Getting into vet school is harder than getting into medical school, and most people do not realize that until it is too late.
There are only around 32 accredited vet schools in the entire US, yet over 10,000 people apply every single year.
That math is brutal.
The good news is that some schools are significantly easier to get into than others.
This is a commonly asked question as these types of colleges are in high demand and are seeing an influx in applicants.
This demand has created a lot of competition around vet schools, making it harder for people to be accepted.
The good news is that there are some vet schools that are easier to get into than others as they have more relaxed regulations.
With these types of schools, you do not have to be as exemplary as you may have to be to get into other types of vet schools.
This makes it easier for the average student to be able to apply and stand a good chance of being accepted.
One important thing to know before you apply: most schools now require 150 to 400 hours of hands-on veterinary experience, and the GRE is now optional at most programs.
This means your real-world experience with animals matters just as much as your grades.
What Vet Schools Are the Easiest to Get Into?
If you want to get into vet school, this is a very competitive type of college for college students to apply for. In fact, there are just a few select options that are easier, such as the University of Guelph and Tuskegee University for college students.
Vet school is considered to be a pretty cutthroat school to get into as there is high demand.
The average acceptance rate across US vet schools sits at just 10 to 15%, making these programs more competitive than most medical schools.
Many people want to become veterinarians, which has created a large demand for colleges that cater to this kind of future career.
This is also why you may notice vet colleges not having a very good acceptance rate.
One smart tip: applying to in-state schools dramatically improves your odds, as resident acceptance rates are often double those of out-of-state applicants.
This is something to keep in mind as you plan which schools to apply to.
You may also want to read about the easiest medical schools to get into if you are still exploring your options in healthcare.
1. Western University of Health Sciences
The Western University of Health Sciences is one of the newer vet schools that students now have access to.
It has a four-year program and is known for offering some of the most innovative options for students that are modern and up-to-date.
The school offers general veterinary medicine so that most people looking into becoming a veterinarian could find this a useful resource.
The tuition fee is quite high, but that is nothing new for veterinary schools as they generally cost a lot.
2. Tuskegee University
Tuskegee University offers a lot of opportunities for those looking to become veterinarians.
The campus is innovative and encourages students to be proactive and independent in their own education.
It offers programs in veterinary medicine as well as similar majors that students may find useful for their future careers.
Note: Tuskegee is one of the few schools that still requires GRE scores, so factor that into your prep timeline.
This is a great place for students who want to gain confidence in their future practice as well as an education.
3. Oregon State University
Oregon State University has a very small program for veterinary students, so they have to be quite selective.
That being said, this is definitely not the hardest vet school to get into, as many students will find success here.
This is an innovative veterinary program that offers real-world experience to students so that they get a more well-rounded education.
This often sets students up for success as they are more knowledgeable and confident in their abilities after graduating.
4. University of Guelph
The University of Guelph offers a fall and winter program that generally takes four years to complete in veterinary medicine.
This is a very beneficial program that will set students up for success in the future when they start their careers.
The veterinary program at this university sets students up for different options after graduation.
Many students have a variety of options in veterinary medicine as they have received a broad education across the board.
5. Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine
The Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the vet schools that is the easiest to get into.
But do not let that fool you, as this does not mean that you are not going to receive a good education at this college.
The Mississippi State University puts a great deal of focus on the importance of pet care and taking care of animals in general.
The campus environment is very safe and comfortable, allowing students to feel like they can focus on their courses.
This university puts a great deal of importance on creating compassionate students who are looking into becoming veterinarians.
6. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol has been creating veterinarians for over 60 years and has a very good program in place.
This program focuses greatly on compassionate care, animal wellness, clinical management, and disease prevention.
It is one of the universities that offers an extremely well-rounded education so that students walk away with all of the knowledge that they will need in their future profession.
7. University of Queensland
The University of Queensland has been around for a very long time and is known for its progression in research within the veterinary community.
This university also operates a veterinary teaching hospital where students can go to get hands-on experience in their studies.
This will prove to have real-world applications, as graduates will be able to have experience already under their belt when they start their careers.
8. North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
The North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine is known for its world-renowned teachers who are responsible for the students.
Students will have access to various clinical skill programs as well as medical programs to ensure a well-rounded education.
This university maintains a very hands-on kind of training that will demand a lot from the students.
This provides students with hands-on knowledge as well as an understanding of various aspects of veterinary medicine after they graduate.
9. University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is a vet school that is very easy to get into and offers different areas of veterinary medicine that students are looking for.
The programs here are taught in a hands-on and practical way that applies to real-world situations.
The University of Surrey also prioritizes lab work, giving students an edge when it comes to competition.
This university also has helpful links to the veterinary industry, making it possible for students to head straight into work after graduating if they so choose.
10. Oklahoma State University
The Oklahoma State University is home to one of the best veterinary programs available in the US and is widely recognized.
Not only is this program exceptionally good for students, it is fairly easy to get into when compared to other veterinary schools.
Note: Oklahoma State is one of the few remaining US programs that still requires GRE scores from applicants.
You will receive a very thorough veterinary education here, and graduating from this school will make you a very strong candidate to hire later on.
11. UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is another college that does not have very extensive requirements for applicants.
This is why it has made the easiest vet school list, as students have a very good chance of being accepted here.
You will also find a very thorough veterinary education here that is going to look good on your resume.
UC Davis requires a minimum of 180 hours of veterinary experience, which is on the lower end compared to other top programs.
This is a great option for all vet students to apply to, just in case they are not able to get into the more competitive schools.
What Is the Lowest GPA for a Vet School?
If you want to get into vet school, you may be worried about what type of GPA score is required.
The average lowest GPA score that a vet school will accept is a 3.0 score.
However, most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.6 or higher, according to multiple admissions programs.
Though if you want your application to stand out amongst all the competition, your GPA score is going to have to be higher than the minimum.
If your GPA score is 3.0 or slightly higher, you are going to be better off applying to one of these easier vet schools.
That being said, with the amount of competition for getting into vet schools, you still are going to be up against the wall.
The best thing you can do is combine a solid GPA with strong animal experience hours and a well-written personal statement.
Most vet schools will automatically reject an application with a GPA score lower than 3.0.
You can also look into other competitive professional programs to compare what different career paths require.
Are Vet Schools Hard to Get Into?
If you want to get into a vet school, you will need to prepare yourself for quite the competition.
Vet school is actually considered harder to get into than medical school by some admissions experts, since there are far fewer programs available.
Many people are looking to become veterinarians and need to find vet schools that they can get into for their education.
With veterinary schools being high in demand, they are receiving more and more applications each year.
The median salary for veterinarians was $125,510 in 2024, with job growth projected at 10% through 2034, which is part of why so many students are applying.
This has driven down the acceptance rate for most of these colleges as they are having to turn away more students each year.
This makes applying for these types of schools very competitive, so your application has to stand out if you want a chance of being accepted.
Easy Vet Schools
Vet schools are usually competitive, but some have easier admission processes.
Schools like the University of Queensland, the University of Bristol, and Oklahoma State University are good choices.
These schools offer excellent veterinary programs and have simpler application requirements, making them more accessible to applicants.
Focus on building your animal experience hours early, keep your GPA above 3.5, and apply to your in-state school first for the best odds.
This can increase your chances of success when applying.