Succeeding as a vet requires the best education in veterinary medicine. However, vet colleges can be expensive and inaccessible for some students. According to Vin Foundation, the total cost of a four-year degree from a veterinary school can go up to $420,000. Researching and narrowing down the cheapest vet schools in the United States takes time, but we have researched the most affordable vet schools to reduce your research time.
We have researched the most affordable options for those looking to break into veterinary care. This article explores the cheapest vet schools and programs and the career opportunities they can present you with. Keep reading for more information on accessing the cheapest vet degrees.
What Are the Most Affordable Vet Schools in the US?
The most affordable vet schools in the US are North Carolina State University, Iowa State University, and Purdue University. These schools offer in-state tuition costs below $10,000 and out-of-state tuition rates are lower than most vet schools.
The cheapest vet schools are known for their affordability, but the quality of education they offer is also commendable. You won’t have to worry about the curriculum or learning resources because these medical universities invest heavily in high-quality education.
How Much Do the Cheapest Vet Schools Cost?
The cheapest vet schools cost between $9,000 and $63,000 for in-state students and $25,000 and $35,000 for out-of-state students. However, some schools like Cornell University and Tufts University have the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students.
These tuition rates exclude additional vet school costs, including books and supplies, accommodation, required fees, insurance, transportation, personal expenses, loan fees, and cost of living. Below is a breakdown of items that contribute to the cost of attendance.
Cheapest Vet Schools Costs Breakdown
- Tuition and Fees. The tuition and required fees contribute to a large chunk of the cost of attendance. You must pay part of the tuition or the full fee before the school clears you to attend classes. You will pay tuition and fees based on the number of credits you take, your academic program, or your location.
- Books and Supplies. Books and supplies are a mandatory part of your college education. According to the College Board, college pricing in 2021 averaged $1,200 for undergraduate and $900 for graduate students. You can keep costs low by purchasing used books, renting resources, checking the free bin, and utilizing campus resources.
- Accommodation. Accommodation covers your living expenses, including housing and food. These charges may vary between students who live on campus and off campus but are typically thousands of dollars per term. On-campus students have access to dorm privileges and scheduled meal plans, but off-campus students do not.
- Transportation. Transportation includes your commute to campus or occasional trips to other locations outside the school. These costs will vary depending on your commute and living arrangements. For example, off-campus students spend more on transportation.
- Personal Expenses. Personal expenses include everything that contributes to your college experience. You should set money aside and make a payment plan for cell phone bills, laundry, entertainment, health insurance, clothing, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Why You Should Attend a Vet School
You should attend a vet school because veterinary medicine allows you to effect real change in animal care while enjoying job security. According to a survey on the pet industry market size by the American Pet Products Association, approximately 70 percent of American homes own a pet. As well as care for pets, many veterinarians provide medical care to wild animals.
Attending vet school will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to tap into the fast-growing animal care industry. The cheapest vet schools will prepare for work such as a veterinary technologist or a veterinary assistant. Furthermore, because pet ownership is rising, the chances of going out of business as a vet are slim.
Best Vet School Career Options
The best vet school career options include veterinary dentistry, biochemistry, veterinarian practice, and veterinary research. These are some of the highest-paying career fields that also delve into aspects of veterinary medicine like animal welfare, treatment of diseases, emergency veterinary treatment, and food science. The industry is rapidly growing, so career options will become more diverse.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for veterinarians is 17 percent from 2020 to 2030. The BLS’s statistics indicate that more than 4,400 job openings will be available annually. Vet students can access careers in management, surgery, food science, public health, research, or teaching.
Vet Salary
The average salary for a veterinarian is $100,370, according to BLS. In addition, veterinarians in healthcare diagnosing and treatment earn an average salary of $81,270. Vets earn high salaries and get great benefits, but salaries can differ depending on the industry. For example, vet graduates in government earn $96,120 a year, whereas those in vet clinics earn $100,460 a year.
Can You Attend Vet School for Free?
Yes, you can attend vet school for free. However, few schools offer free tuition, but there’s a wide selection of funding options to facilitate free education. For example, you can apply for scholarships, grants, private and federal student loans, work-study plans, and employer assistance. These funding options may cover a percentage or the full cost of attendance.
