Veterinary school: Requirements, programs, and more

What is veterinary school?

Veterinary school programs are designed to prepare you to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness in animals. The primary degree you’ll earn is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), which you need to become a licensed veterinarian.

These programs combine rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical training.

If you’re still exploring how graduate education, it can help to understand the bigger picture through resources like What is a master’s degree?

DVM program structure (pre-clinical & clinical)

Most veterinary programs follow a similar structure over four years.

In the first two years, you’ll focus on foundational sciences like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pathology, and pharmacology. These courses build the knowledge base you’ll rely on throughout your career.

In the final two years, you’ll move into clinical rotations, where you’ll work directly with animals in areas like surgery, internal medicine, radiology, and emergency care.

Special tracks and dual degrees

Some veterinary schools offer ways to customize your education based on your interests. Depending on the school, you may be able to pursue dual-degree options like a DVM/MPH for public health, a DVM/PhD for research, or a DVM/MBA if you’re interested in leadership or practice ownership.

You may also find programs with stronger opportunities in areas like companion animal care, equine medicine, food animal practice, wildlife, or exotic animal medicine.

Accreditation (why it matters)

Make sure the programs you consider are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Accreditation matters because graduating from an accredited program is typically required for licensure and helps ensure your education meets established professional standards.

What are the benefits of earning a degree in veterinary medicine?

Let’s be real—veterinary school is a serious investment. So what do you actually get out of it? For many people, it’s about opportunity. A DVM can open doors to careers in clinical practice, research, public health, government, and industry. It can also give you the flexibility to work with different kinds of animals, from household pets to livestock to wildlife.

But beyond career options, there’s something else that matters: the impact you make. Whether you’re helping a pet recover, supporting a farm operation, or contributing to disease prevention, your work can make a meaningful difference.

Veterinary school requirements

This is often the part that feels the most overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

Veterinary schools typically take a holistic approach to admissions. That means they’re not only looking at your grades. They’re also looking at your experiences, your motivation, and your readiness for the profession.

Prerequisite coursework

Most veterinary programs require a strong science background. Common prerequisites often include:

• Biology
• Chemistry (general and organic)
• Physics
• Math or statistics
• Sometimes biochemistry, genetics, or animal science

Even if your undergraduate major isn’t related to science, you can still apply as long as you complete the required courses.

Experience hours

Hands-on experience is one of the most important parts of your application. Many veterinary schools expect applicants to spend time working with animals and directly under the supervision of a veterinarian.

You can gain this experience working in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, farms, ranches, research labs, zoos, or wildlife centers. Many applicants have several hundred hours before they apply.

GPA, interviews, letters of recommendation

Academic performance still matters, and many programs look for a GPA around 3.0 or higher. Competitive applicants may exceed that, but numbers alone don’t tell the full story.

You’ll also typically need letters of recommendation, often including at least one from a veterinarian, a personal statement explaining your goals, and a resume outlining your relevant experience. Some schools may also require interviews.

Application platform and timing

Most veterinary schools use the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). Applications usually get submitted about a year before you plan to start, often with deadlines in the fall, so it helps to plan ahead.

How long is veterinary school?

Veterinary school typically takes 4 years after earning your bachelor’s degree. For many students, that means the full path to becoming a veterinarian is about 8 years total.

Typical DVM path

• 4 years: Undergraduate degree
• 4 years: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program

Internships and residencies

After earning their DVM, some graduates continue training through internships or residencies. Internships usually last 1 year and can provide broader clinical experience. Residencies often last 2–4 years and allow veterinarians to specialize in areas like surgery, internal medicine, oncology, or emergency care.

These extra steps aren’t required for every path, but they can be helpful if you want to move into a specialty.

Accelerated/alternate timelines

A few veterinary schools offer alternate or accelerated pathways, but most students follow the traditional four-year DVM timeline.

Top veterinary schools in the U.S.

If you’re starting to explore programs, you’ll likely come across certain schools again and again. Some well-known veterinary schools include:

• University of California, Davis
• Cornell University
• Colorado State University
• North Carolina State University
• Ohio State University
• University of Florida
• Texas A&M University

These programs are often recognized for strong academics, clinical training, and research opportunities. But the “best” veterinary school isn’t always the one with the biggest name.

It’s the one that fits your goals, your budget, and your life. Tools like Scout College Search can help you compare schools side by side so you can find the right fit—not just the most recognizable name.

