Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine - KCU-COM

Overview Curricular Premedical Coursework Admissions Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid Apply Now

General Information

Kansas City University, KCU, welcomed its first students in 1916, which makes us one of the nation’s founding colleges of osteopathic medicine.  We are a private university comprised of a College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Biosciences and College of Dental Medicine.

Kansas City has been home to KCU for more than 100 years. Now, KCU is proud to call Joplin, Missouri a second home.  We are continually renewing our commitment to research and our communities. Our faculty are esteemed healers and educators who care deeply about your in-class and out-of-class learning. Because of this, our students consistently place at prestigious residencies and perform among the nation’s highest on national board examinations.

Additional Locations

Additional Locations

Additional Locations offer the same programs as the main campus. Use the main campus' application to apply to additional locations.

Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Joplin Campus - KCUCOM-Joplin

Affiliation Kansas City University

Address 2901 St. John’s Boulevard, Joplin, Missouri 64804

Campus Setting Rural

Website https://www.kansascity.edu/

Phone (417) 208-0630

Admissions

Phone (877) 425-0247

Email admissions@kansascity.edu

Website https://www.kansascity.edu/admissions

  • KCU Quad
  • Entrance of KCU-Joplin campus
  • KCU student doctor speaking with a boy

Mission Statement

Kansas City University is a community of professionals committed to excellence in education, research, patient care and community service while: Improving the well-being of the communities we serve.
Facilities

Closest City Kansas City, MO – Urban setting; Joplin, MO – Rural setting

Campus Setting

Urban

Facilities

The Kansas City campus provides modern facilities to promote student success. Notable buildings include:

  • The newly-remodeled Administration Building includes the Walker Family Welcome Center, a new boardroom and 11 departments. The century-old facility is notable for incorporating it’s vibrant past with it’s promising future.
  • The Academic Center provides additional classroom space to the campus with two lecture halls: one seats 300-plus and the other seats 400-plus. It also provides for additional breakout rooms for smaller study groups.
  • The Student Activities Center provides a centralized gathering place and work spaces for students, including an expansive fitness center, full-service coffee shop, bookstore, and more.
  • The D’Angelo Library provides a beautiful and spacious area for students, staff and faculty to meet and learn. It features designated study rooms for individual or group sessions, conference room, computer lab, and Special Collections Room.
  • Leonard Smith Hall offers space for the university’s tutoring programs, individual and small group study rooms, a computer lab, and a student study lounge.
  • The Dybedal Center for Research is the epicenter of research activities at KCU. Equipped for Biosafety Levels I and II research, the Dybedal Center includes more than 20,000 square feet of basic science laboratories.
  • The Center for Medical Education Innovation (CMEI) offers the latest in high-tech education. This one-of-a-kind teaching facility allows students to learn by doing through the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology.

Joplin Campus

The KCU built the Joplin campus in 2017 with the goal of promoting active and hands-on clinical experiences. Features include:

  • The 200-seat McCune-Brooks Healthcare Foundation Lecture Hall
  • The Humphrey’s Family Learning Studio, which functions as a collaborative space
  • The Freeman Health System Simulation Lab comprised of four complete patient simulation suites equipped with high-fidelity medical manikins simulation exercises
  • The Empire District Electric Company Standardized Patient Lab that incorporates individuals trained to portray realistic patient presentations for students to practice clinical skills
  • The Dr. Richard Sr. and Yamana Sue Joseph Anatomy Lab comprised of 21 examination tables
  • The Dawson Heritage Foundation Library
  • The College of Dental Medicine    

Student Residence Options

Students in both Kansas City and Joplin have access to numerous off campus housing options within each city, as on campus student housing is not available.  The office of admission can assist incoming students with additional housing information. 
Student Activities & Support Services

Resources are available to ensure every student is successful at KCU. Such services include free tutors, counseling, career counseling, learning coaches...just to name a few. In addition, student organizations give members have the opportunity to network, attend national conventions, promote the medical profession and participate in special clinical experiences

A full list of all the Student and Support Services can be found at:

Accreditation & Affiliation

COM Accreditation Status KCU-College of Osteopathic Medicine is accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) and by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

