How to pay for veterinary school

Becoming a vet is about more than a degree. It’s about caring for animals, helping families, and doing work that matters every day. But veterinary school is also a major financial commitment. Between tuition, clinical costs, and years of training, figuring out how to pay for vet school can feel overwhelming.

Fortunately it can be manageable with a clear plan—and you're not limited to one way to pay.  Research from Sallie Mae's How America Pays for Graduate School shows veterinary students use a mix of their own savings, scholarships, financial aid, and graduate student loans to make school work financially.

This guide explains how to understand the real cost of a DVM or VMD degree, find scholarships and other free money, and borrow wisely—so your finances support the veterinary career you’re working toward.

Key steps to paying for veterinary school

Paying for veterinary school works best when you take a clear, step-by-step approach that balances costs, outcomes, and long-term goals.

1. Understand costs and future earnings.Look beyond tuition to include housing, fees, exam costs, and living expenses.
2. Maximize free money.Prioritize scholarships, grants, and other sources of money you don't need to pay back before turning to loans.
3. Borrow smart. Compare federal and private loans. Cut costs where you can, and borrow only what you need so you can manage payments as you begin your career.

1. Understand costs and future earnings

Before choosing a program, get clear on the full cost of attendance—not just tuition—and how costs vary by school and location.

How much does veterinary school cost?

Veterinary school costs depend on whether a school is public or private and whether you qualify for in-state tuition.

Typical annual tuition ranges:

• Public schools (in-state): $25,000–$35,000
• Public schools (out-of-state): $45,000–$55,000
• Private schools: $50,000–$65,000+

Once you add housing, books, equipment, clinical fees, and licensing exams, total annual costs often reach $50,000–$70,000+. Over four years, many students face $200,000–$300,000 or more in total costs.

Why veterinary school costs vary

Several factors affect how much you’ll pay:

• Public vs. private schools: Public schools often cost less for in-state students. Private schools usually cost more but may offer school-based aid.
• In-state vs. out-of-state tuition: Residency rules can change tuition by tens of thousands of dollars.
• Cost of living: Housing and daily expenses vary by location.
• Program details: Fees, clinical costs, and timelines differ by school, even though DVM and VMD degrees are equal.

How to find your full cost of attendance (COA)

Tuition is only part of the picture. A school’s cost of attendance (COA) also includes housing, transportation, equipment, insurance, and exam fees—costs many students underestimate.

Using Scout College Search, you can compare veterinary schools side by side and see estimated total costs, not just tuition, before you commit.

How much do veterinarians make?

Earnings vary by specialty, setting, and location.

Typical salary ranges:

• Entry-level veterinarians: $85,000–$110,000
• Mid-career veterinarians: $120,000–$160,000+

Veterinary careers are stable and meaningful, but average pay is often lower than other professional degrees with similar costs. That makes careful borrowing especially important.

2. Maximize free money

Free money should be your first stop. Scholarships and grants can significantly reduce how much you pay out of pocket or take out in loans.

Federal aid and the FAFSA^®

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) isn’t just for undergraduates. Completing it each year is required to access federal student loans and may qualify you for certain grants or scholarships. For step-by-step help, check our FAFSA guide.

Veterinary grants and service-based programs

Some federal, state, and nonprofit programs offer funding tied to service, such as working in rural areas or veterinary shortage regions. These programs may provide tuition help or loan repayment support after graduation.

What scholarships are available for veterinary students?

Scholarships can help lower the cost of veterinary school because they don’t need to be repaid—and there's no limit to how many you can apply for. Start with veterinary scholarships and explore scholarships for graduate students. Plus, you'll want to check out tools like Scholly Scholarships to find scholarships that match your field of study, background, or career interests.

For an easy start, enter Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships and our $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship. No essays or long applications required, and you can apply to win every month.

3. Borrow smart

Even after scholarships and grants, many medical students still rely on loans to cover remaining costs. The key is to borrow thoughtfully so loans support your future—without limiting flexibility as you begin your career as a vet.

Federal vs. private student loans

Federal student loans are often a good starting point. They’re issued by the U.S. Department of Education and may offer benefits private loans don’t, such as income-driven repayment programs. Private graduate student loans, offered by banks and other lenders, can help fill funding gaps once you’ve maximized free money and federal loans.

Federal student loans for veterinary students

Med students may qualify for Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which don’t require a credit check or cosigner. Interest begins accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed—even while you’re in school—and you're responsible for all of it. Because of recent changes to the federal loan program, the graduate PLUS loan will no longer be offered as of July 1, 2026.

What are the new federal loan limits for veterinary students?

As of July 1, 2026, new borrowing limits apply to federal graduate loans:

• Professional degree students: Up to $50,000 per year ($200,000 lifetime)
  Professional degrees include medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatry, chiropractic, and clinical psychology.
• Graduate students: Up to $20,500 per year ($100,000 lifetime)

Because total medical school costs often exceed these limits—and the federal PLUS loan program has been eliminated—many med students may need to adjust their funding plan.

Look for ways to maximize free money like scholarships and grants—and explore private student loans to cover remaining costs.

Using private student loans to fill the gap

Private loans can play a strategic role in your funding plan when scholarships and federal loans aren’t enough. Consider terms, rates, and repayment options carefully, as well the repayment schedule through residency and into practice. Some students use private loan options like the Sallie Mae® Medical School Loan to cover their remaining veterinary school costs.

Before you borrow…

• Review your federal aid offer. Look at the breakdown of grants and federal loans, then calculate what you still need after savings and other sources.
• Factor in federal loan limits. Understand how annual and lifetime caps affect your total borrowing plan. For details, check out Sallie Mae's guide to PLUS loan changes.
• Think long term. Don't just look at the amount you need today. Consider how your expected salary aligns with how much you plan to borrow. Use a loan calculator to estimate your payments ahead of time.

Borrowing smart isn’t just about getting the loan — it’s about building a plan that supports your goals and future earning potential. For more tools and guidance, see the Sallie Mae Student Loan Guide.

More ways to pay for veterinary school

In addition to financial aid, savings, and loans, you may be able to reduce costs through:

• School-based or institutional aid
• Government or public service programs
• Military medical education benefits

Not sure veterinary school is the right path yet?

If you’re still exploring your options, it can help to step back and look at the full picture—from what you’ll study to how different programs compare. These resources can help you learn more and decide what path makes the most sense for you:

• What is an animal science major?
• What is a master’s degree (and is it right for you?)
• Scout College Search (Explore schools by majors, degree programs, and estimated costs.)

Turn your goal of helping animals into a plan

Many people choose veterinary medicine because they care deeply about animals and the people who depend on them. While the cost of veterinary school is real, it doesn’t have to stand in the way of your goals.

By understanding your full costs, focusing on scholarships and grants first, and borrowing thoughtfully, you can create a plan that supports both your education and your long-term financial health. With the right strategy, veterinary school can be a meaningful investment in the work you’re passionate about.