Top 10 Universities for Veterinary Medicine
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Universities for Veterinary Medicine
Direct Answer
The Best Overall university for veterinary medicine is the University of California, Davis, whose School of Veterinary Medicine is consistently ranked first in the nation and the world, backed by a vast teaching hospital, deep research funding, and a faculty that leads across nearly every veterinary specialty.
The Best Value pick is Texas A&M University, an AVMA-accredited program with strong clinical training and research, paired with comparatively low in-state tuition for Texas residents. This list is built for prospective veterinary students choosing where to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), with attention to accreditation, clinical training, research, and cost.
Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from U.S. News, the AVMA, and each university's published figures.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each veterinary program against what prospective DVM students say they care about, drawing on published figures from U.S. News, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and each school's own reporting. The weighting:
- Clinical training and teaching hospital strength - 25%
- Research and faculty reputation - 20%
- Value and cost (in-state) - 15%
- Accreditation and licensure outcomes - 15%
- Specialty breadth - 15%
- Student support and fit - 10%
All programs listed hold AVMA accreditation, the baseline for U.S. Veterinary practice. A program with a strong name but a small caseload, or low cost with thin specialty depth, drops in the ranking.
1. University of California, Davis 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Public | In-state DVM tuition: about $39,000/yr | Best for: Students wanting the top-ranked program with the deepest clinical and research base
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is consistently ranked the number-one veterinary program in the United States and worldwide. It operates one of the largest veterinary teaching hospitals, handling a very high annual caseload across companion animals, livestock, equine, and exotics.
The program holds AVMA accreditation, posts strong NAVLE licensure pass rates, and leads in research funding across specialties from oncology to wildlife health.
Pros:
- Consistently ranked number one nationally and globally
- One of the largest veterinary teaching hospitals
- Deep specialty breadth and research funding
- Strong NAVLE licensure pass rates
Cons:
- Highly competitive admission
- Out-of-state tuition is substantial
Verdict: UC Davis wins on balance, offering the deepest clinical caseload and research base in the field.
2. Texas A&M University
Type: Public | In-state DVM tuition: about $22,000/yr | Best for: Texas residents wanting a top program at lower in-state cost
The Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is a long-established, AVMA-accredited program with a large teaching hospital and strong programs across companion, food, and equine animal medicine. It posts strong licensure outcomes and pairs respected clinical training with comparatively low in-state tuition for Texas residents.
Pros:
- Strong clinical training and large teaching hospital
- Low in-state tuition for Texas residents
- Broad food-animal and equine programs
Cons:
- Out-of-state seats are limited and costlier
- Large program size
Verdict: Texas A&M is the best value, pairing top-tier clinical training with low in-state tuition. 💎 BEST VALUE
3. Cornell University
Type: Private | DVM tuition: about $45,000/yr (NY resident contract rate lower) | Best for: Students wanting an elite research-driven program
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca is one of the most highly ranked programs in the country, known for research strength, a strong teaching hospital, and broad specialty training. New York residents benefit from a reduced contract tuition rate. Cornell posts excellent licensure and match outcomes.
Pros:
- Elite research reputation and faculty
- Strong teaching hospital and specialty breadth
- Reduced tuition for New York residents
Cons:
- High tuition for non-residents
- Very competitive admission
Verdict: Cornell is the premier research-driven choice, especially for New York residents.
4. Colorado State University
Type: Public | In-state DVM tuition: about $36,000/yr | Best for: Students focused on oncology, equine, and animal welfare
The Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is highly ranked and renowned for its veterinary oncology and equine programs, plus a strong animal-welfare focus. Its teaching hospital handles a large caseload, and the program posts strong licensure outcomes.
Pros:
- Renowned oncology and equine programs
- Large teaching hospital caseload
- Strong animal-welfare focus
Cons:
- Out-of-state tuition is high
- Competitive admission
Verdict: Colorado State is the standout for oncology, equine, and welfare-focused students.
5. North Carolina State University
Type: Public | In-state DVM tuition: about $21,000/yr | Best for: Students wanting strong clinical training at moderate in-state cost
The NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is a highly ranked, AVMA-accredited program with a modern teaching hospital and strong research in cardiology, oncology, and equine medicine. It posts strong licensure outcomes and offers comparatively moderate in-state tuition.
Pros:
- Modern teaching hospital and strong specialties
- Moderate in-state tuition
- Strong research in cardiology and oncology
Cons:
- Limited out-of-state seats
- Competitive admission
Verdict: NC State is a top public choice with strong specialties and reasonable in-state cost.
6. University of Pennsylvania
Type: Private | DVM tuition: about $45,000/yr | Best for: Students wanting urban and large-animal training at an Ivy League school
The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) operates two campuses, including the urban Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia and the New Bolton Center for large animals. It is highly ranked, research-intensive, and offers strong companion and equine programs with excellent licensure outcomes.
Pros:
- Two campuses covering urban and large-animal care
- Ivy League research depth
- Strong companion and equine programs
Cons:
- High private tuition
- Very competitive admission
Verdict: Penn Vet is a top choice for students wanting both urban and large-animal training.
