Grace College’s health science program achieved a perfect graduate school acceptance rate this year. All 17 of the program’s students who applied for graduate school were not only accepted but will continue their studies this fall at some of the nation’s top-tier medical schools, including Mayo Clinic, Indiana University School of Medicine, the Indiana University School of Optometry and eleven others.
“While Grace has historically had a higher percentage of health professions applicants gain admission into graduate programs in their field of interest, the 100% acceptance of graduates this year is especially satisfying,” said Dr. Rick Roberts, pre-health professions coordinator and associate dean of the School of Science and Engineering at Grace. “Our focus at Grace is not just to prepare students to gain admission to grad programs, but to equip them with the experience and skills they need to be successful in their programs and in their future careers.”
According to Roberts, 98% of Grace pre-med alumni who have completed graduate programs have become medical professionals. The 2026 cohort of graduates is following this trajectory of strong outcomes for the school.
For Carter DeVoe, a Grace graduate from Indianapolis, the next step is attending Marian University with the long-term goal of becoming a cardiologist. DeVoe’s calling to medicine was confirmed in his second year at Grace during his health science seminar, which brings in doctors who have been practicing in their fields for decades.
“One of the doctors said that in her 28 years of practice, she has never had someone turn down a prayer,” recalled DeVoe. “That’s when I realized this is more than a career; it’s an opportunity for legitimate spiritual impact.”
When it came to studying for the MCAT, DeVoe said he benefited greatly from the personalized guidance he received from his instructors. His professors let him know which concepts were extra important to learn for the exam and tailored their content toward their students’ individual goals.
As he applied to medical school, DeVoe always knew the next step, thanks to the mentorship of Grace faculty. “Dr. Roberts knows the process like the back of his hand,” said DeVoe. “Plus, he brings people in to talk you through the whole application process and connects you with students who are actively going through it. I’m so grateful for the ways he intentionally made sure we all knew what we were doing.”
