Pricing
How it Works
AI Writing
Planning Tools
Improvement Tools
Writing Tools
About
words
Quota = 1500 words
Thinking about becoming a veterinarian but stuck trying to decode rankings, tuition numbers, and GPA cutoffs?
It’s a lot; one wrong choice can cost time, money, and sanity. Knowing which schools are worth your effort isn’t optional with fierce competition and rising costs. It's essential.
Before diving into the list, make sure you’re preparing your applications thoughtfully. Using an essay writer can help you craft a strong personal statement that highlights your passion for veterinary medicine and gives you an edge in the selection process.
With that covered, let’s cut through the noise. We’ve narrowed the list to 10 of the top veterinary schools in the U.S., institutions that consistently rank high, attract elite faculty, and deliver real results for future vets.
From GPA expectations to QS World Rankings, this breakdown helps you compare the essentials at a glance.
Let’s get started!
If you are thinking, what are the best vet schools in America? Here is a complete list to answer your question:
University | QS Rank (Vet Science) | Acceptance Rate | GPA Requirement | Annual Tuition (Approx.) |
University of California, Davis | #1 | ~10% | 3.5+ | $35,000 (in-state), $48,000 (out-of-state) |
Cornell University | #3 | ~11% | 3.6+ | $39,000 (in-state), $54,000 (out-of-state) |
Colorado State University | #5 | ~12% | 3.5+ | $32,000 (in-state), $55,000 (out-of-state) |
North Carolina State University | #13 | ~12% | 3.5+ | $24,000 (in-state), $52,000 (out-of-state) |
University of Pennsylvania | #7 | ~9% | 3.6+ | $56,000 (private) |
University of Wisconsin, Madison | #17 | ~14% | 3.4+ | $26,000 (in-state), $52,000 (out-of-state) |
Purdue University | #16 | ~14% | 3.5+ | $25,000 (in-state), $47,000 (out-of-state) |
University of Florida | #11 | ~13% | 3.5+ | $28,000 (in-state), $45,000 (out-of-state) |
Iowa State University | #22 | ~15% | 3.4+ | $26,000 (in-state), $54,000 (out-of-state) |
University of Illinois | #18 | ~14% | 3.5+ | $28,000 (in-state), $52,000 (out-of-state) |
Note: Rankings, tuition costs, and acceptance rates can change annually based on institutional updates and global metrics. Always double-check the school’s official site or admission office before making any life-altering decisions.
Specialized Programs: Large Animal Medicine, Wildlife Health, Veterinary Public Health
Location: Davis, California
International Student: 20%
Clinical Experience Opportunities: UC Davis offers extensive clinical training with access to a top-rated teaching hospital, ensuring students gain real-world experience with a wide range of animals.
UC Davis is known worldwide for its veterinary program. It focuses on animal health, research, and hands-on learning. Students here get to work with many types of animals and learn from top experts in the field.
Specialized Programs: Animal Genomics, Shelter Medicine, Wildlife Conservation Medicine
Location: Ithaca, New York
International Student: 25%
Clinical Experience Opportunities: Cornell’s veterinary school emphasizes hands-on clinical work through its teaching hospital, providing students with exposure to a diverse array of animals and medical cases.
Cornell’s veterinary school is part of an Ivy League university. It mixes strong academics with real-world practice. Students benefit from the school’s focus on both animal and public health.
Specialized Programs: Equine Science, Oncology, Veterinary Disaster Response
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
International Student: 18%
Clinical Experience Opportunities: Students at Colorado State benefit from its leading veterinary hospital and clinical programs, gaining hands-on experience in specialized fields like oncology and equine care.
Colorado State has one of the top programs for animal cancer and horse care. The school offers strong clinical training and many chances to work in the community. Students also enjoy learning in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Specialized Programs: Aquatic Animal Medicine, Food Animal Health, Exotic Animal Medicine
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
International Student: 22%
Clinical Experience Opportunities: NC State’s strong community and clinic-based learning give students chances to work with various animal species, including aquatic and exotic animals.
NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine offers hands-on training and strong research options. This veterinary college is located near biotech companies, which gives students access to internships and job opportunities.
Specialized Programs: Comparative Medicine, Animal Welfare, Veterinary Business Management
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
International Student: 30%
Clinical Experience Opportunities: Penn Vet offers extensive clinical training with a large animal hospital and state-of-the-art medical facilities, allowing students to gain diverse practical skills.
