Studying oncology in the United States provides medical students with world-class education, hands-on research opportunities, and access to the latest cancer treatment technologies. In addition, many top American medical colleges offer cancer insurance support for students, ensuring access to quality healthcare during their academic journey.
This article lists the best medical colleges in the U.S. for studying oncology, cancer biology, and health insurance-supported medical programs in 2025.
1. Harvard University (Harvard Medical School) – Boston, Massachusetts
Harvard Medical School (HMS) is the global leader in medical education and cancer research. Through collaborations with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital, students gain both theoretical and clinical experience in oncology.
Key Highlights:
- Programs: Oncology, Cancer Biology, Immunotherapy
- Research Partners: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Cancer Insurance Support: Harvard Student Health Program (covers major medical expenses)
- Tuition Fees: Around $68,000 per year
Why It’s Best:
Harvard offers an unmatched combination of medical excellence, advanced cancer research, and comprehensive health insurance for enrolled students.
2. Stanford University School of Medicine – Stanford, California
Stanford University is known for innovation in medical science and cancer therapy. Its Stanford Cancer Institute is one of the top research centers in the U.S.
Key Highlights:
- Specializations: Cancer Immunology, Radiology, Precision Oncology
- Research Facilities: AI and genomic-based cancer treatment labs
- Health Insurance: Student insurance plans covering oncology treatment and therapy costs
- Tuition Fees: About $66,000 per year
Why It’s Best:
Stanford merges medical research, technology, and comprehensive health coverage for medical students, making it ideal for international and U.S. students alike.
3. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine – Baltimore, Maryland
Johns Hopkins University leads the world in clinical oncology and cancer policy research. The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is among the best cancer research institutions globally.
Key Highlights:
- Programs Offered: Oncology, Cancer Epidemiology, Health Policy
- Research Strength: Immunotherapy, Tumor Biology
- Health Coverage: University-provided insurance with cancer care inclusion
- Tuition: Around $63,000 annually
Why It’s Best:
Johns Hopkins combines medical training with strong insurance support, ensuring students have access to complete healthcare facilities.
4. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) – San Francisco, California
UCSF School of Medicine is a health sciences-focused university with a strong reputation in cancer biology and public health.
Key Highlights:
- Programs: Tumor Biology, Oncology Nursing, Cancer Genetics
- Research Hub: UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Insurance: UCSF Student Health Insurance Plan (includes cancer treatment coverage)
- Tuition: Approximately $55,000 per year
Why It’s Best:
UCSF offers a perfect balance between academic rigor, medical research, and supportive healthcare insurance options for its students.
5. University of Pennsylvania (Perelman School of Medicine) – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Perelman School of Medicine is one of the oldest and most respected institutions in America, recognized for developing CAR-T cell therapy, a revolutionary cancer treatment.
Key Highlights:
- Focus Areas: Cancer Immunotherapy, Clinical Oncology, Medical Insurance Systems
- Cancer Center: Abramson Cancer Center
- Insurance Benefits: Comprehensive student health plans with oncology care
- Tuition: Around $63,000 annually
Why It’s Best:
UPenn students gain access to world-class cancer research and complete health insurance coverage throughout their studies.
6. Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Rochester, Minnesota
Mayo Clinic is one of the most trusted names in medicine, offering exceptional cancer care and education.
Key Highlights:
- Specializations: Medical Oncology, Radiation Therapy, Translational Cancer Research
- Clinical Training: Hands-on experience at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
- Health Coverage: Mayo Clinic Student Health Plan includes cancer treatment
- Tuition: Around $61,000 per year
Why It’s Best:
Mayo Clinic’s integration of patient care, research, and strong insurance benefits makes it one of the best options for aspiring oncologists.
7. Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons – New York City, New York
Columbia University is known for its leadership in cancer research and public health insurance studies.
Key Highlights:
- Research Centers: Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Focus: Cancer Biology, Radiology, Health Policy
- Health Coverage: Columbia University Health Insurance with oncology support
- Tuition Fees: About $65,000 per year
Why It’s Best:
Columbia offers both academic excellence and reliable health insurance for students specializing in oncology.
8. Yale School of Medicine – New Haven, Connecticut
Yale University combines medical education, cancer biology, and public health research within one of the most advanced academic settings in the world.
Key Highlights:
- Programs: Cancer Immunology, Medical Oncology, Healthcare Policy
- Cancer Center: Yale Cancer Center (YCC)
- Health Insurance: Yale Health Plan includes comprehensive cancer care coverage
- Tuition Fees: Approximately $67,000 annually
Why It’s Best:
Yale’s programs are designed for students who want to blend medical training with practical healthcare access and research.
9. Duke University School of Medicine – Durham, North Carolina
Duke University is home to the Duke Cancer Institute, a leading center for cancer therapy research and clinical trials.
Key Highlights:
- Specializations: Hematology, Oncology, Molecular Medicine
- Research Funding: NIH and NCI support
- Insurance Plan: Duke Student Health includes full medical coverage
- Tuition Fees: Around $64,000 per year
Why It’s Best:
Duke provides students with deep research experience and reliable health insurance benefits during their training.
10. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine – Chicago, Illinois
UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center is an NCI-designated leader in oncology research.
Key Highlights:
- Programs: Oncology, Cancer Epidemiology, Health Economics
- Health Support: University health insurance with cancer coverage
- Tuition Fees: About $61,000 annually
Why It’s Best:
UChicago provides rigorous academic and research training along with strong medical insurance support for students.
Final Thoughts
Studying oncology in America offers unmatched opportunities to explore the science of cancer, clinical treatment innovation, and the healthcare system that supports it.
The universities listed above—such as Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and UCSF—not only provide elite education but also ensure students are protected through comprehensive health and cancer insurance plans.
For students aiming to become future oncologists or medical researchers, these colleges represent the best blend of academic excellence, healthcare support, and research advancement in 2025.