The Cost of Vet Schools in the US – Tuition & Financial Aid Options

Thinking about applying to vet school?

You’ll need to be aware of expenses, as tuition, application fees, supplies, and more costs all add up fast.

Fortunately, there are ways to make it more affordable. From financial aid options like loans and grants to vet schools that cost way less than others, you’ve got choices.

Find out the expected cost of tuition at vet schools in the US, get a full breakdown of expenses, and explore ways to reduce how much you’ll need to pay. 

How Much Does Veterinary School Cost?

The total cost of veterinary school in the US typically ranges from $150,000 to $300,000. 

This can vary depending on the school, your residency status, and other factors, but here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs:

Tuition: Ranges from $10,000 to $60,000 per year (or $30,000 to $70,000 for out-of-state students).

Mandatory Fees: Between $2,000 and $5,000 per year

Indirect Costs: Range from $20,000 to $30,000 per year.

This means you’ll pay around $50,000 to $85,000 per year, and most vet programs last 4 years.

In-State vs. Out-Of-State Tuition Costs

Your tuition will generally be higher when attending a school as an out-of-state student. 

However, if you apply as an in-state student, you’ll pay a lower tuition rate since your family has contributed to public university funding through taxes.

To qualify for in-state tuition, you’ll need to meet residency requirements specific to each state. 

For example, at Ohio University, you’ll need to demonstrate that you’ve established residency in Ohio for at least one full year before you can petition for in-state status.

Additional Veterinary School Costs

Tuition isn’t the only cost to consider and guide your vet school program choice.

Other veterinary school expenses can quickly add up, such as: 

• Application fees: Sending your applications to veterinary schools can be expensive, with fees typically ranging from $50 to $200 per school. 
• Textbooks: It’s common to spend hundreds of dollars each semester on textbooks and course materials.
• Supplies: In addition to standard school supplies like notebooks and pens, you might need to purchase specialized items such as scrubs and a stethoscope.
• Lab fees: Lab fees are often required to cover the cost of materials, equipment, and hands-on training resources. 
• Housing and living expenses: Depending on the location of your school, rent, utilities, food, and transportation will be costly. These expenses vary from one area to another, so remember to budget accordingly for where you’ll be living.

Licensing exams: Once you’ve completed your veterinary studies, you’ll need to take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and possibly other exams depending on your career path and where you want to practice.

What Are the Cheapest Veterinary Schools? 

Some veterinary schools have cheaper tuition than others and still provide students with quality education. 

Here are some of the cheapest vet schools in the US. Sorted from least to most expensive. 

Some schools have not updated their tuition rates for the 2025-2026 academic year yet. 

The Cheapest Vet Schools in the US

Check out this overview of the most affordable vet schools, with the total tuition (including fees) for the entire course length: 

1. Texas Tech University – $44,052 (in-state) or $87,252 (out-of-state)
2. Purdue University – $90,268 (in-state) or $191,032 (out-of-state)
3. University of Georgia – $91,935 (in-state) or $210,583 (out-of-state)
4. North Carolina State University – $97,716 (in-state) or $225,768 (out-of-state)
5. Kansas State University – $112,464 (in-state) or $241,904(out-of-state)

Texas Tech University – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Tuition Costs (and mandatory fees)

Purdue University – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Tuition costs (and mandatory fees) 

University of Georgia – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Tuition costs (and mandatory fees) 

North Carolina State University – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Tuition costs (and mandatory fees) 

Kansas State University – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Tuition costs (and mandatory fees) 

Reminder: These aren’t exact total costs, as other fees may apply. For an accurate estimate of what you’ll pay, visit the website of your shortlisted vet schools.

Alternative Veterinary Career Paths and Their Costs

If you’re interested in pursuing a specific career path within the veterinary field, you may complete a different degree, rather than the standard Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DMV). 

Here are some other options:

Zoologist

Typical tuition cost (per year): $20,000 – $30,000

Example courses: 

• Aquarium and Zoo Science at Saint Francis University
• Bachelor of Science in Zoology at North Carolina State University

Wildlife Veterinarian  

Typical tuition cost (per year): $20,000 – $50,000 

Example courses: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Nevada, Reno 
• Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Major at the University of Florida

Veterinary Technician

Typical tuition cost (per year): $8,000 – $30,000 

Example courses:

• Animal Science Major at Cornell University
• Online Veterinary Technician Associate Degree at Penn Foster

Animal Nutritionist

Typical tuition cost (per year): $15,000 – $30,000 

Example courses:

• Animal and Nutritional Sciences Major at West Virginia University 
• Animal Health and Behavior Bachelor of Science at Unity Environmental University

Financial Aid Options – Save Money On Veterinary School Costs

You don’t have to be discouraged from applying to veterinary school. If this is the career for you, there are ways to lessen the costs. 

