If you're thinking about becoming a vet, you're probably spending hours and hours trying to find the right school for you. The best veterinary colleges offer practical training, research opportunities, and top-notch faculty to help you succeed. Whether you see yourself caring for pets, working with livestock, or protecting wildlife, the right school will set you on the path to a rewarding career.
We’ve researched and made a list of some of the best veterinary medicine colleges in the country:
University of California - Davis Cornell University Ohio State University University of Pennsylvania North Carolina State University Getting into these competitive programs can be tough, and the application process can feel like a lot to handle. That’s where EssayService comes in. With our support, you can feel confident putting your best foot forward and getting one step closer to your veterinary school dreams.
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Top Colleges for Veterinary Medicine Picking a vet school is a big deal - it’s where you’ll learn the skills to care for animals and build a rewarding career. Maybe you’re after cutting-edge research opportunities, or maybe hands-on experience is more your thing. Some schools offer both, while others are all about giving you that real-world practice.
To help you get a clearer picture, check out the table below. It’s got the key stats for some of the top veterinary colleges in the country. From acceptance rates to how much you’ll pay per year, this quick guide can help you narrow down your choices.
University of California - Davis Average Total Aid Awarded
$20,548
Students Receiving Financial Aid
63%
Net Price/Per Year
$17,385
The University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (UC Davis SVM) is often considered one of the best vet schools out there. It’s got the rankings to back it up, but what really makes it stand out is the hands-on experience and research opportunities. Every year, about 150 students join its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, and if you’re lucky enough to get in, you’ll be in good company.
Getting accepted is no small feat. For the Class of 2024, the school had 1,012 completed applications and only extended offers to 165 candidates — that’s a tight 37% acceptance rate. And it’s not just about numbers; admitted students typically bring impressive academic records, with science GPAs averaging 3.62 for California residents and a whopping 3.96 for non-residents. If you’re thinking about UC Davis, be prepared to bring your A-game.
But the hard work pays off. UC Davis students don’t just graduate; they excel. The school’s NAVLE pass rate for the 2023-2024 period hit 92%, a clear sign that the education here is both rigorous and effective. Whether you’re planning to work in a clinic, dive into research, or tackle global animal health challenges, UC Davis sets you up for success. If you’re serious about veterinary medicine, this school is one to keep at the top of your list.
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Colorado State University Average Total Aid Awarded
$10,727
Students Receiving Financial Aid
84%
Net Price/Per Year
$16,926
Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CSU CVMBS) is a solid choice if you’re aiming for a career in veterinary medicine without chasing the Ivy League dream. It’s not about flashy prestige here - it’s about getting real experience and learning what it takes to care for animals. Each year, they bring in around 156 students, including a handful from the CSU-University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) 2+2 DVM Program.
Getting in isn’t as tough as it might seem. With an acceptance rate of 91%, your chances are pretty good if you meet the academic requirements. The average GPA for accepted students is 3.65, so solid grades definitely help. Once you’re in, you’ll have access to their Veterinary Teaching Hospital, which handles more than 40,000 cases a year. That’s a lot of hands-on learning and plenty of opportunities to see real-world veterinary challenges up close.
Of course, the price tag is something to consider. Colorado residents pay about $39,323, while non-residents face a steeper $63,542 for the 2023-2024 academic year. But CSU CVMBS isn’t just about lectures and exams - they’re leaders in research, tackling everything from cancer to infectious diseases. If you’re willing to put in the work, this school can give you the knowledge, skills, and experience to build a solid veterinary career.
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Average Total Aid Awarded
$54,219
Students Receiving Financial Aid
59%
Net Price/Per Year
$26,060
Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is where you go if you’re aiming for the best of the best. It’s one of the most competitive vet schools out there, admitting only about 120 students a year. The small class size means you’re not just a number - you get personalized instruction and plenty of hands-on learning from some of the most respected experts in the field.
Cornell’s academic reputation is no joke. Their students consistently crush the NAVLE, with pass rates soaring past 97%. The program’s tough curriculum and practical training prepare grads to hit the ground running, whether they’re heading into private practice, research, or even public service. It’s intense, but that’s what makes Cornell grads stand out.
But it’s not all textbooks and exams. Cornell is a research powerhouse that is leading in funding and breakthroughs in animal health. With state-of-the-art teaching hospitals and cutting-edge research centers, you’ll get your hands dirty tackling real-world veterinary challenges. From innovative treatments to major scientific discoveries, this is the place to be if you want to push the field forward.