How much does veterinary school cost?

Before you apply, it’s important to understand the full cost—not just tuition. Veterinary school is a major financial commitment, and looking at the full picture now can help you plan more confidently.

What costs to plan for

In addition to tuition, you’ll want to think about:

• Housing and living expenses
• Books and supplies
• Equipment and lab fees
• Transportation
• Health insurance

These costs can add up over four years, so it helps to review each school’s full cost of attendance—not just the tuition number at the top of the page.

Federal aid first; then gap planning

Most students start by filing the FAFSA^®. Completing the FAFSA^® is an important first step because it helps you access federal financial aid and gives you a clearer sense of what support may be available.

If you want help with the process, a step-by-step FAFSA^® guide can make it feel more manageable.

Once you know what aid you’re eligible for, you can figure out how much of the remaining cost you may need to cover with savings, scholarships, or loans.

Budgeting and borrowing strategy

If you want a broader look at funding options, resources like graduate student loans and How to pay for veterinary school can help you plan with more confidence.

You can also explore general funding info through graduate student scholarships if you want a better sense of how students typically piece together aid across graduate programs.

How much do vets make? 

A veterinary degree can lead to a wide range of careers, depending on your interests and any additional training you pursue.

Career paths include:

• Small animal veterinarian: Treats pets like dogs and cats in clinics or hospitals.
• Large animal veterinarian: Works with livestock such as cattle, horses, or sheep.
• Exotic animal veterinarian: Cares for wildlife, zoo animals, or nontraditional pets.
• Research veterinarian: Works in labs, universities, or academic medicine.
• Public health veterinarian: Focuses on disease prevention, food safety, and population health.

Expected salary ranges

• Entry-level: $70,000–$90,000
• Mid-career: $90,000–$120,000
• Experienced or specialized roles: $120,000+

Your salary can vary based on location, specialization, and years of experience.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

How to pay for veterinary school

Paying for veterinary school can feel overwhelming at first, but it becomes more manageable when you break it into steps. Most students use a combination of funding sources—and you can too.

1. Start with free money.

Maximizing money you don't have to pay back should be your first move when you fund your veterinary degree. Scholarships, grants, and other types of aid can lower how much you need to spend out of pocket or borrow—sometimes by a lot.

Scholarships and grants should be your first stop because they don’t need to be repaid. 

2. File the FAFSA^®.

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) is an important step for veterinary students. It helps you access federal aid and get a clearer sense of your funding options. For step-by-step support, check out a FAFSA^® guide.

3. Explore grants, fellowships, assistantships, and service-based programs.

Some veterinary funding opportunities include grants, fellowships, assistantships, and service-based programs that can help cover school costs.

These opportunities—often offered by schools, government agencies, or nonprofits—may include tuition support, stipends, or loan repayment. In some cases, they’re tied to research, teaching, or a commitment to work in high-need communities after graduation.

4. Apply for scholarships.

There’s no cap on how many scholarships you can apply for, and every award you receive can help reduce how much you need to borrow.

Start by exploring veterinary scholarships along with broader graduate student scholarships. Tools like Scholly Scholarships can help you find opportunities that match your background, academic interests, or career goals.

For an easy place to begin, consider Scholly^® Easy Apply Scholarships, our $5,000 No Essay Grad School Scholarship, and the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. The applications are short and simple, and you can apply monthly without the stress.

5. Borrow smart.

Being thoughtful about your borrowing can make a real difference later. Creating a budget, understanding your fixed costs, and only borrowing what you need can help make repayment more manageable after graduation.

Most students begin with federal student loans because they can offer benefits like income-sensitive repayment plans.

If you still have a funding gap, private graduate student loans can help cover remaining costs. These loans are typically based on credit and may require a cosigner. If you decide to pursue a DVM, the Sallie Mae^® Medical School Loan may also be a good option.

For a deeper dive into planning and payment strategies, check out our resource on how to pay for veterinary school.

Your next steps

Veterinary school is a big decision—but it’s also an exciting one. It can lead to meaningful work, a wide range of career opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact.

You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Start by exploring programs, comparing costs, and getting hands-on experience with animals whenever you can. Use Scout College Search to compare programs and Scholly Scholarships to find funding opportunities that match your goals.

Each step you take builds momentum—and brings you closer to a future you can feel good about.