Loans

A loan is money you borrow that you’ll need to pay back with interest.

Federal vs. Private Student Loans

Student loans can come from the federal government or private lenders.

Federal Loans

Federal student loans tend to have lower, fixed interest rates compared to private loans. Plus, you don’t need a credit check or a cosigner to qualify for most federal loans.

You won’t have to start repaying your federal student loans until after you graduate or drop below half-time. Federal loans also offer flexible repayment plans and options to postpone payments if you’re having trouble.

Choose this loan if:

• You want low and predictable interest rates.
• You want protection if your income changes unexpectedly.

Private Student Loans

Private loans may require payments while you’re still in school, though some offer the option to defer payments until after you graduate. These loans can have either fixed or variable interest rates, which could be higher or lower than federal loans, depending on your financial situation.

Private student loans often require a good credit history or a cosigner.

Choose this loan if:

• If you’ve already taken out the maximum amount in federal loans or don’t qualify for additional federal aid.
• Have found a lender with favorable terms, such as a lower interest rate based on your credit score or the ability to borrow more money.

Tip: Borrow as little as possible! Interest on federal loans for graduate and professional students adds up while you’re still in school, so it’s best to only borrow what you absolutely need each term.

Grants 

Grants are a type of financial aid that you don’t have to pay back, unlike loans. For vet school students, they may help cover educational expenses like tuition, fees, and sometimes living costs.

You might be eligible for a veterinary school grant if: 

• Your family’s income is below a certain threshold
• You’re an underrepresented minority
• You excel academically
• You’re focusing on specific research in veterinary medicine
• You’re pursuing specific career paths in underserved areas, public health, or nonprofit organizations

For example, the Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP) supports veterinarians and students in gaining specialized skills to address food animal veterinary service shortages in rural areas.

Scholarships 

Scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic achievement, talent, or other accomplishments. They are usually provided by schools, nonprofits, or even private individuals, and are mostly offered to cover tuition.

Top scholarships for vet students in the US include:

Zoetis Foundation/AAVMC Veterinary Student Scholarship Program

For 2nd and 3rd-year veterinary students who show academic excellence, leadership, financial need, and a commitment to diversity and sustainability. Each scholarship is worth $7,000.

AABP Foundation Amstutz Scholarship

Aimed at top veterinary students who show potential to excel as bovine veterinarians in the US. and Canada.

Merck Animal Health Student Innovation Award

Recognizes graduating seniors who demonstrate innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity in developing projects or products that inspire the veterinary community. You have to be nominated by your program advisor.

Hoveida Family Foundation Research Scholarship

A $4,400 award for a veterinary student interested in pursuing research after graduation, supporting scientific and engineering education advancement.

Foundation for The Horse

Honors veterinary students passionate about equine medicine, awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to horse care.

How to Pay Off Veterinary School Debt Faster

Here are some quick tips to help you pay off your vet school debt as quickly as possible:

• Keep an eye on your expenses: First things first, track where your money’s going. Once you see your spending habits, you can find ways to cut back and put more toward your debt. 
• Stay ahead of payments: If you can swing it, try paying a little more than the minimum. Even small extra payments can make a big difference in reducing how much interest you’ll need to pay.
• Check out loan forgiveness programs: Some jobs, like working for a nonprofit, can help you qualify for loan forgiveness. For example, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program can forgive your remaining loan balance after 120 qualifying payments if you work full-time for a qualifying employer.
• Sign up for autopay: Autopay can lower your interest rate and save you a couple of hundred dollars when repaying your loan. Plus, since your payments will be automatic, you don’t have to worry about missing due dates.
• Pick up a part-time job or side gig: Extra income can help you pay off those loans quicker, even if you work just a few hours each week. 

Make Your Investment Worthwhile: Choosing the Right Veterinary School

Is becoming a vet worth it financially? It really depends on your situation and goals. 

Student loans and other financial aid options can help you follow your dream career. But keep in mind that vet school is a big financial commitment, so it’s something you should take seriously. 

When looking at schools, be sure to note down how much you’ll pay for your tuition and other expenses, such as housing. That way, you’ll at least have a rough idea of how much you’ll need to pay after you graduate.  

Want to make the most of your vet school journey? The first step is finding the right school for you. With our VetMed Match tool, you can find the best options based on your state, grades, preferred courses, and experience level.

Once you’ve chosen your school or made a shortlist, and you’re ready to begin applying, be sure to have our Ultimate Veterinary School Application Checklist at hand. It’ll help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any important steps along the way.