Why This Matters

  • VETERINARIANS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND

    The employment of veterinarians is projected to grow 16% over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Driving this trend are increases in consumers’ pet-related spending and advancements in veterinary medicine.

  • CHOOSE FROM NUMEROUS POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS

    A degree in veterinary medicine can prepare you for varied work, including in clinical practice, biomedical research, diagnostic laboratories, education, public health, regulatory medicine, and other opportunities.

  • ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF EARNING A HIGH SALARY

    While entry-level positions like veterinary technologists earn a median annual wage of $35,320, earning a doctoral degree to become a veterinarian can elevate your median annual wage to $95,460.

Our Research

A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited college of veterinary medicine is required to become a veterinarian. To prepare for doctoral study or entry-level veterinary medicine jobs, colleges and universities also offer related degrees in veterinary science and veterinary technology at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. We included programs at all degree levels on our list, and we reviewed programs that are offered online, in-person, and in blended formats.

All schools on our list have either regional or national accreditation. Accreditation means the institution is regularly assessed by an independent agency on the quality of the education it provides. Most schools also have programmatic accreditation through the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the leading advocate for the veterinary profession in the U.S.

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 63 hours to write this article
  • 196 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 366 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Veterinary Degree Programs

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What You Should Know About This Degree

There is a broad range of careers in veterinary medicine available to people of all educational levels, such as laboratory animal caretakers, veterinary assistants, and veterinary technologists; however, to practice as a veterinarian, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an AVMA-accredited program as well as a state-issued license is required. After earning a bachelor’s degree, prospective veterinarians should expect to devote four additional years to higher education, including one year of hands-on, supervised clinical practicum. Graduates of AVMA-accredited programs must then pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) to become licensed to practice in the field. Additional state-specific exams may also be required.

Although doctoral students come from various backgrounds, earning an undergraduate degree in veterinary medicine can provide the foundation necessary to apply to veterinary schools, such as prerequisites in math and science. An undergraduate degree may also be required for entry-level positions in veterinary medicine, such as veterinary technologists and technicians, that offer valuable exposure to working with animals. When pursuing an undergraduate degree, be sure to attend a regionally accredited institution, because credits and degrees from regionally accredited schools are typically more easily transferable to other institutions and are generally required for professional credentials.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching veterinary degree programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Many veterinary degree programs accept students from all educational backgrounds; however, doctoral programs in veterinary medicine require students to have successfully completed extensive coursework in math and science. Additionally, prospective graduate students are typically required to submit standardized test scores. Before applying to the program, check the program’s admissions requirements to confirm that you meet their qualifications.
  • How long does it take to complete this degree? How long it takes to complete a degree in veterinary medicine depends on several factors, such as degree level and program. Typically, full-time students can earn an associate’s degree in two years. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete, while veterinary school requires four additional years of study.

Application procedures vary by school and program. As you research programs, you should take note of eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each program. You should also keep track of what materials you’ll need to submit with your application. You can visit the school’s website to find information about the application process, or contact the school’s admissions department for additional information.

Financing your education is another important issue to consider. Tuition and fees vary by program. Conventional funding opportunities include federal financial aid, scholarships, loans, and grants. You may also qualify for educational assistance through your employer if you’re currently employed.