The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

322Students

$90,232Earnings

Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

MD Anderson Cancer Center operates as the nation's top graduate institution dedicated exclusively to cancer research and treatment. The school trains the next generation of oncology researchers and clinicians through its Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. With just 322 students in Houston's massive medical center, this specialized program creates an intimate academic environment with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. Students work alongside world-well-known cancer researchers who are actively developing breakthrough treatments and conducting modern clinical trials.

The financial picture reflects the school's focus on producing highly skilled specialists. Graduates earn a median of $90,232 ten years after completion, well above the national average for biomedical programs. Students graduate with a median debt of just $12,500, making this one of the most affordable paths to a lucrative career in cancer research. Only 32% of students need financial aid, and monthly loan payments average a manageable $133. The return on investment is strong given the specialized training and earning potential.

The student body is predominantly female at 79%, reflecting broader trends in biomedical sciences. Hispanic students make up 38% of enrollment while Asian students represent 26%, creating a diverse research community. With a 99% employment rate, graduates typically move directly into research positions at major medical centers or pharmaceutical companies.

Academics & Faculty

MD Anderson operates exclusively as a graduate school for biomedical sciences with laser focus on cancer research. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means intensive mentorship in labs where students work alongside world-well-known oncology researchers. With only 322 students, everyone gets direct access to faculty conducting modern cancer studies. The school trains the next generation of cancer researchers through PhD and master's programs in fields like molecular biology, immunology, and therapeutic development. Students work in the same facilities where breakthrough cancer treatments are discovered. The 98.9% employment rate reflects how desperately hospitals and research institutions need graduates with specialized cancer expertise. This isn't broad medical education but deep specialization in oncology science.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $90,232
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Career)

Campus Life

MD Anderson sits in Houston's Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex. The 322 students here are entirely graduate-level researchers and clinicians pursuing cancer-focused degrees. With 78.88% women, the student body reflects healthcare's gender distribution. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means intense mentorship in labs and clinical settings.

Houston's humid subtropical climate requires year-round air conditioning more than winter coats. Students spend weekends catching up on research, attending medical conferences, or exploring Houston's well-known food scene downtown. The Medical Center operates like a small city within Houston, with its own shuttle system connecting hospitals and research facilities. Campus life revolves around labs, libraries, and clinical rotations rather than traditional college activities. The 25.78% Asian student population and 37.58% Hispanic enrollment reflect both Houston's diversity and medicine's international appeal. Students often collaborate across MD Anderson's research institutes, creating tight-knit cohorts focused on cancer breakthroughs. Most live in nearby apartments since this specialized graduate program doesn't offer traditional dormitories.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1941

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Noncampus
Domestic Violence	8	1
Fondling	8	0
Burglary	5	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	4	1
Stalking	3	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 44°–62°F
July Avg: 76°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 54.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

MD Anderson attracts a diverse cohort of future cancer researchers and clinicians. Women make up nearly four-fifths of the student body, reflecting the field's gender composition in biomedical sciences and clinical research. The school draws heavily from Texas's Hispanic and Asian communities, mirroring Houston's demographics and the university's commitment to training researchers who understand diverse patient populations. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the institution makes cancer research training accessible to students from modest backgrounds. The small enrollment of 322 creates an intimate environment where future oncology professionals learn alongside peers who share their dedication to fighting cancer.

Men: 21.1%
Women: 78.9%
White: 21.7%
Black: 6.8%
Hispanic: 37.6%
Asian: 25.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.1%

Location

MD Anderson sits in Houston, the fourth-largest city in America with over 2.3 million residents. The Texas Medical Center sprawls across 1,345 acres and houses the world's largest concentration of healthcare institutions. Houston's humid subtropical climate means temperatures reach the 90s during summer months when students conduct intensive research rotations. The city's diverse population mirrors the student body, with Hispanic residents comprising 45% of Houston's demographics. Oil and gas companies anchor the local economy alongside the massive medical complex. Rice University and the University of Houston create additional academic energy in this sprawling metropolis. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center with similar schools in the region.

Address: Houston, Texas 77030-4009

M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Main Building

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $90,232
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $64,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 78.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $133/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center?

MD Anderson accepts only graduate students into its specialized cancer research programs, with an enrollment of just 322 students. The school maintains an extremely selective 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio that reflects its focus on intensive research mentorship in oncology.

How much does The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center cost after financial aid?

Students graduate with a median debt of just $12,500, making monthly loan payments of $133. Only 32% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the school's focus on funded graduate research positions in cancer science.

What academic programs does The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offer?

The school operates exclusively as a graduate school of biomedical sciences specializing in cancer research. Founded in 1941, it has built a reputation as one of the world's top institutions for oncology research and treatment innovation.

What are the career outcomes for The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center graduates?

Graduates achieve a 98.9% employment rate with median earnings of $90,232 ten years after graduation. The loan repayment rate of 78.89% reflects strong career prospects in cancer research and medical fields.

Where is The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Houston's Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex. With 78.88% women and a diverse student body that is 37.58% Hispanic and 25.78% Asian, the small community focuses entirely on advancing cancer treatment and research.

Does The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have undergraduate programs?

MD Anderson offers no undergraduate programs and operates solely as a graduate research institution focused on cancer. The school's unique mission of combining modern oncology research with clinical application sets it apart from traditional universities.