Founded in 1992 in Erie, Pennsylvania, LECOM was established to address the shortage of primary care physicians in the region and has grown into the largest medical school in the United States by enrollment. It is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and has expanded to campuses in Bradenton, Florida, and Elmira, New York, along with a Seton Hill University partnership in Greensburg, PA. The college is best known for its three distinct pathways to the DO degree (Lecture Discussion, Problem-Based Learning, and Directed Study) and for strong residency match performance.
LECOM's culture is professional, tightly focused on board preparation, and oriented toward service and community-based care. Students choose their learning pathway, which offers rare flexibility in medical education, and benefit from clinical affiliations with hospitals across several states. Beyond the DO program, LECOM offers programs in pharmacy, dental medicine, podiatric medicine, and health sciences, creating an interprofessional environment; its campuses are located in lower-cost regions, which suits students seeking a practice-focused path.
| Type | Private |
| Location | Erie, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Total students | 6,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 10% |
| Graduation rate | 95% |
| Average starting salary | $65,000 |
| In-state tuition | $30,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $30,000 |
| Room & board | $14,000 |
| Average financial aid | $45,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 90% |
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.50 |
| Regular deadline | February 1 |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.