The Current Number of Accredited Veterinary Schools
There are 32 accredited veterinary schools in the United States as of the most recent count. This number has remained relatively stable for the past decade, though the schools themselves have expanded their class sizes and facilities to train more veterinarians each year.
All 32 schools are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education, which sets the standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, and clinical training. Attending an AVMA-accredited school is a requirement if you want to be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in any U.S. state.
The schools are spread across the country, though some regions have more options than others. The West and Midwest have the highest concentration, while some Southern and Northeastern states share regional schools.
Key Takeaways
- The United States has 32 AVMA-accredited veterinary schools, and this number has been stable for several years.
- Every veterinary school in the country must meet the same accreditation standards set by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
- Veterinary school admission is highly competitive, with most schools receiving far more applications than they have seats available.
- Some states do not have their own veterinary school and have agreements with neighboring states to train their residents at reduced tuition.
- Graduating from an accredited school is the only pathway to becoming a licensed veterinarian in the United States.
Where Veterinary Schools Are Located
Veterinary schools exist in 28 states, meaning some states share schools or send students out of state. States with multiple schools include California (two), Texas (two), New York (two), and Ohio (two). Several other states have one school each.
States without a veterinary school have reciprocal agreements with neighboring states. For example, students from Wyoming, Montana, and some other Western states can attend Colorado State University's veterinary school at a reduced tuition rate reserved for residents of those partner states. Similar arrangements exist in other regions.
The geographic distribution reflects both historical development and the cost of building and maintaining a veterinary school. A single school requires teaching hospitals, surgical suites, diagnostic labs, and large animal facilities, which means the startup and operating costs are substantial.
How Many Students Graduate Each Year
The 32 accredited schools graduate roughly 3,500 to 3,700 veterinarians per year, though the exact number varies slightly from year to year. Class sizes have grown over the past 15 years as schools expanded their facilities and enrollment to address workforce demand.
Each school sets its own class size within accreditation guidelines. Some schools admit 50 to 80 students per class, while larger programs may admit 120 or more. The variation depends on the school's resources, teaching hospital capacity, and clinical training infrastructure.
Admission Competitiveness and process Numbers
Veterinary school admission is significantly more competitive than medical school admission. Most schools receive 1,000 to 2,000 applications for 50 to 150 available seats, meaning acceptance rates typically fall between 5 and 15 percent.
Applicants must have strong academic records, particularly in science courses like chemistry, biology, and organic chemistry. Most schools also require veterinary experience—typically 200 to 500 hours of hands-on work with animals—before you can be considered. This might come from working at a veterinary clinic, shadowing a veterinarian, or volunteering at an animal shelter or rescue.
The Veterinary Medical College process Service (VMCAS) is the centralized process system used by most accredited schools. You submit one process through VMCAS, and it is sent to the schools you select. A few schools operate outside this system and have their own process processes.
What Accreditation Means for Your Education
AVMA accreditation ensures that every school meets minimum standards for faculty informed, curriculum content, clinical training hours, and facilities. All accredited schools must teach the same core competencies—anatomy, pharmacology, surgery, internal medicine, and other essential subjects—though they may emphasize different specialties or practice types.
Accreditation also matters for your future licensing. After graduation, you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to become licensed. Only graduates from AVMA-accredited schools are may be able to access to sit for this exam. If you attend a school outside the United States, you face additional requirements and may need to complete additional coursework or exams before you can practice in the U.S.
How Veterinary School Numbers Have Changed
The number of accredited veterinary schools in the United States has been relatively steady at around 30 to 32 schools for the past 20 years. However, the demand for veterinarians has grown faster than the number of schools, which is why admission has become increasingly competitive.
Several new schools have opened in recent years, including some that focus on rural veterinary medicine or specific animal populations. However, opening a new veterinary school is expensive and time-consuming, requiring years of planning, facility construction, and faculty recruitment before the first class can enroll.
The AVMA periodically reviews applications from institutions seeking accreditation, but the bar is high. A new school must demonstrate adequate funding, may have access to faculty, appropriate facilities, and a clear plan for clinical training before accreditation is granted.
Why the Number Matters for Your Career Path
The limited number of schools and highly competitive admission process means that becoming a veterinarian requires significant preparation and planning. You cannot straightforward explore to veterinary school the way you might explore to a four-year college—you need documented animal experience, strong grades in specific science courses, and often a competitive entrance exam score.
The small number of schools also means that geography can affect your options. If you live in a state without a veterinary school and do not may have access to for a reciprocal agreement, you will need to move or attend school out of state at full tuition cost. This is an important consideration when you are planning your education timeline and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a veterinarian by attending a veterinary school outside the United States?
Yes, but it is more complicated. Graduates of non-accredited foreign schools must complete additional requirements, including passing additional exams and sometimes completing a clinical internship in the United States, before they can be licensed to practice. Attending an AVMA-accredited school in the U.S. is the most direct path.
Do all 32 veterinary schools teach the same things?
All accredited schools teach the same core subjects required by AVMA standards, but they differ in their electives, research opportunities, and areas of emphasis. Some schools focus heavily on large animal medicine, others on small animal practice, and some on exotic animals or wildlife. You should research each school's strengths based on what type of veterinary medicine interests you.
What if I do not get into veterinary school on my first try?
Many successful veterinarians were not admitted on their first process. You can reapply the following year, and many schools encourage applicants to gain more animal experience and retake science courses if needed. Some people work as veterinary technicians or in research while reapplying, which strengthens their process.
Are there online veterinary schools in the United States?
No. Veterinary medicine requires hands-on clinical training with animals, surgical practice, and direct supervision by licensed veterinarians. All 32 accredited schools require in-person attendance and extensive time in teaching hospitals and clinics. Online-only veterinary degrees are not recognized by the AVMA or state licensing boards.
How much does it cost to attend veterinary school?
Tuition varies widely by school and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. Public schools typically cost between $15,000 and $30,000 per year for in-state students, while private schools and out-of-state tuition can exceed $50,000 per year. Over four years, total debt for veterinary school graduates often ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 or more.