Dreaming of becoming a Physician Assistant? You’re not alone—the demand for PAs is skyrocketing, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 37% job growth through 2032. But let’s be real: getting into PA school is no walk in the park. With over 25,000 applicants vying for just 8,000 spots each year, the overall acceptance rate hovers around 31%—lower than even medical school’s 42%. That’s why understanding program-specific stats like acceptance rates and GPA cutoffs is crucial for crafting a winning CASPA application.
In this guide, we’ll break down the landscape for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle. We’ll spotlight the 10 easiest PA programs (think higher acceptance rates and more forgiving GPA minimums) and the 10 hardest (elite programs with sky-high bars). Data is pulled from the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), ARC-PA reports, and program disclosures as of late 2025. Remember, “easiest” doesn’t mean a free pass—these programs still demand strong patient care experience (PCE), stellar letters of rec, and a compelling personal statement. And while the average accepted student’s GPA is 3.6 overall (3.5 in sciences), flexibility exists if you shine elsewhere.
Whether you’re a career changer with a 3.2 GPA or a straight-A student eyeing Ivy-level prestige, this list will help you target smartly. Let’s dive in.
Before the rankings, here’s the big picture:
Pro move: Use tools like the PAEA’s Program Directory to verify stats, as they can shift slightly year-to-year.
These programs stand out for their higher acceptance rates (often 40%+), lower GPA minimums (as low as 2.5–3.0), and holistic reviews that value PCE and life experience over perfect transcripts. They’re ideal if your GPA is 3.0–3.4 or you’re light on test scores. Note: “Easiest” is relative—expect 1,000+ PCE hours to compete.
| Rank | Program | Acceptance Rate | Min. Overall GPA / Science GPA | GRE Required? | Key Notes |
| 1 | West Coast University – Texas (Dallas) | 100% | 3.0 / 3.0 | No | Newer program; heavy on clinical rotations; in-state focus. |
| 2 | University of North Texas Health Science Center (Fort Worth) | 45% | 3.0 / 3.0 | No | Emphasizes Texas residents; 1,000 PCE hours preferred. |
| 3 | University of Charleston (WV) | 48% | 3.0 / 3.0 | Optional | Small cohorts; strong rural health track. |
| 4 | Harding University (Arkansas) | 50% | 3.0 / 3.0 | No | Faith-based; values community service; 500 PCE min. |
| 5 | University of Lynchburg (VA) | 42% | 3.0 / 3.0 | No | No PCE minimum—great for new grads; interview-heavy. |
| 6 | Midwestern University – Glendale (AZ) | 55% | 3.0 / 3.0 | No | Large program; interprofessional focus; 1,000+ PCE avg. |
| 7 | A.T. Still University – Central Coast (CA) | ~40% (est.) | 2.5 / 2.5 | No | Lowest GPA bar; 400 clinical hours built-in; holistic review. |
| 8 | Rosalind Franklin University (IL) | ~35% (est.) | 2.75 / 2.75 | Yes (50th percentile) | Career-changer friendly; strong research emphasis. |
| 9 | Barry University (FL) | ~30% | 3.0 / 3.0 | Yes | Catholic values; 500 PCE min; bilingual bonus. |
| 10 | Loma Linda University (CA) | ~25% | 3.0 / 3.0 | No | Faith-integrated; 2,000 paid PCE required; hospital affiliates. |
These gems often fly under the radar but boast solid PANCE pass rates (95%+). If your GPA dips below 3.0, target #7–8 and beef up your PCE to 1,500+ hours.
Elite programs like these have acceptance rates under 5%, demanding near-perfect GPAs (3.7+), top GRE scores (310+), and 2,000+ PCE hours. They’re prestige plays—think Duke or Yale—but rejection rates exceed 95%. Only apply if you’re a 3.8+ standout with research or leadership chops.
| Rank | Program | Acceptance Rate | Avg. Overall GPA / Science GPA | GRE Required? | Key Notes |
| 1 | Duke University (NC) | 2.3% | 3.8 / 3.7 | Optional | #1 ranked; heavy research; 2,000 PCE min. |
| 2 | Baylor College of Medicine (TX) | 3% | 3.7 / 3.6 | Yes | Military track option; 1,500 PCE; interview rigorous. |
| 3 | Emory University (GA) | 3% | 3.8 / 3.7 | No | Urban health focus; 1,000 PCE; essays critical. |
| 4 | Yale University (CT) | ~4% | 3.9 / 3.8 | Optional | Ivy prestige; global health emphasis; 2,000+ PCE. |
| 5 | University of Iowa | 4.5% | 3.7 / 3.6 | No | Strong primary care; 1,500 PCE; rural rotations. |
| 6 | George Washington University (DC) | 6% | 3.6 / 3.5 | Yes | Policy track; 1,000 PCE; D.C. networking gold. |
| 7 | University of Utah | 8% | 3.6 / 3.5 | No | No GRE win; 500 PCE min but avg. 2,000; in-state edge. |
| 8 | Wake Forest University (Bowman Gray, NC) | 9.7% | 3.5 / 3.4 | Yes | No min. GPA but competitive; 1,000 PCE. |
| 9 | Stanford University (CA) | ~5% (est.) | 3.9 / 3.8 | Optional | Innovation hub; research-heavy; 2,000+ PCE. |
| 10 | University of Pennsylvania (PA) | ~6% | 3.7 / 3.6 | No | Urban clinicals; leadership focus; 1,500 PCE. |
These powerhouses offer unmatched networks and residencies, but the odds are brutal. If rejected, leverage feedback for a reapply in 2026.
Stats are just the start—adcoms want well-rounded future PAs. Here’s how to stand out:
PA school admissions in 2025 reward strategy over perfection. If your GPA is modest, lean into the easier programs—they’re gateways to the same certification and six-figure salaries (median $126K). For the elites, grind those stats. Either way, start building PCE today—it’s the great equalizer.
Applying to 8–12 programs is ideal; mix easy, medium, and reach schools. Got questions? Drop a comment or join my email list for weekly tips from accepted students.
Ready to purse PA school? Get the prerequisite courses you need with PrereqCourses.com.
Data current as of December 2025; always verify on program sites.
