The University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) has earned high marks from U.S. News & World Report, ranking fourth in affordability among the 10 least expensive private medical schools in the nation.
The rankings were published in the “Short List,” a regular U.S. News feature that provides prospective students and parents with helpful information about undergraduate and graduate school programs.

Medical students at private schools spent an average of $43,962 annually in tuition and fees, according to U.S. News data. Tuition and fees for students attending one of the 10 least expensive private medical schools averaged $36,225 annually. KYCOM’s tuition was lower at $34,950, following Baylor College of Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and Mayo Medical School.

“I am pleased to be recognized again by U.S. News & World Report,” said Boyd R. Buser, D.O., dean of KYCOM and vice president of Health Affairs at the University of Pikeville. “We have always worked to maintain an affordable tuition for our students. KYCOM remains an excellent value for aspiring osteopathic physicians.”

Earlier this year, U.S. News ranked KYCOM (formerly the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine) fifth among medical schools producing the most primary care residents, the second straight year KYCOM has earned the distinction. U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 online edition of “America’s Best Graduate Schools” ranked KYCOM among the top 20 in the nation in rural medicine and fourth in the country in the percentage of graduates entering primary care residencies.

In spring 2012, KYCOM will move in a new 87,000 square foot, nine-story facility that will feature a clinical skills training and evaluation center, state-of-the-art robotics, research, gross anatomy and multi-purpose labs and an osteopathic manipulative medicine laboratory. The new instructional facility will also accommodate a larger class size, which is in keeping with KYCOM’s mission to alleviate physician shortages in Kentucky and Appalachia, especially in rural areas.