Bottom line? If you’re serious about a top-tier veterinary career and can handle the rigor, Cornell’s CVM gives you every opportunity to succeed. You’ll graduate ready to make your mark in animal health - and trust us, people will notice.
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Average Total Aid Awarded
$10,993
Students Receiving Financial Aid
83%
Net Price/Per Year
$19,582
The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is a major player in the world of veterinary medicine programs. Every year, the college welcomes 165 new students into its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, making it one of the largest classes in the country. But don’t mistake large for easy - the Class of 2027 saw 2,661 applications roll in, proving just how competitive it is to get a spot.
When it comes to exam performance, OSU CVM grads are no slackers. The most recent NAVLE cohorts, from November-December 2023 and April 2024, pulled off an impressive 84% ultimate pass rate. That’s well above the AVMA’s 80% requirement, showcasing the school's commitment to academic excellence.
With rigorous academics, a large, diverse student body, and consistently strong licensing results, OSU CVM prepares its graduates to step confidently into the veterinary world. If you’re aiming for a well-rounded veterinary education with ample clinical opportunities, The Ohio State University’s program is a standout choice.
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North Carolina State University Average Total Aid Awarded
$9,181
Students Receiving Financial Aid
80%
Net Price/Per Year
$14,852
North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (NC State CVM) is a solid choice for those looking to practice veterinary medicine, especially if you’re a North Carolina resident. With 93 out of 116 seats reserved for in-state applicants, your odds are considerably better if you call the Tar Heel State home. The competition is still fierce though, for the Class of 2026, the school received nearly 2,000 applications.
Academics here are no joke. The average GPA for accepted North Carolina students is 3.64, while non-residents average an even higher 3.82. While it may not have the Ivy League prestige of Penn Vet, NC State CVM offers a top-tier clinical experience through its Veterinary Hospital. With around 30,000 cases handled each year, students get real-world training that employers value.
That hands-on experience pays off. The school’s graduates are well-prepared and respected in the field. While NC State CVM doesn’t boast sky-high NAVLE pass rates like some competitors, it still produces competent vets who go on to succeed in various fields. Plus, if you’re a North Carolina resident, the in-state tuition is a significant perk. Bottom line: If you’re practical, hardworking, and eager to learn, NC State CVM is a solid, no-frills choice for launching your veterinary career.
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University of Pennsylvania Average Total Aid Awarded
$57,175
Students Receiving Financial Aid
57%
Net Price/Per Year
$26,123
The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) is a top pick for aspiring veterinarians who want to train at one of the best. With an acceptance rate of just 7%, getting in isn’t easy - but it’s worth it. The class of 2028 has an average GPA of 3.73, and students range in age from 18 to 35. It’s a diverse and talented group, learning from some of the brightest minds in the field.
Once you’re in, Penn Vet gives you everything you need to succeed. The school has an excellent track record when it comes to the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). For the class of 2024, a solid 97% passed by graduation, with similar rates in previous years. That’s the kind of performance that makes employers take notice.
Of course, a world-class education comes with a price tag. Tuition for the VMD program is $66,076 for the 2023-2024 academic year. But don’t let that number scare you off. Penn Vet grads are in demand, with nearly half of the Class of 2021 receiving multiple job offers. Bottom line: If you want top-notch training, outstanding career prospects, and the kind of education that puts you ahead of the curve, Penn Vet is where it’s at.
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Average Total Aid Awarded
$10,555
Students Receiving Financial Aid
94%
Net Price/Per Year
$11,740
The University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine (UF CVM) is the place to be if you’re serious about a career in veterinary medicine. Ranked #7 in the nation, it’s Florida’s only vet school, meaning it attracts top talent and provides cutting-edge education. Every year, 150 students join the DVM program, with 104 state-funded seats and 46 self-funded ones. Competition is fierce, but for good reason. The average overall GPA for the class of 2028 is 3.78, with a science GPA of 3.73 and a last 45-credit GPA soaring at 3.81.
Getting in is just the beginning. Once you’re there, UF CVM sets you up for success with state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and hands-on learning. And when the time comes for the NAVLE, you’ll be more than ready. The college’s research scene is just as impressive, pulling in $15.6 million in research revenue last year. If you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of veterinary science, this is the place to do it.
Oh, and did we mention the UF Veterinary Hospitals? They’re not just classrooms - they’re real-world training grounds, treating around 44,000 animals a year. From routine care to complex cases, you’ll see it all. Bottom line: UF CVM combines academic rigor with real-world experience, making it one of the best choices for aspiring vets.