Cheapest Vet Schools That Won’t Break the Bank
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina State University | $9,131 | $29,916 | 84% |
| Iowa State University | $9,634 | $25,446 | 76% |
| Purdue University | $9,992 | $28,794 | 83% |
| Kansas State University | $10,420 | $26,491 | 68% |
| Texas Tech University | $11,852 | $24,122 | 63% |
| Ohio State University | $11,936 | $35,019 | 88% |
| University of Georgia | $12,068 | $31,108 | 88% |
| Washington State University | $12,417 | $27,733 | 60% |
| Cornell University | $61,015 | Same as in-state | 94% |
| Tufts University | $63,000 | Same as in-state | 94% |
What Are the Cheapest Vet Schools? A Deep Dive
Paying for Vet School With Financial Aid
Over 80 percent of full-time undergraduate students rely on financial aid, according to a 2020 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) survey. As a veterinary student, there is a wide selection of financial aid options available to you, including loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study plans. Below is an overview of the most popular ways to pay for college.
Federal Grants
You can apply for federal and state grants, which are offered on a need basis and are usually not repaid. Federal grants come directly from the US government and are divided into direct and pass-through grants. The former ensures you receive funding directly from the government, whereas the latter gives you access to government funds through charities and state offices.
On the other hand, state grants come directly from the state government. Although the funding is from the government, the money is managed differently from state to state. Therefore, you should always research which grants are available within your home state.
Federal Loans
A federal student loan allows you to borrow money from the federal government to pay for your education and living expenses. Taking out a federal loan is better because it doesn’t require your credit history or a co-signer, and you have a repayment grace period. The only downside is that there’s a cap on how much money you can borrow.
Private Loans
Unlike federal loans, private student loans come from independent entities like banks, credit unions, state agencies, or the college you’re attending. Private loans offer higher borrowing limits and give you loans based on your credit. However, you need a co-signer and you might face high-interest rates.
Work Study
Work study programs allow you to work and study simultaneously to cover your vet school tuition. The income covers your living expenses, transportation, tuition fees, and other academic-related costs. Moreover, you will gain professional experience and enhance your resume. The downside is the limited hours for your social life and study time.
Scholarships
A scholarship is the best financial support option for college because you don’t have to pay it back. Instead, scholarships pay for part of your tuition or the full cost of attendance for your education. There is a wide range of scholarships, including merit-based, need-based, athletic, military, and identity-based.
In addition, academic institutions, government agencies, animal welfare organizations, and charities offer these scholarships. One downside of getting a scholarship is that you might face or feel pressure to maintain high academic or athletic performance to keep your scholarship.
Best Schools For Your Area of Study
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How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your Vet School Program
Millions of Americans apply for federal aid annually, but not everyone is lucky to receive this kind of aid. Sometimes it’s because they don’t qualify, and other times it’s because they’ve completed the application inaccurately. We have compiled a step-by-step guide to help you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
- Create an FSA ID. Creating an FSA ID, including a username and password, is an important first step. The ID gives you access to the website, app, and other online FAFSA platforms. A dependent student must also include an FSA ID form at least one parent.
- Gather all the required documents. Documentation is important for your application. For example, you must prepare your social security number, parent’s social security number for dependent students, driver’s license, alien registration for non-citizens, and tax and financial documents.
- Start your application. The first part of your application requires you to fill out your basic information, including your name, date of birth, and social security number. This information should be similar to your Social Security Card.
- List at least one college or career school. List the schools that will receive your FAFSA application information and determine the type and amount of aid you are eligible for. You can list up to 10 schools, but find out the order of listing for the school sections before completing this section.
- Provide your dependency status. You need to clarify whether you’re an independent or dependent student. Independent students are responsible for their education costs, but you must include your parent’s information if you’re a dependent student.
- Add your financial information. Your financial information plays a significant role in determining the amount of aid you receive. The site prompts you to provide tax forms and account balances for your checking and savings accounts. Read all the financial instructions to ensure you don’t miss a form.
- Sign and Submit the FAFSA form. Once finished, you must sign and submit your application to ensure it undergoes processing. You will see a confirmation page to prove your application is complete.
Best Vet Scholarships
- MERCK Animal Health Vet Student Scholarship | Amount: $5,000. MERCK Animal Health and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) partner to provide this scholarship for second and third-year vet students. The application cycle for 2022 is closed, but you can try again for 2023 on the official AVMF website.
- Rover Scholarship | Amount: $2,500. Rover is a pet-sitting resource that provides a non-renewable scholarship for veterinary students. Applicants must submit a 400 to 500-word essay, fill out the application form, and apply before the first of May annually. Additional requirements include a 3.0 GPA and proof of academic level.