The University of Pennsylvania’s vet school is part of an Ivy League university and works closely with human medical programs. It is known for its research and teaching hospital, which serves many types of animals.
Specialized Programs: Food Animal Production, Diagnostic Imaging, Biomedical Research
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
International Student: 15%
Clinical Experience Opportunities: UW–Madison provides excellent clinical opportunities, especially in food animal production and biomedical research, giving students experience in both urban and rural settings.
UW–Madison offers a balanced program with strong research and teaching. It has a focus on farm animal health and public health, and students get to train in both labs and clinics.
Specialized Programs: Small Animal Surgery, Laboratory Animal Medicine, Public Health
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
International Student: 12%
Clinical Experience Opportunities: Purdue offers a small, focused program with personalized clinical training, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in surgery and laboratory animal medicine.
Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine offers a small, focused program with close faculty support. It also works closely with state agencies and research centers.
Specialized Programs: Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, Aquatic Animal Health, Veterinary Pathology
Location: Gainesville, Florida
International Student: 28%
Clinical Experience Opportunities: The University of Florida offers hands-on learning through its specialized programs in zoo and wildlife medicine, along with opportunities to work with aquatic species.
The University of Florida’s vet school is known for its programs in exotic and aquatic animals. It offers strong research and clinical opportunities, especially in the state’s many wildlife areas.
Specialized Programs: Swine Health, Preventive Medicine, Diagnostic Pathology
Location: Ames, Iowa
International Student: 17%
Clinical Experience Opportunities: Iowa State’s veterinary program offers clinical experience in swine health and diagnostic pathology, along with a focus on livestock management and public health.
Iowa State University is one of the oldest veterinary schools in the U.S. It focuses on farm animal care, diagnostics, and public health. Students get practical experience through its teaching hospital and labs.
Specialized Programs: Shelter Medicine, Diagnostic Imaging, Wildlife Epidemiology
Location: Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
International Student: 20%
Clinical Experience Opportunities: Students at the University of Illinois get hands-on experience in shelter medicine, wildlife epidemiology, and diagnostic imaging, working with real cases in a modern teaching hospital.
The University of Illinois offers strong training in clinical skills and research. It has programs focused on community animal health and wildlife diseases, and students work in modern facilities.
Choosing the right veterinary school goes beyond just rankings. It’s about finding a program that fits your passion and career goals.
This section will guide you to the best veterinary schools in the U.S. based on specialization.
Equine medicine focuses on horses. Veterinarians in this field care for everything from racehorses to therapy horses. If you love horses, this program is for you.
Now, let’s look at the best equine vet schools in the US:
University Name | Location | Acceptance Rate | Annual Tuition |
Colorado State University | Fort Collins, Colorado | 30% | $40,000 |
University of Kentucky | Lexington, Kentucky | 23% | $39,000 |
Ohio State University | Columbus, Ohio | 28% | $38,500 |
Texas A&M University | College Station, Texas | 29% | $38,000 |
Michigan State University | East Lansing, Michigan | 27% | $36,000 |
Exotic animal medicine focuses on animals like reptiles, birds, and wildlife. Veterinarians in this field care for animals that need special attention.
Here are the best exotic vet schools in the US:
University Name | Location | Acceptance Rate | Annual Tuition |
University of California, Davis | Davis, California | 40% | $45,000 |
Cornell University | Ithaca, New York | 20% | $55,000 |
University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida | 32% | $42,500 |
Michigan State University | East Lansing, Michigan | 27% | $36,000 |
Oregon State University | Corvallis, Oregon | 35% | $38,500 |
Large animal medicine focuses on the care of farm animals and livestock like cows, pigs, and horses. This field is perfect for those who want to work with animals in agriculture.
Now, let’s check out the best large animal vet schools in the US:
University Name | Location | Acceptance Rate | Annual Tuition |
University of Wisconsin, Madison | Madison, Wisconsin | 30% | $38,000 |
Iowa State University | Ames, Iowa | 25% | $36,000 |
Purdue University | West Lafayette, Indiana | 29% | $37,000 |
North Carolina State University | Raleigh, North Carolina | 38% | $40,000 |
University of Illinois | Urbana-Champaign, Illinois | 35% | $39,000 |
Veterinary technology programs train students to assist veterinarians with hands-on care, surgeries, and diagnostics. This is a great option for those who want to support veterinarians directly.
