The United States is globally recognized for its leadership in medical education, oncology research, and advanced cancer treatment. With increasing cancer rates worldwide, the need for well-trained oncologists and cancer researchers has never been greater.
Several U.S. medical schools are at the forefront of oncology training, offering programs in cancer biology, clinical research, radiology, and immunotherapy. These institutions not only educate future doctors but also contribute significantly to global cancer research and patient care.
Below is a detailed list of the Top American Medical Schools Specializing in Oncology and Cancer Care for 2025.
1. Harvard Medical School – Boston, Massachusetts
Harvard Medical School (HMS) is consistently ranked as the number one medical school in the world. It has strong collaborations with major hospitals and cancer research institutions, including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Key Highlights:
- Specialized Programs: Oncology, Cancer Genetics, Molecular Medicine
- Affiliated Hospitals: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Degrees Offered: MD, PhD, and MD-PhD in Oncology
- Annual Tuition: Around $68,000
Why It’s Best:
Harvard provides students with advanced exposure to both clinical cancer treatment and basic research, preparing them to become leaders in oncology.
2. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine – Baltimore, Maryland
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins is one of the most respected cancer centers worldwide. Johns Hopkins students gain hands-on training in both laboratory research and patient care.
Key Highlights:
- Research Focus: Immunotherapy, Chemotherapy Development, Cancer Epidemiology
- Global Ranking: Among the top 5 for oncology research
- Research Funding: Supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- Tuition Fees: About $63,000 annually
Why It’s Best:
Johns Hopkins offers one of the most integrated programs combining medical practice and oncology research, giving students access to world-class labs and hospitals.
3. Stanford University School of Medicine – Stanford, California
Stanford’s Cancer Institute is a pioneer in cutting-edge oncology research and personalized cancer treatment programs.
Key Highlights:
- Specializations: Immunology, Radiation Oncology, Genetic Therapy
- Technology Use: Artificial intelligence and data analytics in cancer diagnosis
- Facilities: State-of-the-art research labs and simulation centers
- Tuition Fees: Around $66,000 per year
Why It’s Best:
Stanford’s focus on innovation and precision medicine makes it one of the best schools for those pursuing research in oncology and cancer technology.
4. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) – San Francisco, California
UCSF is renowned for its oncology, surgery, and cancer biology programs. It is home to the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, a world leader in cancer treatment and research.
Key Highlights:
- Areas of Focus: Tumor Biology, Clinical Oncology, Cancer Genetics
- Collaborations: National Cancer Institute and global cancer research groups
- Tuition: About $55,000 annually
Why It’s Best:
UCSF integrates research, treatment, and community health—training future oncologists to improve both local and global cancer care.
5. Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Rochester, Minnesota
The Mayo Clinic is one of the most trusted names in healthcare and cancer treatment worldwide. Its medical school offers direct access to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.
Key Highlights:
- Programs: Medical Oncology, Radiation Therapy, Cancer Biology
- Facilities: Top-ranked hospital with advanced cancer treatment units
- Annual Tuition: Approximately $61,000
- Research Funding: Supported by NIH and Mayo Foundation
Why It’s Best:
Students benefit from clinical experience in real-world cancer care and research within Mayo’s leading facilities.
6. University of Pennsylvania (Perelman School of Medicine) – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
UPenn’s Abramson Cancer Center is a pioneer in cancer immunotherapy, including the development of CAR-T cell therapy.
Key Highlights:
- Focus Areas: Cancer Immunology, Hematologic Oncology, Clinical Trials
- Research Support: National Institutes of Health and private grants
- Tuition: Around $63,000 per year
Why It’s Best:
UPenn leads global cancer innovation, training oncologists who work at the intersection of research and treatment.
7. Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons – New York City, New York
Columbia University’s Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of the top cancer treatment and research facilities in the U.S.
Key Highlights:
- Focus: Cancer Biology, Medical Oncology, Radiology
- Affiliated Hospitals: NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Tuition Fees: About $65,000 annually
Why It’s Best:
Columbia offers students a mix of advanced research opportunities and clinical exposure in one of America’s largest cancer care networks.
8. Duke University School of Medicine – Durham, North Carolina
Duke University is recognized for its Duke Cancer Institute, which offers comprehensive cancer research and patient care programs.
Key Highlights:
- Programs Offered: Oncology, Pharmacology, Radiology
- Research Collaboration: NIH and global cancer research networks
- Tuition: Approximately $64,000 per year
Why It’s Best:
Duke provides hands-on experience in translational cancer research, where scientific discoveries are turned into real treatments.
9. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine – Chicago, Illinois
The UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center is an NCI-designated center specializing in cancer prevention and treatment research.
Key Highlights:
- Focus: Cancer Biology, Genomics, Precision Medicine
- Research Grants: Supported by NIH and the American Cancer Society
- Tuition: Around $61,000 annually
Why It’s Best:
UChicago prepares future oncologists through a combination of strong academic programs and patient-centered clinical training.
10. Yale School of Medicine – New Haven, Connecticut
Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital are globally recognized for their research in cancer biology and immunotherapy.
Key Highlights:
- Specialized Fields: Cancer Immunology, Radiation Oncology, Molecular Therapy
- Research Opportunities: Extensive lab and clinical collaborations
- Tuition: About $67,000 per year
Why It’s Best:
Yale emphasizes innovation and collaboration, giving students a strong foundation in both clinical oncology and biomedical research.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. remains the world leader in oncology education, cancer treatment, and medical research. Institutions like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, and UCSF are transforming cancer care with cutting-edge research and advanced technology.