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10Students
Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine trains doctors who focus on whole-body healing rather than just treating symptoms. This medical school has just 10 students enrolled, making it one of the smallest and most selective programs you'll find. The school sits in Erie, a small city on Pennsylvania's Lake Erie shore, and was founded in 1992 specifically to address the shortage of osteopathic physicians.

The financial picture here is unusual. Zero percent of students receive traditional financial aid or Pell Grants, which typically means students either come from wealthy families or rely heavily on loans. About 75% of students do take federal loans to cover costs. The investment pays off quickly though. Graduates earn a median of $64,080 in their first year after finishing, jumping to $108,665 five years out. These numbers reflect the earning power of medical degrees, even for new doctors still in residency training.

The student body is 100% women, which is rare for any school but especially striking in medicine where gender balance has been a long struggle. The diversity is strong with 30% white students, 30% Hispanic, 20% Black, and 10% Asian students. An 89% employment rate shows that graduates find work, though the 2:1 student-faculty ratio means intense, personalized training throughout the program.

Academics & Faculty

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine focuses entirely on training future doctors in osteopathic medicine, a branch that emphasizes whole-body healing and prevention. With just 10 students and a 2:1 student-faculty ratio, every student gets intense personal attention from professors who are practicing physicians. The college operates multiple campuses but maintains its commitment to small cohort learning where students work closely with faculty in clinical settings. Students here aren't taking general education courses, they're diving straight into medical training that combines traditional medicine with osteopathic techniques like hands-on manipulation. Graduates earn $108,665 five years after completing their degree, reflecting the specialized nature of their medical education.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
2:1
Full-Time Faculty
37.6%
Carnegie Classification
Associate College (Mixed)

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Campus Life

LECOM Erie sits in a small city on Pennsylvania's Lake Erie shore, about two hours from Pittsburgh and Cleveland. With only 10 students enrolled, this creates an incredibly intimate learning environment where the 2:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get more individual attention than almost anywhere else. The current class is 100% women, representing a diverse group that's 30% White, 30% Hispanic, 20% Black, and 10% Asian students.

Erie's lakeside location means you'll need serious winter gear, as lake-effect snow can dump several feet at once between November and March. Summers are mild and pleasant. The medical school focuses intensively on osteopathic training, so expect long study hours in small groups or one-on-one with faculty. LECOM operates multiple campuses, but the Erie location maintains the feel of a tight-knit graduate program where everyone knows each other. Weekends often involve study groups, though the nearby Presque Isle State Park offers hiking and beach time when weather permits. The small size means social activities tend to be informal gatherings rather than large campus events.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1992

Campus Safety (2023)

17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 8 0 0 0
Stalking 5 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 2 0 0 0
Fondling 1 0 0 0
Robbery 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–35°F
July Avg
64°–81°F
Annual Precipitation
43.0"
Annual Snowfall
104.3"

Student Demographics

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine attracts a small, highly focused group of medical students. With just 10 students enrolled, this is clearly a specialized program rather than a traditional undergraduate college. The student body is entirely female, which likely reflects enrollment in a specific graduate program or residency track. The diverse racial makeup, with equal representation of White and Hispanic students plus significant Black and Asian enrollment, shows the school draws future doctors from many backgrounds. The 2:1 student-faculty ratio means intense, personalized medical training with close mentorship from practicing physicians.
Men
0.0%
Women
100.0%
White
30.0%
Black
20.0%
Hispanic
30.0%
Asian
10.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
0.0%

Location

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine sits in Erie, Pennsylvania, a small city of about 94,000 people along the shores of Lake Erie. The school is roughly 90 miles from Pittsburgh and 100 miles from Buffalo, placing it in Pennsylvania's northwest corner. Erie offers a mix of industrial heritage and lakefront recreation, with Presque Isle State Park providing beaches and outdoor activities just minutes from campus. The city has a blue-collar character with growing healthcare and education sectors. With only 10 students enrolled, LECOM Erie represents a highly specialized medical training environment in this Great Lakes region. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine with similar schools in the region.
Address
Erie, Pennsylvania 16509-1025

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (5 years)
$108,665

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body size at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine?

The college enrolls just 10 students with a 2:1 student-faculty ratio. This tiny cohort reflects LECOM's highly specialized focus on osteopathic medical education, where students receive intensive, personalized training from faculty.

How much do graduates of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine earn after completing their programs?

Graduates earn a median of $64,080 one year after completion, which jumps to $108,665 five years later. The significant salary increase reflects the progression from medical residency to practicing physician status in osteopathic medicine.

What is the gender and ethnic composition at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine?

The student body is 100% women, with 30% White, 30% Hispanic, 20% Black, and 10% Asian students. This diverse, all-female cohort is unusual for medical education and suggests LECOM's commitment to increasing women and minorities in osteopathic medicine.

Does Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine provide financial aid to students?

Currently 0% of students receive financial aid or Pell Grants, though 75% take federal loans. The lack of traditional aid may reflect the specialized nature of this medical program or the particular characteristics of this small student cohort.

Where is Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine located and what type of setting does it offer?

The college operates in Erie, Pennsylvania, a small city setting that provides medical students with diverse clinical training opportunities. LECOM is known for having multiple campus locations beyond Erie, expanding access to osteopathic medical education.

What is the employment rate for Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine graduates?

The college maintains an 89% employment rate for its graduates. LECOM specializes in osteopathic medicine, a growing field that emphasizes whole-person healthcare and preventive treatment approaches.