- Oxbow Animal Health Veterinary Medicine Scholarship | Amount: $2,000. This scholarship covers partial tuition at a US-based institution. Students must be in a veterinary program that focuses on small and exotic animal species. Applicants should submit a resume, two letters of reference, a 300–500 word essay, and a current transcript.
- The Charles Shelton Foundation Scholarship | Amount: $2,000. The Charles Shelton Foundation helps African-American students through vet school. The foundation offers two non-renewable $2,000 scholarships that cover partial tuition. Requirements include a 3.0 GPA, US residency, reference letters, and a 500-word essay.
- Association for Women Veterinarians Foundation| Amount: $1,500. This scholarship is meant for female students majoring in veterinary and animal science. Students must also be enrolled in a college in the United States or Canada. The organization provides four scholarship slots annually through the AVMF.
Cheapest Undergraduate Vet Schools
The cheapest undergraduate vet schools include Miami Dade College, Purdue University, and Dallas College. Public schools typically come with a lower average cost than private schools. Cheaper schools offer affordable degree programs that benefit a large percentage of the student population.
Most Affordable Vet Associate Degree Programs
- Madison Area Technical College | Veterinary Technician Associate Degree | $9,180/year. The two-year program prepares you to work as a veterinary or lab animal technician. It is available in-person and online and requires at least 64 credits.
- Miami Dade College | Associate in Science, Veterinary Technology | $8,630/year. This 73-credit program explores physiology, animal nursing, anatomy, pathology, and lab procedures. Students gain the foundational knowledge they need for a career in veterinary technology.
- Dallas College | Associate in Applied Science, Veterinary Technology | $4,740/semester. The program takes five semesters and is available at the Cedar Valley campus. You must meet the Texas Success Initiative standards before pursuing the program.
- Purdue University | Associate in Applied Science, Veterinary Nursing | $9,992/semester (resident), $28,794/semester (non-resident). This associate degree program is available in-person and online. It is part of the BSVN and gives students the skills to work as a registered veterinary technician or other related careers.
- Penn Foster | Associate Degree – Veterinary Technician | $1,999/semester. This program is fully online and takes nine to 12 months to complete. The self-paced program prepares you for entry-level vet careers and the Vet Technician National Exam. You must earn 73 credits and complete 30 exams and two externships.
Most Affordable Vet Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- North Carolina State University | BS in Animal Science | $9,128/semester (resident) $30,869/semester (non-resident). This program includes three tracks in veterinary science, science, and industry. You can pursue it as a pre-vet program or as a foundation for a veterinary career.
- University of Georgia | BS in Biomedical Physiology | $12,080/year (resident), $31,120/year (non-resident). This degree requires a minimum of 120 credits, 21 hours of upper-division courses, and 39 hours of upper-division work.
- Washington State University | BS in Biochemistry | $11,266/year (resident), $26,950/year (non-resident). Students in this program select between two tracks, biochemistry/biophysics and biochemistry/molecular biology. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and a passing grade in chemistry and biology courses.
- Purdue University | BS in Veterinary Nursing | $9,992/semester (resident), 28,794/semester (non-resident). This program takes four years and includes an AAS in Veterinary Nursing. However, you don’t need an AAS or BSVN to apply to veterinary school.
- Texas A&M University, Commerce | BS in Veterinary Biomedical Technology | $4,212/semester (resident) $9,108/semester (non-resident). You can complete this 123-credit-hour program in person or online. It covers the application of scientific and diagnostic skills to animal care practice.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Cheapest Graduate Schools for Vets
The cheapest graduate vet schools include Kansas State University, Iowa State University, and Tufts University. Vet school is already expensive for undergraduate students, but it can cost double or more for your master’s or PhD. The schools below allow you to complete your graduate studies without breaking the bank.
Most Affordable Schools for Master’s Degrees in Vet
- Iowa State University | MS in Veterinary Clinical Sciences | $5,286/semester (resident), $13,388 (non-resident). Students in this program complete coursework, research training, and residency training to prepare for board certification.
- University of Illinois – Urbana, Champaign | Master of Veterinary Science | $302/credit hour. This one-year, 32-credit degree program is available online and focuses mostly on livestock systems health.
