15 Best Veterinary Schools in the US – 2024
June 7, 2024
There are a lot of animal lovers out there, myself included. But, it takes a special kind of person to dedicate their time and energy to caring for animals. Maybe that person is you. If your sights are set on attending a veterinary college and studying animal science, then you’re probably looking for the best veterinary colleges. While there are not as many veterinary schools as medical schools in the U.S., there are still plenty of wonderful programs. Typically, these programs require four years of intense academic study.
Usually, during the fourth and final year of the program, students participate in clinical rotations to gain practical, hands-on experience with the animals themselves. These clinical rotations allow the student to focus on their desired area of concentration, like exclusive study of small animals, for example.
The top veterinary colleges in the US are generally very competitive. For instance, some require the applicant to have obtained a certain amount of veterinary experience before they even apply! Most programs also require students to have taken prerequisite courses during their undergraduate years. These courses generally fall under the umbrella of specific science and math courses.
So, if you’re looking to attend a veterinary program, then you’ll want to know where to look for the for best veterinary colleges in the country. Look no further. Lucky for you, we have assembled a list of the 15 top veterinary colleges in the US. For each program, we will provide a brief overview of what you can expect from the curriculum, as well as the criteria for admission.
Best Veterinary Schools in the US – 2024
1) University of California – Davis Davis, California
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at UC Davis a four-year program, blending both academic study and clinical training. Following a broad overview to establish a solid foundation of veterinary medicine, students then choose to study species-specific either small or large animals. Students continue to work with animals in many environments. For example, students can work with and study equine, livestock, zoologic species, aquatic medicine, poultry, and more.
Within the program, students experience a mixture of lecture, cases, group discussions, and laboratory work. In the first two years of the program, students are introduced to and paired with year 4 students. They work together in the Medical Teaching Hospital to apply practical skills and knowledge.
- 5 GPA or higher
- 180 veterinary experience hours
- Three professional recommendations, including one from a certified veterinarian
- Completion of prerequisites
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
- Interview
It is important to note that the GRE is no longer required as part of the application process to this program.
After review of applications, the top 240 candidates are selected for interview (200 CA residents/40 non-residents), and then final decisions are made. To give you an idea of the program’s size, it currently accommodates about 600 students.
2) Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado
A four-year program, students at this Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program learn in a case-based, hands-on setting. Even from the first year of admission, students participate in hands-on training with clinical rotations beginning in year three. As students progress through the program, they select one of three tracks: small animal focus, large animal focus, or mixed animal focus.
Additionally, students can combine their clinical experience with local, regional, and even international externships. To gain even more practical experience, students can take advantage of the university’s partnerships with the CDC, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Wildlife Research Center, dairies and feedlots, and more.
- Completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of C- or higher (A single course may only count toward one prerequisite)
- A July 15 matriculation from an institution accredited by the Council for Higher Education
- Three letters of recommendation. It is highly recommended one letter come from a veterinarian
For students looking to gain licensure in U.S. states or territories outside Colorado, they must receive confirmation with the proper academic departments prior to enrollment.
Best Veterinary Schools/Colleges (Continued)
3) Cornell University Ithaca, New York
In this four-year program, students follow a standard curriculum that begins with classroom instruction and gradually introduces hands-on learning. The summer before the student’s second year, they can take elective introductory clinical rotations and other summer programs. In the fourth year of the program, students focus solely on their clinical rotations and externships.
Additionally, to gain even more hands-on experience, students can take advantage of The Tetlow and Roy Park Veterinary Innovation Lab. This veterinary simulation center allows students to practice in a real-life setting like a lifelike “patient.”
At the conclusion of the second year’s spring semester, students will select one of six clinical pathways. These pathways are: Small Animal, Equine, General (Mixed), Exotic Pets, Zoological, and Production Animals.
- Completion of proper prerequisite credits and courses (For the class of 2031 (Fall 2026 application) and beyond; For those applying in the fall of 2024 and fall of 2025).
- Veterinary medical experience highly recommended
- At least three evaluation letters
- One must come from a veterinarian
- One must come from an advisor or faculty member who taught you
- The third may be from someone of your choosing
- Up to six letters may be submitted in total
- Both accepted and waitlisted/alternate applications must confirm they are in good standing at their respective institutions through a Dean’s Certification Form
It is important to note that the MCAT, GRE, and CASPer test are not used in the admissions process and are not required.
4) Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio
In this four-year program, the only veterinary college in the state, The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program addresses a “One Health” approach. This means that students and professors consider and addresses animal, human, and environmental health and concerns. As part of the new curriculum redesign, students will complete a Competency-Based Veterinary Education framework.
Overall, students will gain a broad working knowledge of scientific concepts related to the current practice of veterinary medicine. By year four, students will declare a pathway that fits best, as one category is chosen from the Applied Veterinary Medicine umbrella. Some examples of specific concentrations include Radiology, Equine Surgery, Large Animal Ambulatory Services, Dermatology, and more.
- A 3.5 science GPA; overall strong academic performance
- Successful completion of required prerequisite courses with a C or higher
- Submission of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Practical Experience: Paid or volunteer hours with a veterinarian
- Community service and leadership activities
- Three letters of recommendation; one should be from a veterinarian
- Personal Interview
Every year, the program admits 165 new applicants. Along with academic considerations, applications are also reviewed for a candidate’s dedication, character, communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
Additionally, the GRE will not be required or reviewed as part of the admissions process.
Best Veterinary Colleges/Schools (Continued)
5) North Carolina State University Raleigh, North Carolina
This four-year program is separated into two phases. The first phase is a three-year preclinical phrase, which focuses on coursework and creating foundational knowledge. The second phase is the clinical phrase, which happens in the fourth and final year of the program. A clinical year consists of 24 blocks, each two-to-three weeks in length, allowing for a total of 168 credit hours needed for graduation.
Students will ultimately select a focus area to specialize in during their time in the program. Examples of focus areas include clinician scientist, equine practice, laboratory animals, food animals, small and exotic animals, and more. A faculty advisor will help determine and select a focus area, and this must be declared by the spring of the second year.
- Meet minimum GPA requirements:
- North Carolina Residents: 3.0 cumulative
- Non-Residents: 3.4 cumulative
- Prerequisite courses completed with a C- or higher
- Important note: Animal Nutrition is a required course
- Minimum 200 hours of clinical, medical, agribusiness, health science or medical-related research experience
- Additional animal experience (no minimum hour requirement)
- A personal state that describes:
- Future career goals
- The contribution of veterinarians in society
- The attributes of a successful veterinarian
- Three letters of recommendation
- Highly recommended two letters are from veterinarians or PhD scientists the applicant has worked with in a veterinary setting
- Interview for resident applications
- Non-Residents do not participate in interviews
- Transcript Verification
GREs are not necessary as part of the admissions process.
Best Veterinary Schools (Continued)
6) University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Students can choose to participate in a dual degree program as part of the veterinary medicine program, such as the VMD/PhD, VMD/MBA, or VMD/MPH. Alongside their Veterinary Medicine Doctorate, students can also earn a Master’s in the following: Business, Environmental Studies, Public Health, Translational Research, and Social Work. Plus, students can also earn a PhD for research in the biomedical, human medicine, and public health fields.
However, for students interested in focusing only on the Penn Vet program, the program is a four-year curriculum with greater focus on clinical rotations in the fourth year. Under the direction of faculty mentorship, students gain practical knowledge of veterinary medicine in a hands-on environment.
Furthermore, in their third year, students will choose an academic major from one of four specific concentrations. These concentrations are small animal, large animal, food animal, and equine.
- Undergraduate GPA
- No defined cutoffs, but the average GPA is 3.8
- Relevant research experience
- Students usually have multiple, in-depth research experiences but no defined minimum hours
- Three letters of recommendation from relevant faculty or leaders who have observed research experience
- Interviews between applicants, Penn faculty, and current students
Best Veterinary Schools/Colleges (Continued)
7) University of Florida Gainesville, Florida
In year one, students are introduced to the foundation of veterinary medicine and experience hands-on training in the Clinical Techniques Laboratory. The second year, students focus on diagnosis and treatment of common and unique ailments across all species.
