Best Veterinary Schools in the US: Admissions, Courses, Rankings, Acceptance Rates, and More 

If you’re passionate about helping animals and want a rewarding career in veterinary medicine, choosing the right school is important. The U.S. is home to some of the world’s best veterinary schools, known for top-quality education, hands-on training, and advanced research. With schools like UC Davis, Texas A&M, and Cornell leading the way, students get access to amazing facilities and expert faculty. Whether you dream of working with pets, wildlife, or farm animals, these top veterinary schools can help you turn your passion into a lifelong career. 

Texas A&M University

Located in College Station, Texas, Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS) is one of the oldest and most respected veterinary schools in the U.S., founded in 1916. With around 180 new students admitted each year, it has one of the largest veterinary programs in the country.  

Texas A&M graduates are well-prepared for their careers, shown by the impressive 98% pass rate on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). The college is consistently ranked among the top 5 veterinary schools in the U.S. and top 10 worldwide, making it an excellent choice for future veterinarians. Below are the key details of Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS): 

University of California Davis

The University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (UC Davis) is located in Davis, California, and is widely regarded as the #1 veterinary school in the U.S. according to U.S. News & World Report. Established in 1948, UC Davis is the largest veterinary school in the country, offering a wide range of degrees including the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM), and various graduate research programs.  

What makes UC Davis stand out is its incredible focus on research, bringing in over $70 million in funding each year for groundbreaking studies on animal health, food safety, and public health. Below are the key details of UC Davis: 

Cornell University

Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the most prestigious and historic veterinary schools in the United States, founded in 1894. Cornell consistently ranks among the top 3 veterinary schools in the U.S., making it a dream school for students who are serious about advancing veterinary science. Every year, about 120 students are admitted into Cornell’s highly competitive Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. Thanks to a low student-faculty ratio of around 3:1, students get plenty of one-on-one support from leading experts in the field. Below are the key details of New York, Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine: 

North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (NC State), located in Raleigh, North Carolina, might be younger than other top vet schools (established in 1981), but it has quickly become one of the best. Ranked among the top 5 veterinary programs in the country, it welcomes around 100 students into the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. With a student-faculty ratio of about 4:1, students receive excellent mentorship and personalized guidance. Below are the key details of North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine: 

University of Wisconsin–Madison

Located in Madison, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (UW-Madison) has been a leader in veterinary education since it opened in 1983. Each year, the school accepts around 96 students into its competitive Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.  

Thanks to a student-faculty ratio of about 3.5:1, students get personal attention and hands-on learning experiences. Graduates from UW-Madison find success in all areas of veterinary medicine, and the school is consistently ranked among the top 10 veterinary schools in the U.S. Below are the key details of University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine (UW-Madison): 

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine (UGA CVM), located in Athens, Georgia, is one of the top veterinary schools in the U.S., consistently ranking in the top 10 nationally. Founded in 1946, UGA CVM is highly competitive, with only 114 students admitted each year from over 1,000 applicants, giving it an acceptance rate of around 11%. Students learn in a state-of-the-art Veterinary Teaching Hospital, which handles over 25,000 animal cases annually across more than 25 specialty services, including emergency care and advanced surgeries. Below are the key details of UGA CVM: 

Conclusion

From Georgia’s groundbreaking honeybee vaccine to Cornell’s world-class research, these top veterinary schools prove that the U.S. is a leader in animal health education. With small class sizes, high NAVLE pass rates, and impressive career opportunities, students are well-prepared to care for animals and protect public health. No matter which path you choose—working in clinics, zoos, farms, or labs—these universities provide the skills and support you need to succeed as a veterinarian and make a difference in the world.