Veterinary school costs vary widely. Like all higher education costs, the cost of veterinary school has risen many times above cost of living increases over the past three decades.
For recent students entering veterinary school in the US, the estimated total cost of attendance (tuition+fees+living expenses) from $180,000 to more than $400,000. Your cost will depend on your state residency status and veterinary school choice. More than 80% of veterinary students finance their education through student loans.
Federal student loans are available to nearly all veterinary students. However, recent changes limit the amount of federal student loans available for graduate and professional school (i.e. veterinary school). Costs beyond the federal student loan limits will require private student loans or personal funding. Private student loans are more difficult to obtain, more costly, and less flexible.
Nearly all student loans available for professional programs, like veterinary school, accrue interest during school. The more you borrow, the more interest accrues.
You can compare veterinary program costs, including interest on student loans, by visiting the VIN Foundation Cost of Education Toolkit on the Vet School Bound website.
