Becoming a veterinarian is a dream for many animal lovers, and it’s a journey filled with dedication, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals and their owners. The road to this rewarding career begins with finding the right veterinary school – a place where passion meets education, and where aspiring veterinarians are prepared to lead in their field. If you're looking to attend one of the top vet schools in the US, you're on the right path.
Top Vet Schools in the US
The top vet schools in America offer not only world-class training but also a sense of community, lifelong connections, and the chance to make a real impact in the world of animal care. Whether you're fascinated by small animals, large animals, or exotic species, these schools provide exceptional opportunities for hands-on learning and cutting-edge research. Join us as we explore some of the top veterinary colleges in the United States, where the future of veterinary medicine is shaped, and where your journey to becoming a vet could begin!
1. University of California, Davis
Location: Davis, California
QS Ranking: 102
Tuition Fees: $44,000–$45,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Admission Requirements: GPA 3.8+, SAT 1250–1460 or ACT 26–32
The UC Davis veterinary program ranked #1 in veterinary medicine among the top vet schools in the US and is a global leader among the best veterinary schools in the world. It offers unparalleled opportunities for aspiring veterinarians. With over 28 specialized services at its Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, students gain hands-on experience in fields like wildlife health, aquatic animal medicine, and livestock management. UC Davis has one of the largest veterinary research funding portfolios, exceeding $85 million annually. The program requires a minimum science GPA of 3.4 and has a NAVLE pass rate of 98%, reflecting its commitment to academic and clinical excellence. Its global health initiatives and externships prepare graduates for impactful careers worldwide.
2. Cornell University
Location: Ithaca, New York
QS Ranking: 20
Tuition Fees: $62,000–$63,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 10%
Admission Requirements: GPA 4.0+, SAT 1450–1560 or ACT 32–35
The Cornell vet program ranked #3 among the top vet schools in the US and one of the top veterinary schools in the world, offers a rigorous four-year DVM curriculum with over 1,200 hours of clinical training. Students gain hands-on experience at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, which treats over 80,000 cases annually and can specialize in areas like shelter medicine, wildlife health, and zoological medicine. With an annual research budget exceeding $35 million, the program drives innovation in animal health and infectious diseases. The program requires a minimum science GPA of 3.5 and holds an impressive NAVLE pass rate of 98%. To understand how competitive admissions are at Cornell, explore this detailed guide on the Cornell University acceptance rate, including key factors that impact your application success.
3. Colorado State University
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
QS Ranking: 801–1000
Tuition Fees: $31,000–$32,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Admission Requirements: GPA 3.3+, SAT 1070–1280 or ACT 22–27
The Colorado State University vet program ranked #2 among the top veterinary schools in the world. (Source- US News Ranking) offers a comprehensive DVM curriculum emphasizing innovation in animal medicine and hands-on training. Each year, approximately 142 students are admitted to the program, which boasts a 95% pass rate on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), surpassing the national average of 88%. The program requires a minimum science GPA of 3.5. Students gain practical experience at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, which handles over 42,000 cases annually, ensuring extensive clinical exposure. With a strong research focus and state-of-the-art facilities, CSU prepares graduates for diverse careers in veterinary medicine.
4. University of Pennsylvania
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
QS Ranking: 13
Tuition Fees: $63,000–$64,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Admission Requirements: GPA 4.0+, SAT 1460–1570 or ACT 33–35
The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, ranked #5 among the top veterinary colleges in the United States, offers a world-class DVM program that combines cutting-edge research with exceptional clinical training. As one of the top ranked vet schools in US, Penn Vet provides students access to renowned facilities like the New Bolton Center for large animals and Ryan Veterinary Hospital for companion animals, which handles over 50,000 cases annually. Its strong research funding, exceeding $30 million, fosters advancements in oncology, cardiology, and equine medicine. The program requires a minimum science GPA of 3.5 and it has an impressive NAVLE pass rate of 98%. Learn more about the remarkable achievements of its alumni in this guide to the notable alumni of the University of Pennsylvania.
5. Ohio State University
Location: Columbus, Ohio
QS Ranking: 120
Tuition Fees: $35,000–$36,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Admission Requirements: GPA 3.7+, SAT 1250–1450 or ACT 27–32
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine ranked #3 among the best veterinary schools in the US, is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and impactful research. Each year, it admits approximately 162 students to its competitive DVM program, with a minimum science GPA requirement of 3.5 and a remarkable 95% NAVLE pass rate, well above the national average of 89%. The Veterinary Medical Center, one of the largest and busiest teaching hospitals in the country, treats over 35,000 cases annually, providing unparalleled clinical exposure. Ohio State’s research funding exceeds $23 million annually, with notable contributions to oncology, infectious diseases, and food animal health. As the only veterinary college in Ohio, it remains a leader among vet schools in Ohio and a standout nationwide.
6. North Carolina State University
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
QS Ranking: 295
Tuition Fees: $29,000–$30,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Admission Requirements: GPA 3.6+, SAT 1250–1390 or ACT 26–30
The North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, ranked #5 among the top ranked vet schools in US, offers one of the best vet programs in the US with a focus on clinical excellence and research. The program admits 93 residents and 23 non-residents each year, making it highly competitive. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital handles over 45,000 cases annually, providing hands-on clinical experience in a variety of specialties. The program requires a minimum science GPA of 3.4 and has a NAVLE pass rate of 95%. As one of the top veterinary colleges in the United States, NC State excels in areas such as companion animal medicine, food supply medicine, and biomedical research, preparing students for successful careers in veterinary medicine.
