about 37.4%, it is competitive. Programs like Rush Medical College and CRNA are especially selective.
Applicants generally need a GPA of 3.5 or higher, depending on the program, with stronger candidates having higher GPAs.
The University of Illinois (UIC) has a higher acceptance rate (79%) compared to Rush University.
Yes, Rush University is highly regarded, especially for its healthcare programs, with selective admissions reflecting its prestige.
Rush University is recognized as one of the top medical universities in the U.S., particularly for nursing and healthcare programs.