In the third and fourth years of the curriculum, students take advanced elective courses and clinical clerkships. During these clerkships, students complete rotations in both small and large animal hospitals. While externships are optional and not required for graduation, it is highly recommended students look for these opportunities. To graduate, students must complete a total of 150 credit hours.
- Recommended overall GPA greater than 3.0
- Completion of required undergraduate courses with a C or higher
- Missing no more than three science or math prerequisite courses
- No defined minimum hours of prior veterinary experience, but there should be previous animal and veterinary experience
- Recommend exposure to both large and small animal clinical practices
- Three personal references
- One reference from a veterinarian
- Interview with two- or three- member panel
Best Veterinary Schools (Continued)
8) University of Georgia Athens, Georgia
Over four years, the curriculum of the DVM program is structured to ensure students receive comprehensive and complete information regarding all aspects of veterinary medicine. In year one, students take a broad overview of courses to familiarize themselves with the foundations of veterinary medicine. These courses continue into the second year of the program.
By the third year, students begin taking more elective courses and are eligible for selected clinical rotations. Year four of the program lasts approximately 14 months. During this time, students concentrate their interests on a specific area. Some examples of these clinical rotations include Diagnostic Pathology, Large Animal Surgery, Large Animal Farm Practice, Exotic Animal, Wildlife, and Zoo Clinical Medicine, and more.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Completion of required prerequisites with a grade of C or higher
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- At least one must be from a veterinarian
- A minimum of 250 hours of veterinary experience
- To count toward this requirement, students must complete these hours under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
Best Veterinary Schools/Colleges (Continued)
9) University of Wisconsin – Madison Madison, Wisconsin
Students who enroll in this four-year program undergo a comprehensive curriculum which not only introduces the foundations of veterinary medicine but also allows for hands-on experience. Over the course of their education, students earn a total of 164 credit hours, from 117 pre-clinical credit hours and 47 clinical credit hours.
In the fourth year of the program, students must take a set of required core rotations. These rotations include Large Animal Medicine, Ambulatory, Radiology, Anesthesiology, and more. Students will then select one of four Emphasis areas: Equine, Food Animal, Mixed Animal, and Small Animal. The selection of this emphasis will dictate which clinical rotations are then completed.
- Completion of required undergraduate courses with a C or higher
- Students must have completed a total of 60 semester credits of college coursework. This includes 40-43 credits of required coursework
- Recommended animal and veterinary medical experience
- Three letters of reference
- At least one must be written by a veterinarian
- Written statements describing applicant’s professional goals and interests
- Official transcripts
Approximately 96 qualified applicants are admitted each year. Some non-academic factors considered for admission include maturity, goal orientation, work experiences, awards and honors, and more.
10) Texas A&M – College Station College Station, Texas
Over four years, students are introduced to a standard curriculum to become acquainted with the foundations of veterinary medical sciences. Some core courses include Integrated Animal Care, Pathology, Veterinary Immunology, Pharmacology, Principles of Surgery, and other electives.
In their third year, students declare a career-focus track between several disciplines: Companion Animal, Rural/Mixed Animal, Equine, Food Animal, and Production. Each discipline is structured to include relevant clinical rotations over 24 weeks. Each separate rotation location/focus is usually two weeks in length but can be up to three.
Additionally, students can take part in the combined degrees program. Students can earn a DVM degree in addition to an MBA or MS (VPHE)— Master of Science in Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology.
- GPA requirements
- 90 overall; 3.10 for the last 45 hours; 2.9 science GPA
- More than 100 hours of veterinary experience to qualify for an interview
- Completion of 53 hours of prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or higher
Best Veterinary Colleges/Schools (Continued)
11) Auburn University Auburn, Alabama
In the first three years of this program, students take generalized courses to provide an introduction to the basic principles of veterinary medicine. Each semester generally requires 20-21 credit hours of work across 8-10 classes. Examples of some of these classes include Basic Microanatomy, Intro to Surgery, Cardiovascular System, Veterinary Toxicology, and more. All students must take at least 4 credit hours of elective coursework.
In their fourth year, students participate in clinical rotations. The clinical year takes place over 50 weeks and includes 23 total rotations.