- Kansas State University | MS in Biomedical Science | $563/credit (resident), $1,276/credit (non-resident). This pre-professional degree program takes one year and doesn’t include a thesis. Graduates of this program can pursue careers in biomedicine or enroll in health science schools.
- Cornell University | MPS in Veterinary Parasitology | $39,900/year (resident) $59,500/year (non-resident). This one-year program includes rigorous training in the principles of parasitic organisms and diseases of animals.
- Tufts University | MS in Animals and Public Policy | $46,130/year. This program takes 12 to 16 months, focuses on human-animal interaction and its relation to policy, and includes both an applied track and a research track.
Most Affordable PhDs in Veterinary Universities
- Texas Tech University | PhD in One Health Sciences | $5,400/year (resident), $16,200/year (non-resident). Students in this program explore the carefully intertwined relationship between animals, humans, and the environment.
- Ohio State University | PhD in Veterinary Medicine | $33,446/year. This program gives you access to the country’s largest veterinary medical center. The base cost for non-resident students is the same as residents after the first year, but fourth-year students pay $52,200 per year.
- Washington State University | PhD in Veterinary Medicine | $13,666/year (resident), $31,468/year (non-resident). The program is part of the WIMU regional program in veterinary medicine, which offers you access to a wide range of skilled faculty and professional networking opportunities.
- Tufts University | PhD in Veterinary Medicine | $56,322/year (resident), $63,122/year (non-resident). Students in Tufts’ PHD program delve into intense coursework and research at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
- NC State University | PhD in Veterinary Medicine | $19,644/year (resident), $49,565/year (non-resident). NC State’s vet school is one of the best in the country, and it’s known to prioritize research and extensive training.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Online PhD Programs
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How to Choose a Good and Affordable Vet School
When you are looking for the most affordable vet schools, you should consider several factors, including accreditation, cost, pre-clinical and clinical training, curriculum, class size, and graduation rates. Below is a breakdown of the top factors to consider before enrolling in a vet school.
Accreditation
Accreditation validates an institution’s quality of education. Most vet schools are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Education. However, you should ensure you’re attending a regionally accredited university, because that’s the most significant kind of accreditation. Accreditation is important because it ensures your curriculum is relevant, up-to-date, and independently approved.
Cost
Paying for vet school can be difficult because medical and science programs are generally expensive. Additionally, most schools that offer hands-on clinical training include lab fees in their tuition. Therefore, as you select the perfect vet school, assess your budget and find schools within your financial bracket.
Graduation Rates
A high graduation rate proves that a school is committed to ensuring its students’ success. Vet school is challenging, and most students may change majors or drop out, but a high graduation rate speaks volumes about an institution’s commitment to student success.
Class Size
Smaller class sizes are better for vet school students because it guarantees one-on-one student-faculty interactions. Moreover, you will have access to a wide array of resources, whether they’re in the lab or classroom.
Academic Offerings
Vet students can pursue various majors, including animal science, animal control officer, veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal public health, veterinary nursing, and biomedical sciences. In addition, most universities have a College of Veterinary Medicine, which may not offer a broad selection of vet degrees.
If you don’t have a specific animal care field in mind, you should choose a school that provides broad academic offerings and allows you to pursue pre-vet programs outside the College of Vet Medicine.
Tips for Saving Money While Attending Vet School
- Always be on the lookout for scholarships. Pet companies, animal organizations, and charity foundations offer annual scholarships. Unfortunately, most of these scholarships cover part of your tuition and are non-renewable, but thorough research will help you find a scholarship that works for you.
- Utilize student discounts. You should always carry your student ID and confidently ask for a student discount in restaurants, museums, and all other applicable places. You can also utilize student discount benefits for online courses, subscriptions, or books and supplies.
- Reuse, rent, and borrow books. Books add a chunk of money to the final cost of attendance. To cut additional costs, you can borrow, rent, or reuse books from the school library, free bins or little free libraries, or your friends.
- Find a part-time job. Vet school might be challenging, but if you can, find a part-time job that allows you to save some money. You can also take advantage of work-study programs at your school.
- Monitor your budget closely. Staying on top of your budget is the best way to save money in vet school. Monitor your spending and student loan debt-to-income ratio.
