Sam SmithVeterinary medicine is a vital field that blends science, compassion, and innovation to protect the health of animals and humans alike. For aspiring veterinarians, choosing the right school is a critical step toward building a career in clinical practice, research, or public health. The leading veterinary schools in the United States stand out for their advanced training, cutting-edge research, and strong clinical partnerships. Below is a curated list of the best Veterinary Schools in the U.S, showcasing the institutions shaping the future of animal health.
Top 50 Vet Schools In The US
1. University of California–Davis
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is consistently ranked the best in the nation, known for its excellence in clinical care, research, and public service. Located in California’s agricultural hub, it offers specialties in food animal medicine, equine health, and wildlife conservation. Students benefit from cutting-edge facilities and partnerships with leading research centers. UC Davis emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and global health. Graduates are leaders in veterinary practice, academia, and policy, making UC Davis a premier destination for veterinary education.
2. North Carolina State University
NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is recognized for its strong clinical training, research, and community engagement. Located in Raleigh, it offers specialties in small animal medicine, food animal health, and equine care. Students gain hands-on experience through the Veterinary Hospital, one of the largest in the country. NC State emphasizes innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and service. Graduates excel in clinical practice, research, and public health. With a tradition of excellence, NC State prepares veterinarians to lead in diverse fields.
3. University of Florida
The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is known for its excellence in clinical training, research, and public health. Located in Gainesville, it offers strong programs in aquatic animal medicine, food safety, and infectious disease research. Students benefit from access to the UF Veterinary Hospitals and interdisciplinary opportunities across the university. UF emphasizes innovation, community service, and global health. Graduates are leaders in clinical practice, academia, and government. With a commitment to excellence, UF continues to advance veterinary medicine.
4. Colorado State University
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is celebrated for its leadership in equine medicine, oncology, and biomedical research. Located in Fort Collins, it offers students access to cutting-edge facilities and strong clinical training. CSU emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its faculty are leaders in veterinary research, and graduates excel in diverse fields, from clinical practice to academia. With a tradition of excellence, CSU prepares veterinarians to address global challenges in animal and human health.
5. Cornell University
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the oldest and most prestigious veterinary schools in the U.S. Located in Ithaca, New York, it offers strong programs in small animal medicine, public health, and biomedical research. Students benefit from access to Cornell University Hospital for Animals and interdisciplinary opportunities across the university. Cornell emphasizes innovation, leadership, and service. Graduates are leaders in clinical practice, academia, and government. With a tradition of excellence, Cornell continues to shape veterinary medicine worldwide.
6. Texas A&M University–College Station
Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences is recognized for its excellence in large animal medicine, food safety, and biomedical research. Located in College Station, it offers students strong clinical training and access to advanced facilities. Texas A&M emphasizes innovation, leadership, and service, preparing graduates for diverse careers. Its faculty are leaders in veterinary research and education. Graduates excel in clinical practice, academia, and government. With a tradition of excellence, Texas A&M continues to advance veterinary medicine.
7. University of Georgia
The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine is known for its strong programs in infectious disease research, food animal medicine, and public health. Located in Athens, it offers students access to advanced clinical facilities and interdisciplinary opportunities. UGA emphasizes innovation, service, and leadership, preparing graduates for diverse careers. Its faculty are leaders in veterinary research and education. Graduates excel in clinical practice, academia, and government. With a tradition of excellence, UGA continues to shape the future of veterinary medicine.
8. Ohio State University
Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine is celebrated for its excellence in clinical training, research, and community service. Located in Columbus, it offers strong programs in small animal medicine, food safety, and public health. Students benefit from access to the Veterinary Medical Center, one of the largest in the country. Ohio State emphasizes innovation, leadership, and service. Graduates excel in diverse fields, from clinical practice to academia. With a tradition of excellence, Ohio State continues to advance veterinary medicine.
9. Iowa State University
Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine is recognized for its leadership in food animal medicine, public health, and biomedical research. Located in Ames, it offers students strong clinical training and access to advanced facilities. ISU emphasizes innovation, service, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its faculty are leaders in veterinary research and education. Graduates excel in clinical practice, academia, and government. With a tradition of excellence, Iowa State prepares veterinarians to address global challenges in animal and human health.
10. Kansas State University
Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine is known for its strong programs in food animal medicine, infectious disease research, and public health. Located in Manhattan, Kansas, it offers students access to advanced clinical facilities and interdisciplinary opportunities. K-State emphasizes innovation, service, and leadership, preparing graduates for diverse careers. Its faculty are leaders in veterinary research and education. Graduates excel in clinical practice, academia, and government. With a tradition of excellence, Kansas State continues to shape the future of veterinary medicine.
Top 50 Veterinary Schools in the U.S. — With Tuition Levels
| Rank | School | Tuition Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California–Davis | High |
| 2 | North Carolina State University | High |
| 3 | University of Florida | Medium |
| 4 | Colorado State University | Medium |
| 5 | Cornell University | High |
| 6 | Texas A&M University–College Station | Medium |
| 7 | University of Georgia | Medium |
| 8 | Ohio State University | Medium |
| 9 | Iowa State University | Medium |
| 10 | Kansas State University | Medium |
| 11 | University of Minnesota–Twin Cities | Medium |
| 12 | University of Pennsylvania | High |
| 13 | University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign | Medium |
| 14 | University of Wisconsin–Madison | Medium |
| 15 | Michigan State University | Medium |
| 16 | Purdue University | Medium |
| 17 | Virginia Tech (Virginia–Maryland CVM) | Medium |
| 18 | Washington State University | Medium |
| 19 | Tufts University (Cummings School) | High |
| 20 | University of Missouri–Columbia | Medium |
| 21 | Oklahoma State University | Medium |
| 22 | Louisiana State University | Medium |
| 23 | Mississippi State University | Medium |
| 24 | University of Tennessee–Knoxville | Medium |
| 25 | Oregon State University | Medium |
| 26 | University of Arizona | Medium |
| 27 | Midwestern University–Glendale | High |
| 28 | Lincoln Memorial University | Medium |
| 29 | Western University of Health Sciences | High |
| 30 | St. George’s University (affiliated) | High |
| 31 | Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine | High |
| 32 | Tuskegee University | Medium |
| 33 | University of Alaska Fairbanks (collaborative) | Medium |
| 34 | University of New England (developing) | Medium |
| 35 | University of Massachusetts–Amherst | Medium |
| 36 | University of Connecticut | Medium |
| 37 | University of Kentucky | Medium |
| 38 | University of Vermont | Medium |
| 39 | University of Delaware | Medium |
| 40 | University of Rhode Island | Medium |
| 41 | University of Maine | Low |
| 42 | University of Hawaii–Manoa | Medium |
| 43 | University of Nevada–Reno | Medium |
| 44 | University of Arkansas | Low |
| 45 | University of South Carolina | Low |
| 46 | University of North Dakota | Low |
| 47 | University of Southern Mississippi | Low |
| 48 | University of Houston (developing) | Medium |
| 49 | Samford University (developing) | Medium |
| 50 | University of Puerto Rico (collaborative) | Low |
Closing
Whether your dream is to care for companion animals, advance food safety, or contribute to wildlife conservation, the right veterinary school can provide the foundation for success. The schools on this list represent the pinnacle of veterinary education, offering unmatched resources, mentorship, and opportunities to serve communities worldwide. As you consider your options, remember that the best choice is not only about rankings but also about aligning with your values and career goals. With the right fit, you’ll be prepared to make a lasting impact in veterinary medicine.