University Affiliation(s) Kansas City University – Kansas City Campus & Joplin Campus

Student Demographics
  • 2023-2024

Academic Year Enrollment

Total Medical School Enrollment

1,756

Total Male

870

Total Female

886

Total Other

0

Total Enrollment Affiliate Institutions

2,048

First-Year Matriculants

427

First-Year Male Matriculants

195

First-Year Female Matriculants

232

Matriculants In-State

46

Matriculants Out-of-State

381

Self-Reported Race/Ethnicity

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.2%

Asian

28.8%

Black/African American

3.7%

Hispanic/Latino

3.5%

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.0%

White

49.9%

Multiple Races

4.4%

Undisclosed

3.0%

Majors of First-Year Matriculants

Science Majors

90.1%

Non-Science Majors

9.9%

Graduate Degrees

11.9%

Kansas City University KCU-COM seal

Overview

Private Institution

Non-Profit

Kansas City University – Kansas City Campus & Joplin Campus

Institutional Affiliation

1916

Year Founded

Urban

Campus Setting

Campus Contact

Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine - KCU-COM

1750 Independence Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64106

Address

(800) 234-4847

Phone

Admissions Office

Curricular Offerings

  • Beginning with students’ first days on campus, KCU-COM puts the patient at the center of the learning process. Our innovative curriculum integrates clinical relevance with a solid foundation in the basic sciences.
  • Through an emphasis on the importance of the physician-patient relationship, students take part in hands-on early clinical experiences that prepare them to become more effective physicians.
  • Clinical enhancements, such as patient simulators and standardized patient encounters, teach vital communication skills.
Preparatory Programs

Preparatory/Postbaccalaureate Programs Offered

MS in Biomedical Sciences (Program only offered at Kansas City Campus*)
KCU offers a one-year accelerated and a two-year research track in our biomedical sciences MS program. There is no bridge between the Masters Programs and COM, but an interview may be granted to enrolled students who meet certain criteria.
Dual Degrees/Concurrent Programs

Dual Degrees/Concurrent Programs Offered

DO/MA Dual Degree DO/MA in Bioethics

DO/MBA
Dual Degree DO/MBA in Health Care Leadership

DO/MPH
Dual Degree DO/MA in Public Health

Premedical Coursework

Courses below are shown as either Recommended or Required and, when applicable, include the number of semester hours needed.
Science Courses
Anatomy
Recommended

4 semester hours (9 quarter hours)

Biochemistry
Required

3 semester hours (4.5 quarter hours)

Cell/Molecular Biology
Recommended

4 semester hours

Chemistry (Inorganic)
Recommended

8 semester hours

Chemistry (Organic)
Recommended

8 semester hours

Genetics
Recommended

3 semester hours

Immunology
Recommended

3 semester hours

Physics
Required

8 semester hours (12 quarter hours)

Physiology
Recommended

4 semester hours

Additional Science Courses
Required:
  • Biological Sciences, 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours)
  • Chemistry, 13 semester hours (19.5 quarter hours)
Non-Science Courses
College English
Required

3 semester hours (4.5 quarter hours)

Admissions

KCU-COM attracts the best and brightest students each year. Each admitted COM student reflects the diversity of accomplishments, talents, interests and background valued by KCU. They also demonstrate academic excellence. A bachelor’s degree and the MCAT are required for admission. The admissions team evaluates applicants on a number of criteria, ranging from academic records and test scores to commitment toward osteopathic medicine, service, and leadership.

Admissions Processes

Interview Options: Option to interview virtually or in-person

Physician letter required? MD or DO

Virtual Shadowing Options? Will accept EITHER virtual or in-person shadowing

Accepts online coursework to fulfill prerequisite requirements? Yes

Accepts prerequisite coursework pass/fail grades? Yes, but only in certain circumstances

Pass/fail grades are only accepted for pre-requisite coursework taken during the pandemic.  Approved courses must have been taken in Spring 2020, Summer 2020 or Fall 2020 semesters. 