Cheapest Online Schools for Veterinarians
Although on-campus learning is the best for vet students, some schools offer world-class online programs for distance learners. These programs allow you to complete your vet degree from anywhere while interacting with students and faculty. However, online vet schools can also be expensive and inaccessible, so we have compiled the five cheapest online vet schools.
| School | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| San Juan College | $52/credit (resident), $164/credit (non-resident) | 25% |
| University of Florida | $129/credit (residents), $553/credit (non-residents) | 72% |
| Purdue University | $270/credit | 83% |
| University of Illinois-Urbana, Champaign | $302/credit | 85% |
| University of Missouri | $520/credit for undergrads, $617/credit for graduates | 73% |
Most Affordable Online Vet Bachelor’s Programs
- Tarleton State University | BAS in Veterinary Technology | $100/credit. Tarleton State’s BAS in Vet Tech program features companion animal and veterinary tracks, both of which consist of 120 credits. You must have an AAS in Veterinary Technology to pursue this degree.
- Arizona State University | BS in Applied Biological Science | $561-$661/credit. This pre-vet degree prepares you for vet school or a professional career working with animals. Students must complete 120 credits to graduate.
- Appalachian State University | BS in Veterinary Technology | $224/credit. This four-year degree program offers full-time and part-time options. You can select one concentration between One Health, companion animal, and practice management.
Most Affordable Online Vet Master’s Programs
- The University of Florida | MS in Veterinary Medical Sciences | $525/credit. This two-year program is geared toward professional animal workers who work in an animal shelter environment.
- The University of Illinois | Master of Veterinary Science | $9,700/two years. This 32-credit program enhances your knowledge of food-producing animal industries and livestock systems health.
- University of Missouri | MS in Biomedical Sciences | $12,809/year (residents), $23,140/year (non-residents). This degree prepares you for careers in academia, government agencies, veterinary journalism, animal feed, and pharmaceutical industries. Students study nutrition, research, cytology, toxicology, and zoonotic diseases.
Will Attending an Online Vet School Save Me Money?
Yes, attending an online vet school will save you money because you will cut costs, including transport, on-campus accommodation, and tuition. In addition, you will spend less on course materials because most materials are sent directly to your email or accessed via the online learning platform. Online students will typically have lower student debt than in-person students.
Benefits of Online Veterinary Programs
- Cost. Online vet schools are cheaper because you pay less tuition and save money on transportation, campus housing, and course materials.
- Convenient. Studying from anywhere is convenient because you can still attend to other areas of your life and achieve a better balance between your work and social life. Moreover, you can travel and still catch up on coursework.
- Flexibility. Online vet schools offer flexible schedules, which also include self-paced courses. If the program doesn’t include live class sessions, you can design your calendar to match your schedule.
- Self-discipline. Generally, online learning teaches self-discipline. You must motivate yourself and prompt yourself to attend all classes and complete assignments on time.
Highest-Paying Vet Careers
| Vet Jobs | Vet Degree | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Dentist | PhD | $103,258 |
| Biochemist | PhD | $102,270 |
| Veterinarian | PhD | $100,370 |
| Veterinary Ophthalmologist | PhD | $90,285 |
| Veterinary Research Scientist | PhD | $86,892 |
Best Vet Jobs Explained
The best vet school jobs are dentistry, ophthalmology, research, and public health. The table above gives a list of the highest-paying vet jobs, and below is an overview of each job title for veterinary school graduates.
Vet Schools Rankings Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Vet Schools
We chose the most affordable vet colleges based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Additional Reading About Vet School
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Cheapest Vet Schools FAQ
The most expensive vet schools include the University of California – Davis, the University of Pennsylvania, Colorado State University, and Midwestern University. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine will set you back $32,622 per year just for tuition and fees. Along with medical schools, veterinary colleges and universities are some of the most expensive education systems in the US.
You can avoid high tuition rates in vet school by researching affordable options, finding ways to save money, or applying for financial assistance. This guide provides detailed information on the cheapest vet degrees and various ways you can pay for tuition and other expenses. Attending an online vet school can also help you avoid high tuition rates and expenses.
Vet schools are expensive because a veterinary degree is an in-demand level of education, and the job growth rate is expected to grow between 2020 and 2030. But as we said above, there are plenty of cheap vet schools and a wealth of financial aid options for veterinary students. Affordable colleges ensure graduates are left with an average student loan debt.
No, attending a cheap vet school will not affect your professional performance. The most affordable veterinary programs, from NCSU to Tufts, do not sacrifice quality education and professional training. The cheapest vet degrees will qualify for any career in the veterinary industry from animal conservation scientists to animal trainers to veterinary dentists.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
