By Nick Johnson
njohnson@scbiznews.com
Published June 27, 2012

The Medical University of South Carolina was named one of the top 10 most popular medical schools in the country, according to a U.S. News and World Report short list.

The schools were ranked by the highest percentage of enrolled students compared to the number of students accepted by the university, and MUSC came in fifth. The medical university accepted 220 applicants and 170 of those students enrolled, giving the school a 77.3% yield.

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences and University of Kansas Medical Center topped the list, both with an 85.7% yield.

A total of 110 ranked medical schools provided acceptance and enrollment data for the 2011-2012 school year. The 10 most popular medical schools posted enrollment rates of 74% or greater. Six of the schools increased their yields from the 2010-2011 school year, but only four of the 10 most popular medical schools increased the number of students they enrolled.

Medical schools are aiming to increase enrollment by 30% by 2015 to combat projected physician shortages, according to a U.S. News and World Report study. To reach this goal, schools must entice prospective students not only to apply, but to enroll once accepted, the report said.