Let’s take a look at the best vet tech schools in the US:
University Name | Location | Acceptance Rate | Annual Tuition |
University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, Minnesota | 50% | $24,000 |
San Juan College | Farmington, New Mexico | 80% | $8,000 |
Purdue University | West Lafayette, Indiana | 35% | $15,000 |
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine | Blacksburg, Virginia | 45% | $30,000 |
Penn Foster College | Online | 100% | $12,000 |
Before applying to veterinary school, many students complete a pre-veterinary program. These programs prepare you for the demanding coursework and hands-on experience you’ll need to succeed in veterinary school.
Let’s explore the best pre-vet schools in the US that can help you prepare for a successful career in veterinary medicine.
University Name | Location | Acceptance Rate | Annual Tuition |
University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, California | 17% | $45,000 |
University of Florida | Gainesville, Florida | 31% | $21,000 |
University of Wisconsin, Madison | Madison, Wisconsin | 30% | $38,000 |
University of Illinois | Urbana-Champaign, Illinois | 62% | $31,000 |
Texas A&M University | College Station, Texas | 67% | $38,000 |
University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, Minnesota | 57% | $25,000 |
Ohio State University | Columbus, Ohio | 54% | $34,000 |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, North Carolina | 23% | $36,000 |
Cornell University | Ithaca, New York | 15% | $55,000 |
University of Georgia | Athens, Georgia | 48% | $29,000 |
Choosing the right veterinary school is an important decision. You want to find a school that fits your needs, your goals, and your personal preferences. There are many things to think about, like the location, cost, and what special programs the school offers.
Here are some simple tips to help you choose the best veterinary school for you:
Concluding Thoughts!
Choosing the right university is an important decision. You need to think about factors like location, programs, costs, and campus life. It’s important to choose a university that fits your personal and academic needs. Also, consider the financial help available and the opportunities to grow outside of your studies.
When applying, your admission essay is very important. PerfectEssayWriter.ai can help you with your admission essay. If you need help writing or improving your essay, our AI writing tools are here for you.
A 3.3 GPA is a bit lower than the average for most vet schools, but it can still work. If the rest of the application is strong, like experience with animals, good references, and maybe a solid GRE score, some schools will still consider it.
To apply for a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, most schools ask for a bachelor’s degree with science courses like biology and chemistry. You’ll also need experience working with animals, reference letters, and a personal essay. Some schools might ask for GRE scores too.
A 2.7 GPA makes it harder to get in, but it’s not impossible. You’ll need to show strong experience with animals, good reference letters, and maybe explain why your grades were low. Some schools might still give you a chance if the rest of your application stands out.
Yes, veterinary studies are tough. The program includes a lot of science, lab work, and hands-on training. But if someone truly loves working with animals, the hard work is usually worth it.
The best vet school in the U.S. is the University of California, Davis. It consistently ranks among the top in the world and is known for strong research, expert faculty, and hands-on clinical training.
As of recent rankings, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), University of London, is considered the top vet school in the world. It stands out for international research, advanced clinical training, and global partnerships.
Cornell University is often seen as one of the hardest vet schools to get into. It has a low acceptance rate and high academic standards, making admission very competitive. Applicants need strong grades, experience, and standout applications.
-11107.jpg)
WRITTEN BY
Nathan D. (Literary analysis, Educational Theories)
Introducing Nathan D., PhD, an esteemed author on PerfectEssayWriter.ai. With a profound background in Literary Analysis and expertise in Educational Theories, Nathan brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his writings. His passion for dissecting literature and exploring educational concepts shines through in his meticulously crafted essays and analyses. As a seasoned academic, Nathan's contributions enrich our platform, offering valuable perspectives and engaging content for our readers.
Introducing Nathan D., PhD, an esteemed author on PerfectEssayWriter.ai. With a profound background in Literary Analysis and expertise in Educational Theories, Nathan brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his writings. His passion for dissecting literature and exploring educational concepts shines through in his meticulously crafted essays and analyses. As a seasoned academic, Nathan's contributions enrich our platform, offering valuable perspectives and engaging content for our readers.
On This Page On This Page
Profile
Logout