The Top 12 Vet Schools in the US for 2025!

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. 

Factors to Consider While Choosing the Top Vet Schools in the US for International Students

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. There are some key factors to consider when choosing a vet school, as it can significantly impact your career.

Accreditation and Ranking: Always choose the best veterinary schools in the US that have been approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) with good rankings.
Course and Hands-On Training: Choose programs that offer excellent classes and real animal care practices.
Entry Requirements: Look at the required tests at the top vet schools in the US, like GPA,  GRE, and how hard it is to get in.
Research Options: Find schools that have good research projects and opportunities to learn about new veterinary skills.
Location and Facilities: Think about where the school is, what labs and clinics it has, and if you can work with different types of animals.
Cost: Consider the tuition and living costs to make sure it's affordable for you.
Specialty Areas: Check if the school offers training in the veterinary areas you are most interested in.

Top 12 Vet Schools in the US

Join us as we explore some of the best veterinary colleges in the US, 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: 2 (Veterinary Science)
Tuition Fees: $44,000–$45,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 46%
Veterinary Experience Hours required - minimum 180 hours 
Admission Requirements: GPA 3.8+, SAT 1250–1460 or ACT 26–32

The UC Davis veterinary program ranked #1 in veterinary medicine among the affordable vet schools in the US and is a global leader. 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. The program requires a NAVLE pass rate of 98%, 3 professional recommendations, 1 from a veterinarian, and reflects its commitment to academic and clinical excellence. Its global health initiatives and externships prepare graduates for impactful careers worldwide, making it one of the best veterinary schools in America.

2. Cornell University

Location: Ithaca, New York
QS Ranking: 4 (Veterinary Science)
Tuition Fees: $62,000–$63,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 10%
Veterinary Experience Hours required - Over 300 hours
Admission Requirements: GPA 4.0+, SAT 1450–1560 or ACT 32–35

The Cornell vet program, ranked #3 among the top veterinary universities worldwide, 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. The program requires 3 recommendation letters (1 vet-related) 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: 11 (Veterinary Science)
Tuition Fees: $31,000–$32,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Veterinary Experience Hours required- 500+ hours
Admission Requirements: GPA 3.3+, SAT 1070–1280 or ACT 22–27

In the world, as per the US News Ranking, the Colorado State University vet program is  #2 among the top veterinary schools. It 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% NAVLE pass rate, surpassing the national average of 88%. The program requires a minimum of 3 recommendation letters from veterinarians or related professionals. Students gain practical experience at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, which handles over 42,000 cases annually, ensuring extensive clinical exposure. 

4. University of Pennsylvania

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
QS Ranking: 9 (Veterinary Science)
Tuition Fees: $63,000–$64,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Veterinary Experience Hours required- 400+ hours
Admission Requirements: GPA 4.0+, SAT 1460–1570 or ACT 33–35

The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, ranked #5 among the best veterinary colleges in the US, offers a world-class DVM program that combines cutting-edge research with exceptional clinical training. As one of the best veterinary colleges in the US, Penn Vet provides students access to renowned facilities, including 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 3 recommendation letters, and it has an impressive NAVLE pass rate of 95%. This guide to the notable alumni of the University of Pennsylvania also highlights the remarkable achievements of its graduates.

5. Ohio State University

Location: Columbus, Ohio
QS Ranking: 10 (Veterinary Science)
Tuition Fees: $35,000–$36,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Veterinary Experience Hours required- 200+ hours
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 remarkable 95% NAVLE pass rate, well above the national average of 89% and you will need a minimum of 3 recommendation letters. 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: 16 (Veterinary Science)
Tuition Fees: $29,000–$30,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 45%
Veterinary Experience Hours required- 300+hours
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 3 recommendation letters and a NAVLE pass rate of 95%. As one of the best veterinary colleges in the US, 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 (Overall)
Tuition Fees: $28,000–$29,000/year
‍Acceptance Rate: 37%
Veterinary Experience Hours required- around 300 hours
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 best veterinary colleges in America. Being one of the best colleges in Florida, it holds a competitive admissions process, accepting around 145 students each year, with 3 recommendation letters. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at UF handles over 30,000 cases annually, providing extensive clinical exposure with a NAVLE pass rate of 95%. Its specialties include small animal surgery, emergency care, and wildlife medicine, making it a leading choice among vet schools in US.

8. University of Wisconsin–Madison

Location: Madison, Wisconsin
QS Ranking: 65 (Overall)
Tuition Fees: $38,000–$39,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Veterinary Experience Hours required-  minimum 200 required
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 top ranked vet schools in US, offers a highly competitive DVM program. Each year, the program admits approximately 120 students. 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% NAVLE pass rate and requires 3 recommendation letters. As one of the best veterinary colleges in the US, 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 (Overall)
Tuition Fees: $31,000–$32,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Veterinary Experience Hours required-  around 200 hours
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 is ranked #7 among the top-ranked vet schools in the US. It offers a highly regarded DVM program. Each year, approximately 150 students are admitted, with a minimum of 3 recommendation letters. The program has a strong focus on areas such as small animal surgery, emergency care, and food animal health, making it one of the best vet programs in the US. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at UGA handles over 25,000 cases annually, offering extensive hands-on experience. As one of the best vet schools in United States, UGA boasts a 95% NAVLE pass rate, showcasing its commitment to providing one of the top veterinary education programs.

10. Texas A&M University

Location: College Station, Texas
QS Ranking: 164 (Overall)
Tuition Fees: $40,000–$41,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Veterinary Experience Hours required-  300-500 hours
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 of 3 recommendation letters. The Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, which treats nearly 30,000 cases annually, provides students with invaluable hands-on clinical experience. As one of the top ranked vet schools in US and top veterinary colleges in the United States, Texas A&M boasts a 93% NAVLE pass rate, cementing its place as a leader in veterinary education and research.

11. Iowa State University

Location: Ames, Iowa
QS Ranking: 501–510 (Overall)
Tuition Fees: $25,000–$26,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Veterinary Experience Hours required-  300 + hours
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 at least 3 recommendation letters. 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 (Overall)
Tuition Fees: $31,000–$32,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Veterinary Experience Hours required-  150-300 hours
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. The program has a 95% NAVLE pass rate for the Class of 2024, exceeding the national standard. The program requires a minimum of 3 recommendation letters. 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 good vet 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!