7. The Ohio State University
Type: Public | In-state DVM tuition: about $33,000/yr | Best for: Students wanting a large comprehensive program with a major teaching hospital
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine runs a large teaching hospital with high caseload across companion, farm, and equine animals. The highly ranked program offers broad specialty training and posts strong licensure outcomes, with reasonable in-state tuition.
Pros:
- Large teaching hospital with high caseload
- Broad specialty training
- Reasonable in-state tuition
Cons:
- Out-of-state tuition is high
- Large program size
Verdict: Ohio State is a strong comprehensive public program with deep clinical training.
8. University of Wisconsin-Madison
Type: Public | In-state DVM tuition: about $24,000/yr | Best for: Students wanting research strength at moderate in-state cost
The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine is highly ranked and research-active, with a teaching hospital that serves companion and food animals. It posts strong licensure outcomes and pairs respected research with moderate in-state tuition.
Pros:
- Strong research and food-animal programs
- Moderate in-state tuition
- Solid licensure outcomes
Cons:
- Smaller class size limits seats
- Out-of-state tuition is higher
Verdict: Wisconsin pairs research strength with reasonable in-state cost.
9. Michigan State University
Type: Public | In-state DVM tuition: about $30,000/yr | Best for: Students wanting a well-rounded program with strong companion and food-animal training
The Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine is a long-established, highly ranked program with a strong teaching hospital and balanced training across companion, equine, and food animals. It posts strong licensure outcomes and offers solid in-state value.
Pros:
- Balanced companion, equine, and food-animal training
- Established teaching hospital
- Solid in-state value
Cons:
- Competitive admission
- Out-of-state tuition is high
Verdict: Michigan State is a well-rounded program with strong clinical balance.
10. University of Georgia
Type: Public | In-state DVM tuition: about $20,000/yr | Best for: Southeastern students wanting strong clinical training at low in-state cost
The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine is a highly ranked, AVMA-accredited program with a teaching hospital serving companion, equine, and food animals across the Southeast. It posts strong licensure outcomes and offers low in-state tuition for Georgia residents.
Pros:
- Strong clinical training across animal types
- Low in-state tuition
- Strong Southeastern caseload
Cons:
- Limited out-of-state seats
- Competitive admission
Verdict: Georgia rounds out the list with strong clinical training and excellent in-state value.
What to Look For When Choosing a Veterinary Program
- AVMA accreditation - Every U.S. Program you consider must hold AVMA accreditation to qualify you for licensure; confirm it before applying.
- Teaching hospital caseload - The volume and variety of cases you see in clinics drives your hands-on skill; larger, busier hospitals offer more.
- Specialty breadth - If you target oncology, equine, food animal, or exotics, check that the program has depth and faculty in that area.
- In-state versus out-of-state cost - DVM tuition varies enormously; residency status can cut your cost in half, so weigh in-state options carefully.
- Licensure (NAVLE) pass rates - Strong first-time pass rates signal effective clinical and academic preparation.
- Match and employment outcomes - Look at internship match rates and employment data for graduates in your area of interest.
What matters less than marketing implies: a school's overall university ranking, its newest building, or its prestige outside of veterinary medicine. Caseload, accreditation, specialty depth, and cost shape your veterinary training far more than a headline figure.
FAQ
Which university is the best overall for veterinary medicine? UC Davis earns the top spot, consistently ranked the number-one veterinary program in the nation and the world, with one of the largest teaching hospitals and the deepest research base.
What is the best value university for veterinary medicine? Texas A&M University is our best value, pairing top-tier AVMA-accredited clinical training with comparatively low in-state tuition for Texas residents.
Do all these veterinary programs require AVMA accreditation? Yes, every program on this list holds AVMA accreditation, which is required to sit for licensure and practice as a veterinarian in the United States.
Which veterinary school is best for equine or large-animal medicine? Colorado State, Penn Vet (New Bolton Center), and Texas A&M are standouts for equine and large-animal training, each with dedicated facilities and high caseloads.
How much does veterinary school cost? In-state DVM tuition on this list ranges from roughly $20,000 to $39,000 per year, with out-of-state and private tuition often substantially higher, so residency status strongly affects total cost.
Which school is best for veterinary oncology? Colorado State University is renowned for veterinary oncology, with UC Davis, NC State, and Penn Vet also offering strong cancer-focused clinical and research programs.
Bottom Line
For prospective veterinarians, UC Davis is our Best Overall, the consistently top-ranked program with one of the largest teaching hospitals and the deepest research base in the field. Texas A&M University is our Best Value, pairing top-tier AVMA-accredited clinical training with low in-state tuition for Texas residents.
If your focus is oncology or equine medicine, Colorado State and Penn Vet stand out; for strong in-state value elsewhere, NC State, Georgia, and Wisconsin deliver. Choose on accreditation, caseload, specialty depth, and cost rather than a single ranking number, and your DVM training will prepare you for the practice you want.
Sources
- U.S. News - Best Veterinary Medicine Programs
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) - accredited programs
- UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
- Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
- NC State College of Veterinary Medicine
- University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
*Universities for veterinary medicine review - best veterinary schools, rankings, ratings, and a review of the top DVM programs for students in 2027.*