- Completion of required prerequisite coursework with a C- or higher
- GPA requirements
- Alabama & Kentucky residents: 2,50 or higher; At-large applicants: 3.0 or higher
- Experience working with veterinarians
- No minimum hour requirement
- Three letters of recommendation
- One must be from a veterinarian
- One from an employer
- One from a professor or advisor
- Transcripts
- Interview with Admissions Committee
Best Veterinary Schools (Continued)
12) Iowa State University Ames, Iowa
Within the first three years of the program, students typically take between 15-20 credit hours per semester. Some core courses include Veterinary Nutrition, biomedical sciences, Veterinary Medical Ethics, Anesthesiology, and more. Plus, students also participate in case studies alongside these courses.
In the fourth year, the clinical year, students must have selected one of four focuses. These focuses are Small Animal, Equine, Mixed Animal, and Food Animal. Depending on the focus selected, this will determine the electives and clinical rotations necessary. To graduate, students will need to complete a total of 160 credit hours.
- Three letters of evaluation are required
- Up to six letters will be accepted; it is highly recommended that students have four letters
- Completion of the CASPer test
- Must hold a BS degree in biological or physical sciences
- Highly recommended to complete relevant undergraduate courses
- Anatomy, physiology, cellular and molecular biology, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and calculus.
- Personal statement and resume
Best Veterinary Schools/Colleges (Continued)
13) Purdue University West Lafayette, Indiana
Throughout this four-year program, students take generalized introductory courses, regardless of their ultimate career focus. Additionally, first-year students complete a co-curricular requirement of the Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program. Students will also complete small group, problem-based learning courses with a faculty coach to apply information learned from classes into practical situations.
Through the Veterinary Skills and Competencies (VSAC) I-VI, students can participate in hands-on experience with animals in these courses, which happen throughout the first 3 years.
In their fourth year, students choose a concentration between seven tracks. The most focused tracks are Small Animal, Equine, and Food Animal. Students can also choose a Non-practice Track and focus exclusively on research.
- Cumulative GPA of no less than 3.10
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- One-page essay; 3,000 characters
- Answer the question: Why do you want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?
- Required in-person interview
14) University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Paul, Minnesota
In this four-year program, there are many courses to choose from. In these courses, students will learn effective methods of veterinary care and develop the necessary skills for professional practice. Typically, DVM students attend class full-time, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additionally, students can participate in dual degree programs. In addition to earning the DVM degree, students can also earn a PhD or a Masters in Public Health. At the conclusion of the semester, students complete 13 months of clinical rotation. There are over 60 rotations to choose from, including Acupuncture to Zoological Medicine.
- Official Transcripts
- Three letters of reference
- Up to six letters can be submitted
- At least one letter should be written by a DVM
- Completion of pre-veterinary coursework
- Interview
Best Veterinary Colleges (Continued)
15) Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan
Over the course of this four-year program, students in the fourth year will have the opportunity to enroll in clerkships. The curriculum is divided into three-week-long rotation blocks. Each student has the opportunity to enroll in up to 19 clerkships before they graduate. However, at least 9 are required, including 7-10 electives.
Required clerkships include Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, Small Animal Primary Care, Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery, and more. Examples of elective clerkships include Honeybee Medicine, Zoo & Wildlife Management, Equine Clinical Proficiency, and Aquatic Animal Medicine, among others.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75; math GPA 2.5; minimum 2.0 in prerequisite math and science courses
- The average GPA of the last admitted class: 3.37
- Minimum 80 hours of veterinary experience
- Three letters of recommendation
- At least one from a veterinarian or credentialed veterinary technician or nurse
- At least one from an academic advisor
- Applicant Essays
- Demonstrate understanding of veterinary healthcare and necessary skillset
- To be evaluated on how effectively the applicant’s thoughts are conveyed
Best Veterinary Schools – In Review
As you can see, there are many institutions throughout the country with great veterinary programs. As well, each of these programs will allow you to focus on a specific concentration, no matter what kind of animal lover you are.
With plenty of opportunities for research and skill-building, the top veterinary colleges in the US combine the best academic practices with hands-on practical experience. From small animals like cats and dogs, to horses, cows, and even exotic animals, there is a program that serves every type of interest.
If you are considering other careers in the medical field, you may also be interested in the following blogs:
