As of 2016, the number and proportion of underrepresented minority* (URM) applicants and first year enrollees to colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) is increasing. Even though more URMs are applying to COMs**, total URM enrollment remains relatively stagnant. In addition, the proportion of URM applicants to matriculants continues to remain lower than their non-URM counterparts.
In the same regard, while the percentage of females applying to COMs is on the rise, first-year and total enrollment have decreased slightly. Additionally, the proportion of female applicants to matriculants continues to remain lower than their male counterparts.
Percent AACOMAS Applicants who Matriculated by Race/Ethnicity and Gender
This graph displays the percentage of URM males and females along with non-URM males and females who applied through AACOM’s Application Service (AACOMAS) and matriculated to an osteopathic medical school, as opposed to those who applied but did not matriculate.

- The proportion of female underrepresented minorities who applied and matriculated to an osteopathic medical school decreased by 4.1 percent—from 21.8 percent in 2009-10 to 17.7 percent in 2016-17.
- The proportion of male underrepresented minorities who applied and matriculated to an osteopathic medical school decreased by 7.4 percent—from 27.3 percent in 2009-10 to 19.9 percent in 2016-17.
Percent AACOMAS Applicants who Matriculated - Gender
This graph displays the percentage of males and females who applied through AACOM’s Application Service (AACOMAS) and matriculated to an osteopathic medical school, as opposed to those who applied but did not matriculate.

Percent AACOMAS Applicants who Matriculated - Underrepresented Minorities
This graph displays the percentage of URM and non-URM who applied through AACOM’s Application Service (AACOMAS) and matriculated to an osteopathic medical school, as opposed to those who applied but did not matriculate.