The Radiology Review Top Radiology Programs in the United states in 2025

  1. Massachussetts General Hospital

  2. Johns Hopkins University

  3. Stanford University

  4. University of Pennsylvania

  5. University of California, San Francisco

  6. University of California, Los Angeles

  7. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

  8. Duke University

  9. University of Wisconsin, Madison

  10. New York University

  11. Mayo Clinic*

  12. Washington University in Saint Louis

  13. Weill Cornell

  14. University of Washington

  15. Yale University

  16. Columbia University

  17. Brigham and Women’s Hospital

  18. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

  19. University of California, San Diego

  20. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

  21. Vanderbilt University

  22. University of Southern California

  23. Northwestern University

  24. Case Western Reserve University

  25. University of Minnesota

  26. University of Pittsburgh

  27. University of California, Irvine

  28. University of Virginia

  29. University of California, Davis

  30. Beth Israel Deaconess

  31. University of Colorado

  32. University of Florida

  33. University of Iowa

  34. University of Utah

  35. University of Rochester

  36. Ohio State University

  37. University of Alabama, Birmingham

  38. University of Chicago

  39. Boston University

  40. Thomas Jefferson University

  41. Oregon Health & Science University

  42. Brown University

  43. University of Cincinnati

  44. Wake Forest University

  45. Pennsylvania State University

  46. Medical College of Wisconsin

  47. Baylor College of Medicine

  48. University of Oklahoma

  49. Medical University of South Carolina

  50. University of Illinois, Chicago

  51. Dartmouth College

  52. George Washington University

  53. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  54. University of Central Florida

  55. Wayne State University

  56. University of Arizona

  57. University of New Mexico

  58. Indiana University

  59. Virginia Mason University

  60. State University of New York, Stony Brook

  61. University of Maryland

  62. University of Mississippi

  63. University of Texas, San Antonio

  64. University of Miami

  65. Montefiore/Albert Einstein

  66. University of South Florida

  67. University of Massachusetts

  68. University of Kansas

  69. University of Texas, Austin

  70. Hofstra/Northwell

  71. Ochsner Health

  72. Tufts University

  73. University of Missouri, Kansas City

*The grouping of institutions with multiple radiology residency programs as a single entity by many ranking systems makes it impossible to distinguish between the individual programs of the three Mayo Clinic campuses (Rochester, Arizona, and Florida). Each of these programs has its own strengths and weaknesses. In my opinion, most ranking systems would likely reflect the relative strength of these programs in the following order: Mayo Clinic (Rochester > Arizona > Florida).

Methods
To compile these rankings, I aggregated data from publicly available sources and synthesized a single ranking list using a large language model. The data sources included recent rankings from 2023/2024 published by Scimagoir, U.S. News & World Report, AuntMinnie.com, Doximity, and BRIMR. Programs that appeared in multiple sources were assigned greater weight in the rankings, while those featured in only one or two sources were given less emphasis. The results were limited to just over 70 programs, as those ranked lower were often listed in only a single source. I have greater confidence in the rankings for the upper half of the list, where top programs consistently appeared across all sources. In contrast, the data for lower-ranked programs becomes sparser, making those rankings less reliable.

For U.S. News & World Report, I considered rankings exclusively for U.S. programs. For AuntMinnie.com, I assigned the top program (Emory) a first-place ranking, the runner-up (University of Mississippi) a second-place ranking, and categorized all semi-finalists equally as third. Several sources included programs that do not offer radiology residency training but instead provide other imaging sciences education, such as PhD or technologist training programs. Programs without an associated radiology residency were excluded from consideration in this ranking.

These rankings reflect a combination of factors due to the multiple sources used, encompassing subjective reputation, research funding, scientific output, and perceived societal impact.

Real Life Context
In practice, rankings are only one piece of the puzzle. If your department isn’t at the top of this list—or doesn’t appear at all—there’s no reason for concern. Residents can receive excellent education and research opportunities at any U.S. radiology program. The same holds true for faculty, as the field of medical imaging is rich with opportunities for impactful research across the country.

For medical students, this list should be used cautiously when crafting your rank order list. For example, attending a highly ranked program might not lead to a fulfilling experience if the program’s environment doesn’t align with your personal goals and preferences. Do your homework, and focus on finding a program that fits your career aspirations and lifestyle.

Final Thoughts
Is this ranking perfect? Certainly not.
Is it among the most comprehensive rankings currently available? Possibly.

If you would like to share your thoughts on these rankings email theradiologyreview@gmail.com.

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