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Average Total Aid Awarded
$11,559
Students Receiving Financial Aid
94%
Net Price/Per Year
$17,180
The University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine (UGA CVM) is where you go if you’re serious about making it in the vet world. With a faculty of over 200 experts and seven academic departments, the school offers everything you need to thrive. One of the standout stats? UGA CVM consistently nails the NAVLE, with a whopping 98% pass rate in the 2023-2024 cycle - that’s 124 students out of 127 passing on their first try.
Admissions are competitive but totally worth the shot. You’ll need a minimum GPA of 3.00 just to be in the running, but most accepted students go well beyond that. And once you’re in, the school’s top-tier curriculum and hands-on training set you up for success. Recent NAVLE pass rates speak for themselves - from 92% to 98% in the last five years. Simply put, UGA CVM graduates are more than ready to tackle the veterinary field.
Whether you’re aiming for a clinic, research, or a specialized field, the University of Georgia has your back. Strong academics, experienced faculty, and unbeatable licensing pass rates make it one of the best places to kickstart your veterinary career.
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University of Wisconsin - Madison Average Total Aid Awarded
$11,171
Students Receiving Financial Aid
58%
Net Price/Per Year
$13,376
The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) is a powerhouse in the world of veterinary education. Ranked 7th nationally, it’s a top choice for aspiring veterinarians. Every year, the school welcomes 96 new students into its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, with spots split between Wisconsin residents and non-residents. The competition is fierce - for the class of 2028, over 2,200 applicants threw their hats in the ring. Wisconsin locals had a bit of an edge, with 63 out of 96 seats reserved for them.
Grades are no joke at UW–Madison. The mean undergraduate GPA for Wisconsin residents sits at 3.66, while non-residents boast an even higher 3.89. When it comes to required courses, those numbers jump to 3.69 and 3.92, respectively. And if you’re wondering how applicants finish strong, the last 30-credit GPA averages stand at an impressive 3.82 for locals and 3.95 for non-residents. Clearly, the school attracts some of the brightest minds in veterinary medicine.
Beyond academics, UW–Madison’s SVM leads in groundbreaking research. In 2022 alone, the school pulled in a whopping $34.4 million in research grants and awards. From innovative animal health solutions to public health advancements, their research makes a global impact. With its rigorous academics, competitive admissions, and research excellence, the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a solid choice for anyone serious about a veterinary career.
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Average Total Aid Awarded
$9,791
Students Receiving Financial Aid
79%
Net Price/Per Year
$25,271
Auburn University is where it’s at if you’re serious about becoming a vet. As the South’s first veterinary college, Auburn’s got the history, the connections, and the facilities to set you up for success. Over 7,700 DVM degrees and counting - that’s some serious alumni power.
Each year, around 130 students score a spot in Auburn’s highly competitive program. Alabama and Kentucky residents get a leg up, but plenty of non-residents make the cut, too. And let’s talk about the results. Auburn grads crush the NAVLE, with pass rates soaring over 92% year after year. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital? It was named the best academic vet hospital in the country in 2018, and it’s still killing it in patient care and hands-on learning.
Auburn doesn’t just teach you the textbook stuff. You’ll get real-world experience, mentorship from top-notch faculty, and the chance to work alongside experts in animal healthcare. If you want to graduate confident and career-ready, this is the place to do it. No fluff, just facts - Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the best vet schools out there.
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Final Thoughts We all agree that choosing the right veterinary school is the most important step toward achieving your dream of becoming a veterinarian. After our thorough research, considering various factors, here are the three best veterinary medicine colleges:
University of Pennsylvania Cornell University Ohio State University Yes, applying to veterinary school is often challenging, but you are not alone. EssayService offers personalized academic support to help you create standout application materials. From personal statements to admission essays, our experts can help you present your best self.
FAQ What College is Best to Become a Veterinarian? The University of California - Davis is widely considered the best veterinary college, consistently ranked #1 for its exceptional academic programs, research facilities, and hands-on training opportunities.
What Are the Top 10 Veterinary Colleges in the World? The top 10 veterinary colleges globally often include:
University of California - Davis (USA) Cornell University (USA) Royal Veterinary College (UK) University of Guelph (Canada) University of Edinburgh (UK) University of Glasgow (UK) Utrecht University (Netherlands) Ohio State University (USA) University of Sydney (Australia) University of Copenhagen (Denmark) Sources:
Niche. (2014). Niche: Explore Schools, Companies, and Neighborhoods. Niche. https://www.niche.com/ News, U. (2019). The Best Colleges in America, Ranked. Usnews.com. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges Back to education picks 
