7. Yale University

2012-2013 Tuition & fees: $50,080

Enrollment: 397

Last year's rank: 7

The Yale University School of Medicine doesn't rank students for the first two years of medical school in order to encourage them to take the initiative in their education, according to U.S. News. Attendance isn't taken in preclinical classes and tests are optional and self-directed. Students can also pursue a M.D./M.P.H. (Master of Public Health) and M.D./M.H.S. (Master of Health Science); an M.D./M.B.A. through the Yale School of Management; an M.D./M.Div. through Yale Divinity School; and an M.D./J.D. through Yale Law School. There is also an M.D./Ph.D. degree and a Physician Associate program.

Using optical techniques, graduate students Amanda Casale, left, and Amanda Foust analyze the response of a neuron to electrical stimulation during an experiment examining the behavior of brain cells in the neurobiology laboratory of Dr. David McCormick in this undated photo.

Credit: Robert A. Lisak/Yale University School of Medicine