There are 32 accredited veterinary schools in the United States
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits 32 veterinary schools across the country. These schools award the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, which is required to practice as a licensed veterinarian. The number has remained stable for the past decade, though individual schools have expanded their class sizes and some have added satellite campuses.
All 32 schools meet the same accreditation standards set by the AVMA Council on Education. This means graduates from any of these schools take the same licensing exam (the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination, or NAVLE) and are recognized across all 50 states. The schools vary in size, location, and specialization focus, but they all teach the core curriculum required for veterinary practice.
Key Takeaways
- The AVMA accredits exactly 32 veterinary schools in the United States, and all graduates must pass the same national licensing exam.
- Veterinary schools are located in 26 different states, with some states having multiple schools and others having none.
- Admission to veterinary school is highly competitive, with most schools accepting fewer than 10 percent of applicants.
- A DVM degree typically requires four years of study after completing specific prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and animal science.
Where veterinary schools are located
Veterinary schools are not evenly distributed across the United States. Twenty-six states have at least one accredited veterinary school, but 24 states have none. California, Texas, and New York each have two schools. States like Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma have one school each but serve students from surrounding states with no veterinary education programs.
Some schools operate satellite or branch campuses to expand access. For example, Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences has a campus in Fort Collins, and some schools partner with universities in other states to offer portions of their curriculum regionally. This allows students from underserved areas to complete part of their training closer to home.
What it takes to get into veterinary school
Admission to veterinary school is significantly more competitive than admission to most four-year colleges. Most schools accept between 50 and 150 students per class, and they receive thousands of applications each year. Acceptance rates typically fall between 5 and 10 percent at the most selective schools.
Before explore, students must complete prerequisite courses including general biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and animal science. Most schools require at least 200 to 500 hours of hands-on experience working with animals—either through veterinary clinics, farms, shelters, or research settings. Schools also consider GPA, performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and personal statements about motivation for the field.
How long veterinary school takes
The DVM degree requires four years of full-time study at an accredited school. The first two years typically focus on classroom learning and laboratory work covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and disease diagnosis. The final two years emphasize clinical practice, where students work directly with animals under faculty supervision in teaching hospitals and clinics.
Some schools offer accelerated three-year programs, though these are rare and require students to attend year-round with minimal breaks. After graduation, veterinarians must pass the NAVLE to obtain a state license. Many veterinarians then pursue additional training through internships or residencies in specialized fields like surgery, dermatology, or emergency medicine, which can add one to four more years.
The cost of veterinary school
Tuition and fees vary significantly between public and private schools. Public veterinary schools typically cost between $15,000 and $30,000 per year for in-state students, while out-of-state tuition can reach $40,000 to $50,000 annually. Private veterinary schools generally charge $35,000 to $60,000 per year. Over four years, total costs including living expenses can exceed $200,000 to $300,000.
Most veterinary students borrow money to cover these costs. The average debt for graduates ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 depending on the school and whether they received scholarships. Some schools offer need-based aid, and federal student loans are available to those who may have access to. A small number of schools have loan forgiveness programs for graduates who work in rural or underserved areas.
Different types of veterinary schools
While all 32 accredited schools award the DVM degree and meet the same standards, they differ in their focus areas. Some schools emphasize large animal medicine (cattle, horses, sheep) and are located in agricultural regions like Iowa, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Others focus on small animal practice (dogs, cats) and are in urban areas. A few schools have strong programs in exotic animal medicine, wildlife medicine, or laboratory animal science.
Public universities operate 24 of the 32 accredited veterinary schools, while private institutions operate 8. Public schools generally have lower tuition for in-state students but may have larger class sizes. Private schools often have smaller cohorts and may offer more individualized mentoring, though at higher cost.
How to research and choose a veterinary school
The AVMA website lists all 32 accredited schools with links to their individual programs. Each school publishes its own admission requirements, prerequisite courses, and process important date. Most schools use the Veterinary Medical College process Service (VMCAS), a centralized portal similar to the medical school process system, though a few schools have their own separate process processes.
When comparing schools, consider location, cost, class size, clinical facilities, and areas of specialization. Visit school websites to review curriculum details, faculty research interests, and student outcomes like board certification rates and job placement data. Many schools offer virtual or in-person tours and host information sessions where you can speak directly with admissions staff and current students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a veterinarian by attending school outside the United States?
Yes, but you must pass additional exams. Veterinarians trained outside the United States can practice here if they pass the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) examination, which includes written exams and a practical clinical exam. This process is more rigorous than the standard NAVLE and takes longer.
Are there online veterinary schools?
No. The AVMA requires veterinary schools to provide hands-on clinical training with live animals, which cannot be done online. All 32 accredited schools require students to attend in person for at least the clinical portions of the program, and most require full-time on-campus attendance throughout all four years.
What if I live in a state with no veterinary school?
You can attend school in any state. However, some public schools charge significantly higher tuition for out-of-state students. A few states have agreements with neighboring states' veterinary schools to reserve seats for their residents at in-state tuition rates, so check whether your state has such a contract.
How many veterinary schools have been added recently?
No new schools have been accredited in the past 15 years. The AVMA carefully reviews applications for new schools and has not approved any since 2009. Existing schools have expanded their class sizes instead, increasing the total number of DVM graduates each year without adding new institutions.