A veterinary degree equips students with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in animal medicine or further studies. Students learn about animal anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology and how to diagnose and treat various health conditions. Graduates work in rewarding positions such as laboratory animal caretakers, veterinary assistants, and veterinary technologists.
The median annual salary for a veterinary technician is $43,740, but that figure may vary depending on the position, location, and industry. Those who work in universities and professional schools have a median annual salary of $48,850, while those employed in social advocacy organizations have a median wage of $38,530. The job outlook for this career is expected to grow by 19% over the next ten years, driven by pet-related spending and advanced treatment options.
Most undergraduate veterinary programs consist of 120 to 180 credits and require four years of full-time study. Accelerated and part-time programs offer flexible learning options for students who wish to complete the program at their own pace. The average annual cost for a bachelor’s degree is $16,618, but it varies depending on the institution.
How to Choose a Veterinary Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Three veterinary degree levels are available: associate, bachelor’s, and doctorate.
Associate programs often focus on veterinary technology to prepare students for careers as veterinary technicians. They provide the foundational knowledge of animal health and require two years of full-time study.
Bachelor’s degree programs require four years of full-time study and provide a comprehensive understanding of animal health. Graduates often continue their studies with a doctorate or enter entry-level veterinary medicine roles.
A doctorate is the highest level of education available in this field. It provides students with an advanced understanding of animal health and prepares them for a career as a veterinarian. The program often takes four years to complete and includes a one-year supervised practicum in a veterinary clinic. After completing the program, graduates must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) to practice in the field.
Students can choose from a variety of specializations when studying veterinary medicine, such as:
- Canine
- Equine
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Large animal internal medicine
Elective courses are tailored to each specialization to prepare students for careers in their field of interest.
Research schools and programs
When researching schools, look for those that have received accreditation from a recognized institution such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), or Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Accreditation ensures that the school meets the universal standard for quality and is often necessary when transferring credits, receiving government aid, and securing employment.
Veterinary programs are also programmatically accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets a set quality standard and adequately prepares students for their future careers.
Learn more about schools and programs through the in-person and virtual methods available, including:
- Campus visits
- Browsing the website
- Following on social media
- Attending open houses
You can also speak with an admissions advisor to learn more about the school’s culture, get a better understanding of the programs, and ask any questions you may have.
Prepare for tests and applications
Visit prospective program websites to learn about their application process and deadlines. The requirements for veterinary programs vary by school; however, most will ask you to submit the following:
Before submitting your application, speak with an admissions advisor to review the process and ensure you have all the required materials.
Select your program
If accepted to multiple programs, narrow your options by reviewing your lifestyle and academic requirements. Consider if the program is in-person or online, full-time or part-time, and synchronous or asynchronous. Also, examine the cost, length, location, and housing options.
For additional guidance, speak with an academic advisor. They’ll review your needs and help you find the best fit.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Create a budget outlining your annual costs to determine if you’ll finance the degree yourself or require financial assistance. Include your academic and living expenses, such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, supplies, food, and extracurriculars.
Visit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website and apply to determine the amount of financial aid you’re eligible to receive, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study funds. If you currently work in the veterinary field, ask your employer if they offer tuition assistance benefits.
Best 50 Accredited Veterinary Degree Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best veterinary degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education. The programs on our list are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a reputable organization that assesses veterinary programs for educational excellence.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for on-campus students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of veterinary degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From a Veterinary Degree Program?
An undergraduate veterinary program provides students with the fundamental knowledge to pursue a career in animal health or qualify for graduate studies in veterinary medicine. Coursework is science-heavy and focuses on anatomy, biochemistry, immunology, pathology, toxicology, and virology related to animals.
Students take a combination of core and elective courses, which they can tailor to their chosen specialization. They will use various learning methods, including coursework, labs, exams, lectures, and research. Many programs also include internships where students gain real-world experience working for a veterinary practitioner.
Potential courses you’ll take in a veterinary program
- Integrated Principles and Prevention of Livestock Diseases. Students learn about the integrated management techniques of livestock and diseases of domestic animals. Topics include biotechnology in animal health and issues in management to control diseases.
- Pathogenic Microbiology. This course covers the principles of host-microorganism interrelationships. Students learn to identify, isolate, and propagate pathogens and recognize symptoms to treat and prevent disease.
- Animal Nutrition and Feeding. Students explore the fundamentals of feeding and nutrition for domestic livestock, including nutrient requirements, feeding methods, types of feedstuffs, and a background in the feeding industry.
- Breeds, Signalment, and Vitals of Domestic Animals. This course covers the fundamentals of domestic animal identification and assessment. Students will learn the terms used to describe specific species, their unique life histories, and their vital signs.
- Wildlife Health. Students discover the different types of zoonotic diseases, non-infectious threats, conservation preservation, and strategies for managing wildlife health.
Veterinary Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a veterinary degree program?
The requirements for veterinary programs vary by school, but most require applicants to submit their most recent transcripts, a personal statement, SAT or ACT scores, an essay, and letters of recommendation. Some schools will also require an admissions interview to learn about the applicant’s career goals and background. Speak with an admissions counselor before applying to review the requirements and admissions process.
How much does a veterinary degree cost?
The average annual cost for an undergraduate veterinary program is $16,618. This cost covers tuition and fees and will vary depending on the school and program. Students should also consider additional expenses, including housing, transportation, supplies, and extracurriculars, that may increase the cost.
How long does it take to earn a veterinary degree?
Most undergraduate veterinary programs require four years of full-time study and 120 to 180 credits to graduate. Accelerated programs are available, allowing students to complete the degree within two to three years. Part-time and online programs are also offered and may take longer to complete.