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 the most recent count, 32 schools hold this accreditation. These schools are spread across the country, though some regions have more programs than others.

Each accredited school meets the same educational standards set by the AVMA, which means graduates from any of these programs are may be able to access to sit for the veterinary licensing exam in any state. The schools vary in size, location, and specialization focus, but all must teach the same core competencies in animal health, surgery, pharmacology, and clinical practice.

Key Takeaways

  • The AVMA accredits 32 veterinary schools across the United States, and this number has remained relatively stable for the past decade.
  • Veterinary schools are not evenly distributed—the West and Midwest have more programs per capita than the Northeast and South.
  • Some states have no veterinary school within their borders, so residents must attend school out of state or through regional agreements.
  • Admission to veterinary school is highly competitive, with most programs receiving far more applications than they have seats available.
  • Tuition and program length are similar across accredited schools, though in-state versus out-of-state costs vary significantly.

Where veterinary schools are located

Veterinary schools are concentrated in certain regions. California has the most with two programs (UC Davis and Western University of Health Sciences). Texas, Florida, New York, and several other states each have one school. Many states—including Delaware, Maine, Montana, and Wyoming—have no veterinary school at all.

Students from states without a veterinary school often attend programs in neighboring states or participate in regional agreements. For example, some Western states have agreements where they fund seats at schools like Colorado State University or Washington State University for their residents. This keeps tuition costs lower than out-of-state rates would otherwise be.

How accreditation works

The AVMA's Council on Education sets the standards that every veterinary school must meet. These standards cover curriculum content, faculty qualifications, facilities, and clinical training opportunities. Schools undergo a full accreditation review every seven years and submit annual reports in between.

Accreditation ensures that a DVM degree from any of the 32 schools is recognized across all 50 states. Without AVMA accreditation, a graduate cannot sit for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), which is required to practice as a veterinarian. This is why attending an accredited school is essential for anyone planning to work as a veterinarian in the United States.

Admission competition and class sizes

Veterinary school admission is highly selective. Most programs receive 500 to 1,500 applications for 60 to 150 available seats. This means acceptance rates typically fall between 5 and 15 percent, making veterinary school as competitive as or more competitive than medical school.

Class sizes vary by school. Larger programs may admit 150 students per year, while smaller schools admit 40 to 60. The total number of veterinary graduates in the United States is roughly 2,500 to 3,000 per year across all 32 schools. This relatively small number of new veterinarians each year reflects both the selective nature of admission and the limited capacity of existing programs.

Program length and structure

All accredited veterinary programs award the DVM degree and require four years of full-time study. Most schools also require prerequisite coursework before admission—typically one to two years of undergraduate science classes in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. Some schools allow students to complete prerequisites while enrolled, though this extends the total time to degree.

The four-year DVM curriculum includes classroom instruction in the first two years and increasing amounts of clinical practice in years three and four. By graduation, students have treated hundreds of animals under supervision and are prepared to sit for the NAVLE. After passing the exam, graduates must also obtain a state license to practice, though this is largely a formality once the NAVLE is passed.

Cost differences between schools

Tuition varies significantly based on whether a school is public or private and whether you attend as an in-state or out-of-state student. Public veterinary schools typically cost $15,000 to $30,000 per year for in-state students but $40,000 to $60,000 per year for out-of-state students. Private veterinary schools generally charge $50,000 to $70,000 per year regardless of residency.

Over four years, the total cost of a DVM degree ranges from roughly $60,000 at an affordable public school to over $280,000 at an expensive private program. Most veterinary graduates carry significant student debt, and loan repayment is a major consideration when choosing between schools. Some schools offer scholarships or loan forgiveness programs, though these are typically limited and highly competitive.

Specialty programs and research opportunities

While all 32 schools teach the same core DVM curriculum, they differ in their strengths and research focus. Some schools emphasize large animal medicine and agriculture, while others focus on companion animal practice or exotic animals. A few schools have strong programs in veterinary public health or food safety.

Many veterinary schools offer dual-degree programs, such as a DVM combined with a Master's in Public Health (MPH) or a Master's in Business Administration (MBA). These programs typically take five to six years instead of four and prepare graduates for careers outside traditional veterinary practice. Research opportunities also vary by school, with some institutions offering more funding and facilities for graduate study in veterinary science.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a veterinarian by attending a school outside the United States?

Yes, but with restrictions. Veterinarians trained outside the U.S. must pass additional exams and meet specific requirements set by the state where they want to practice. The AVMA does not automatically recognize foreign veterinary degrees, so international graduates typically need to complete extra coursework or pass supplemental exams before they can obtain a U.S. veterinary license.

What if there is no veterinary school in my state?

Many states without a veterinary school have regional agreements with neighboring states. These agreements allow residents to attend veterinary school in another state at in-state tuition rates. Contact your state's veterinary medical board or the schools in nearby states to learn about available agreements. If no agreement exists, you will pay out-of-state tuition, which is significantly higher.

How many veterinary schools have been added recently?

The number of accredited veterinary schools has remained stable at around 30 to 32 for the past 15 years. A few new schools have opened, but others have closed or merged. The AVMA carefully reviews applications from new schools to may support they meet rigorous standards, so the approval process is lengthy and selective.

Do all veterinary schools teach the same subjects?

Yes, all accredited schools must teach the same core subjects required by AVMA standards. However, schools differ in elective courses, research focus, and clinical specializations. Some schools offer more training in exotic animal medicine, while others emphasize equine or livestock practice. Review each school's curriculum and clinical opportunities to find the best fit for your interests.

What happens if a veterinary school loses accreditation?

If a school loses AVMA accreditation, its graduates cannot sit for the NAVLE and cannot obtain a veterinary license in the United States. This is extremely rare because schools work closely with the AVMA to maintain compliance. However, if it occurs, current students may be transferred to another accredited program to complete their degree.