7. University of Florida
Location: Gainesville, Florida
QS Ranking: 173
Tuition Fees: $28,000–$29,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Admission Requirements: GPA 4.1+, SAT 1310–1450 or ACT 28–32
The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, recognized for its veterinary programs in Florida, is ranked #7 among the top veterinary colleges in the United States. It offers a comprehensive DVM program that combines academic rigor with hands-on clinical experience. Being one of the best colleges in Florida, it holds a competitive admissions process, accepting around 145 students each year, with an average GPA of 3.7. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at UF handles over 30,000 cases annually, providing extensive clinical exposure. With a NAVLE pass rate of 95%, UF is considered one of the top ranked vet schools in US. Its specialties include small animal surgery, emergency care, and wildlife medicine, making it a leading choice among vet schools in US map.
8. University of Wisconsin–Madison
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
QS Ranking: 65
Tuition Fees: $38,000–$39,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Admission Requirements: GPA 3.8+, SAT 1320–1480 or ACT 28–32
The University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, ranked #7 among the top vet schools in the US and the best veterinary schools in the US, offers a highly competitive DVM program. Each year, the program admits approximately 120 students. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.66, with a science GPA of 3.65. The school operates the UW Veterinary Care Hospital, which handles over 30,000 cases annually, providing students with extensive hands-on clinical training. The program has a 96% pass rate for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), surpassing the national average. As one of the top veterinary colleges in the United States, UW-Madison offers a comprehensive curriculum with a strong focus on research, with over $15 million in research funding annually.
9. University of Georgia
Location: Athens, Georgia
QS Ranking: 501–510
Tuition Fees: $31,000–$32,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Admission Requirements: GPA 3.9+, SAT 1300–1450 or ACT 27–32
The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, recognized as one of the leading vet schools in Georgia and ranked #7 among the top ranked vet schools in US, offers a highly regarded DVM program, making it one of the best vet programs in the US. Each year, approximately 150 students are admitted, with an average GPA of 3.69. The program has a strong focus on areas such as small animal surgery, emergency care, and food animal health. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at UGA handles over 25,000 cases annually, offering extensive hands-on experience. As one of the best veterinary schools in the US, UGA boasts a 95% pass rate on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), showcasing its commitment to providing one of the top veterinary education programs.
10. Texas A&M University
Location: College Station, Texas
QS Ranking: 164
Tuition Fees: $40,000–$41,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 63
Admission Requirements: GPA 3.8+, SAT 1170–1390 or ACT 25–31
The Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences ranked #10 among the top vet schools in the US and recognized as one of the leading vet schools in Texas, offers a highly competitive DVM program. Being one of the best colleges in Texas for animal medicine, it admits approximately 180 students each year, ensuring personalized attention and a rigorous curriculum. The program requires a minimum science GPA of 3.5. The Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, which treats nearly 30,000 cases annually, provides students with invaluable hands-on clinical experience. As one of the best veterinary schools in the US and top veterinary colleges in the United States, Texas A&M boasts a 93% pass rate on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE), cementing its place as a leader in veterinary education and research.
11. Iowa State University
Location: Ames, Iowa
QS Ranking: 501–510
Tuition Fees: $25,000–$26,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Admission Requirements: GPA 3.6+, SAT 1080–1320 or ACT 22–28
The Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, recognized as one of the top veterinary schools in the US and ranked #11 among the leading vet schools in Iowa, has been providing world-class veterinary education since 1879. Ranked 11th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, it is one of the top veterinary schools in the US. The program admits approximately 160 students annually, with a science GPA requirement of 3.53. As one of the best vet programs in the US, Iowa State offers specialized tracks in small animal, equine, food animal, and mixed animal studies, ensuring that students receive comprehensive training. Iowa State has graduated over 7,500 veterinarians and continues to lead as one of the top vet schools in the US with its cutting-edge research and commitment to veterinary excellence.
12. Auburn University
Location: Auburn, Alabama
QS Ranking: 801–1000
Tuition Fees: $31,000–$32,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Admission Requirements: GPA 3.9+, SAT 1150–1310 or ACT 25–30
The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, known for its outstanding Auburn veterinary program, is consistently ranked #11 among the top ranked vet schools in US. It is one of the top veterinary colleges in the United States, offering a comprehensive DVM program that combines rigorous academics with extensive clinical experience. The program has a 95% pass rate on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) for the Class of 2024, exceeding the national standard. The program requires a minimum science GPA of 3.5. Each year, approximately 130 students are admitted, with tuition for Alabama residents at $27,254 and non-residents paying $50,026. As one of the best veterinary schools in the US, Auburn provides specialized training in small animal, equine, and food animal medicine, preparing graduates for success in veterinary careers.
Choosing the right veterinary school is an important step in your path to becoming a veterinarian, and the top vet schools in the US are here to help you turn that dream into a reality. With hands-on experience, cutting-edge research, and a strong sense of community, these schools provide the foundation you need to thrive in the world of veterinary medicine. And just like a loyal companion by your side, amber is here to help you find the perfect student accommodation, ensuring you’re comfortable and ready to focus on your studies. After all, every great vet needs a great place to call home while they chase their dreams – and we’re here to help you do just that!