Will your institution waive MCAT exam requirements? No

Accepts online lab coursework? Yes

Application Information

Primary Application Service: AACOMAS

Earliest Application Submission Date: May 6, 2024

Primary Application Deadline: December 15, 2024

Submission Timing for Best Consideration

For best consideration, applicants should submit their AACOMAS application by November 1st.

First Year Class Matriculant's Selection Factors

KCU-COM attracts the best and brightest students each year. Each admitted COM student reflects the diversity of accomplishments, talents, interests and background valued by KCU. They also demonstrate academic excellence. A bachelor’s degree and the MCAT are required for admission. The admissions team evaluates applicants on a number of criteria, ranging from academic records and test scores to commitment toward osteopathic medicine, service, and leadership.

International Students Accepted? Accepts International Students

International applicants are encouraged to review requirements on our website:  https://www.kansascity.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/international-students . Students who are in pending status for permanent residency are not eligible for admissions to KCU.

Are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students considered for admissions? Yes

Please reach out to Admissions, Admissions@kansascity.edu, for more information. 

Application Interview Format: Multi-Mini Interviews (MMI)

Early Decision Program (EDP)

EDP Offered? No

EDP Applications Submitted To AACOMAS

Supplemental Application

Supplemental Application Required? Yes

KCU requires two letters of recommendation, one from a Pre-med committee/advisor and the other from a Physician (DO or MD). While a letter from a pre-med committee/advisor is preferred, a letter from a science faculty member may be substituted.

Earliest Supplemental Application Submission Date: June 1, 2024

Supplemental Application Deadline: March 1, 2025

Supplemental Application Sent To: Screened Applicants

KCU reviews each applicant holistically and considers academic success, clinical exposure, research experience, leadership skills and community involvement when  evaluating candidates for a secondary application.

Supplemental Application Fee: $60, non-refundable

Supplemental Application Fee Refundable? No

Supplemental Application Fee Waiver Available? Yes

If applicant has received a waiver from the AACOMAS application, KCU may waive the $60 supplemental application fee.
Acceptances/Deposit Schedule

Earliest Acceptance Date

September 1, 2024

Latest Acceptance Date

April 1, 2025

Orientation/Start Date for First Year Students

July 15, 2025

Deferred Entrance Requests Considered? Yes

Deferment requests can be emailed to the admissions office and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Acceptance/deposit deadlines conform to the AACOMAS Traffic Guidelines Schedule? Yes

Osteopathic Medical College (COM) applicants may be asked to submit necessary matriculation documents, including a deposit, according to the following AACOMAS traffic guideline schedule:

  • Those accepted prior to November 15 to have until December 14.
  • Those accepted between November 15 and January 14 to have 30 days
  • Those accepted between January 15 and April 30 to have 14 days.
  • Those accepted on or after May 1 may be asked by the accepting COM for an immediate deposit.
  • After May 1 of the year of matriculation, each COM has the discretion to implement COM-specific procedures for accepted students who hold one or more seats at other COMs.
MCAT/GPA Information

Mean MCAT Score

504.8

Avg. Cum. Undergrad GPA Score

3.66

Oldest MCAT Considered: May 1, 2022

Latest MCAT Score Accepted: February 1, 2025

Accepted Sources for Letters of Recommendation

  • AACOMAS
  • Interfolio
  • Paper
  • Email

Main Admissions Contact

Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid

2024-2025 Academic Year

Tuition

In-State Tuition

$55,854

Out-of-State Tuition

$55,854

Fees

Annual Fees

In-State Resident Fees

$4,126

Out-of-State Resident Fees

$4,126

Health Insurance Fee

$3,500

Tuition Fees Include

Lab
Student Activities
Student Services
Technology (not computer)

Estimates, Deposits, and More

Estimated Annual Room Board, Books, and Living Costs

$33,000

Average Graduate Indebtedness

$263,142

Acceptance Deposit

$1,500, non-refundable

Additional Deposit

$1,500, non-refundable

Deposit Applied to Tuition? Yes

Deposit Refundable? No

Financial Aid

Percent of Enrolled Students with Financial Aid 75%

Scholarships Offered? Yes

Annual Scholarship/Grant Per Student: $10,000