There are 32 accredited veterinary schools in the United States
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits all veterinary schools that award the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in the U.S. As of 2024, there are 32 schools on that accredited list. This number has remained relatively stable for the past decade, though new schools have opened and some have closed during that time.
These schools are spread across the country, but not evenly. Some states have multiple schools, while others have none. If you live in a state without a veterinary school, you can still study veterinary medicine—many students attend school in neighboring states or regions, and some schools reserve seats for out-of-state residents.
Key Takeaways
- The AVMA maintains the official list of accredited veterinary schools, and there are currently 32 in the United States.
- Veterinary schools are concentrated in certain regions; some states have multiple schools while others have none.
- Out-of-state students can attend veterinary school, though tuition is typically higher and admission is more competitive.
- New veterinary schools have opened in recent years, including some that focus on rural or underserved areas.
Where veterinary schools are located
Veterinary schools cluster in the Midwest, South, and West, with California, Texas, and Ohio each having multiple schools. The Northeast has fewer schools relative to population. States like Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas do not have veterinary schools, so residents typically attend schools in neighboring states.
Some schools are part of large state universities with strong agricultural programs—these tend to be older and larger. Others are newer private schools or schools affiliated with smaller institutions. The location of a school matters for admission because many state schools prioritize residents or regional applicants, and living costs vary widely by region.
How the AVMA accreditation process works
The AVMA's Council on Education sets standards for veterinary schools and conducts regular reviews. A school must meet requirements in curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, and clinical training before it receives accreditation. The process typically takes several years for a new school to become fully accredited.
Accreditation matters because only graduates of AVMA-accredited schools can sit for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), which is required to practice as a veterinarian in the U.S. If you attend a school that is not accredited, you cannot become a licensed veterinarian here, even if you complete the degree.
New veterinary schools opening in recent years
Between 2015 and 2024, several new veterinary schools opened, including schools in Kansas, Arizona, and other states. These newer schools were created partly in response to a shortage of veterinarians in rural areas and a growing demand for veterinary services. Some newer schools have different models—for example, some focus on rural practice or offer accelerated programs.
New schools still must meet AVMA standards, so they go through a provisional accreditation period before full accreditation. During that time, their graduates can still take the licensing exam, but the school is monitored closely to may support it maintains quality.
Admission competition and out-of-state attendance
Veterinary school admission is highly competitive. Most schools receive far more applications than they have seats. State schools often give preference to in-state residents, which means out-of-state applicants face steeper odds at those schools. Private veterinary schools typically do not have residency preferences, but they are also more expensive.
If you do not live in a state with a veterinary school, you have options: attend school out of state (and pay out-of-state tuition), attend a private school, or look for schools that have regional agreements or set aside seats for certain states. Some schools in the South and Midwest accept students from multiple surrounding states at in-state or reduced tuition rates.
Cost differences between state and private schools
State veterinary schools are generally less expensive for in-state students but significantly more expensive for out-of-state students. In-state tuition at a state school typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition at the same school can be $40,000 to $60,000 or more per year. Private schools usually charge $50,000 to $70,000 per year regardless of residency.
Total debt after graduation varies widely. A student who attends an in-state public school may graduate with $100,000 to $150,000 in debt, while an out-of-state student at a public school or a student at a private school may graduate with $200,000 to $300,000 or more. These figures are estimates and vary by school and by individual financial circumstances.
How to find the official list of accredited schools
The AVMA website maintains a searchable directory of all accredited veterinary schools. You can visit the AVMA's Council on Education page and find schools by state, region, or other criteria. This is the authoritative source—if a school is not on this list, it is not accredited by the AVMA.
Each school's website includes information about admission requirements, tuition, curriculum, and whether they accept out-of-state students. Many schools also host open houses or information sessions, which can help you understand whether a particular program is a good fit for your goals and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a veterinarian by attending a non-accredited veterinary school?
No. Only graduates of AVMA-accredited schools can sit for the NAVLE licensing exam required to practice in the U.S. If you attend a non-accredited school, you will not be able to become a licensed veterinarian, even if you complete the degree. Always verify that a school is on the AVMA's accredited list before enrolling.
Do I have to attend veterinary school in my home state?
No, but out-of-state attendance is more expensive at state schools. If your state has no veterinary school or you do not get into an in-state school, you can attend school elsewhere. Some regional schools accept students from multiple states at reduced rates, so it is worth checking whether your state has reciprocal agreements with schools in neighboring regions.
How long does it take to become a veterinarian?
The DVM degree typically takes four years to complete after you finish your undergraduate degree. Most students complete prerequisite coursework (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and others) during their first two years of college, then explore to veterinary school. The total time from high school to becoming a licensed veterinarian is usually six to eight years.
Are there online veterinary schools?
No accredited veterinary schools in the U.S. offer a fully online DVM degree. Veterinary training requires hands-on clinical experience with animals, which cannot be done remotely. Some schools may offer online components for certain courses, but the degree itself requires in-person attendance and clinical work.
What is the difference between a DVM and a VMD?
Both DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and VMD (Veterinariae Medicinae Doctor) are the same degree—the title just depends on which school awards it. Most U.S. schools use DVM, but a few use VMD. Both degrees are fully accredited and allow you to take the same licensing exam and practice as a veterinarian.