The Radiology Review Top Programs of 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. University of Washington

  14. Yale University

  15. Columbia University

  16. Brigham and Women’s Hospital

  17. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

  18. University of California, San Diego

  19. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

  20. Vanderbilt University

  21. University of Southern California

  22. Northwestern University

  23. Case Western Reserve University

  24. University of Minnesota

  25. University of Pittsburgh

  26. University of California, Irvine

  27. University of Virginia

  28. University of California, Davis

  29. Beth Israel Deaconess

  30. University of Colorado

  31. University of Florida

  32. University of Iowa

  33. University of Utah

  34. University of Rochester

  35. Ohio State University

  36. University of Alabama, Birmingham

  37. University of Chicago

  38. Boston University

  39. Thomas Jefferson University

  40. Oregon Health & Science University

  41. Brown University

  42. University of Cincinnati

  43. Wake Forest University

  44. Pennsylvania State University

  45. Medical College of Wisconsin

  46. Baylor College of Medicine

  47. University of Oklahoma

  48. Medical University of South Carolina

  49. University of Illinois, Chicago

  50. Dartmouth College

  51. George Washington University

  52. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  53. University of Central Florida

  54. Wayne State University

  55. University of Arizona

  56. University of New Mexico

  57. Indiana University

  58. Virginia Mason University

  59. State University of New York, Stony Brook

  60. University of Maryland

  61. University of Mississippi

  62. University of Texas, San Antonio

  63. University of Miami

  64. Montefiore/Albert Einstein

  65. University of South Florida

  66. University of Massachusetts

  67. University of Kansas

  68. University of Texas, Austin

  69. Hofstra/Northwell

  70. Ochsner Health

  71. Tufts University

  72. 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.