Congratulations! You’ve decided to pursue a medical degree in the Caribbean. But now the bigger decision and question is: Where? With so many factors to consider—including the cost of tuition, location, accreditation, and the residency match rate (which are the big ones)—the process can be overwhelming.

The good news is that at Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM) in Aruba, we offer what some other medical schools don’t. If you’re looking for a fully accredited medical school with lower tuition costs, high pass rates, and a tropical location that is second to none, look no further than XUSOM. Do we have your attention yet? Get ready to learn why choosing XUSOM can set you on a path to making your dreams of becoming a doctor a reality.

More affordable than other Caribbean medical schools

Did you know that attending medical school at XUSOM can save you thousands of dollars in tuition costs when compared to that of other Caribbean medical schools that are accredited and approved by New York State? And the costs are even higher when you compare them to U.S. medical schools.

As you can see in the chart above, XUSOM’s entire MD program costs $189,100 per year versus other Caribbean medical schools which cost upwards of $250,000. As you can see, attending XUSOM is an affordable option for living your dream.

Scholarships, grants and loans

At XUSOM, we believe cost shouldn’t get in the way of pursuing a medical career. Our primary goal is to make quality medical education affordable to as many students as possible. That’s why we offer several flexible financial aid options to students and parents which will assist in meeting their financial needs. These include:

Personalized attention

One of the greatest benefits of attending a Caribbean medical school like XUSOM is the small class sizes. Our 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio provides students with a more intimate classroom experience which allows for more opportunity to work hands-on with faculty. This contrasts dramatically to larger medical schools where students feel lost or invisible in large lecture halls. Through small- and team-group teaching, our students have more opportunities to:

  • Contribute to class discussions
  • Absorb more material
  • Understand coursework more thoroughly
  • Receive encouragement and more personalized attention
  • Learn from classmates

Fully accredited

In 2015, XUSOM received accreditation from the Accreditation Commission of Colleges of Medicine (ACCM). This independent not-for-profit accrediting organization, based in the Republic of Ireland, is regarded by the United States Department of Education as applying comparable standards as those used to accredit medical schools in the U.S. Additionally, XUSOM has received approval from the New York State Education Department and the Medical Board of California. And, XUSOM is also listed in the “World Directory of Medical Schools,” which is a requirement for students to be eligible to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). These vital recognitions enable our graduates to secure exceptional residencies and become licensed physicians throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Read more about why Caribbean medical schools like XUSOM are a very real, excellent choice in our blog, “Debunking Myths About Caribbean Medical Schools.”

Attentive, caring faculty

At XUSOM, our faculty and staff are committed to the success of their students. They use proven methods of learning that ease each pupil into the program. This gentler approach helps build students’ confidence and provides a comfort factor to help them successfully advance through the program. Additionally, the faculty work hard at putting in the needed time and effort to ensure that students fully understand the material and succeed in the classroom.

Learn more about how XUSOM supports its students’ success as well as employs proven methods of learning in our blog, “What to Expect in Medical School: Dr. Gopi Shares Insight on Xavier’s Commitment to Student Success.”

Proven student success: Numbers that speak for themselves

Ask any medical student what his or her top goals throughout medical school are, and they will tell you that it is to pass the USMLE and ultimately match for residency. As for us, it’s about it seeing our students succeed—right up until graduation! Here’s how our numbers break down:

  • 95% first-time USMLE Step One pass rate (July 2021-present) —preparation for Step One begins on the first day of class.
  • 92% student retention rate—Students love Xavier from the moment they step on campus. And we do everything we can to keep it that way.

New residential campus

Last fall, we opened our new Poola Residential Complex. This beautiful and modern residence community offers students their own fully furnished bedrooms in a two-bedroom suite with a bathroom, shower, and kitchenette. Each unit is equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, high-speed internet and 24/7 security. Other perks include:

  • On-site laundry facilities
  • Shuttle service
  • Parking
  • Full-service cafeteria
  • Pool
  • Sports and recreation facilities
  • Convenience store

Idyllic location

You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful surrounding to study medicine. Aruba’s virtually perfect weather provides students with the calm they need to excel. The dry climate means it rarely rains, and the cool breezes keep the temperatures from becoming too hot. And, very importantly, Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt—which is a big deal. Lastly, travelling to and from the island is convenient, as there are direct flights available everyday from the U.S. and Canada.

A word from our students

how do our students feel about their experience? Check out what a few of them have to say:

  • “Xavier gave me the opportunity to pursue my dreams. I chose Xavier for many reasons—the accreditation, the affordable price range for each semester and the quality of life in Aruba.”

—Jessica Audet, General Surgery (Montreal, Canada)

  • “Xavier University gives you the foundation you need to succeed, and you are held to such a standard that there’s nowhere else to go but up.”

—Andrea Hernandez, Internal Medicine (Trinity, FL)

  • “With a shuttle to take us between the residential campus and academic campus, two great dining halls and a beautifully well-kept garden and pool, I can invest my time and energy into my success in medical school while also having a great work-life balance.

—Dimple Mazumdar, MD 1 (Ontario, Canada)

Pursuing a medical degree form Xavier University School of Medicine can turn your dreams into a reality. Apply today.