Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science And Related Fields

Best Veterinary Medicine institutions in the US, ranked by earnings

Compare 33 U.S. colleges offering Veterinary Medicine by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 28 states.

Institutions
33
offering CIP 01.80
States offered
28
with a program page
With earnings data
0
College Scorecard
Degrees / yr
3,756
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
1 year after graduation
US pay · Veterinarians
$140,270
BLS OEWS 2024

About Veterinary Medicine programs

The Veterinary Medicine program focuses on the health and well-being of animals, preparing students for a career in veterinary science. This program is ideal for individuals who are passionate about animal care and want to make a difference in the lives of pets and livestock alike. Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and treat a variety of animal health issues.

Learn more about Veterinary Medicine

What you'll learn

In this program, students will develop core skills in active listening, critical thinking, and science. Coursework includes biology, medicine, and customer service, equipping students with the knowledge to perform tasks such as diagnosing diseases, prescribing medications, and operating diagnostic equipment.

Top 33 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).

Graduate earnings for this program are not yet reported by College Scorecard. Explore the states below to see where it's offered.

Offered across 28 states

The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.

StateInstitutionsMedian earningsTop institution by earnings
Alabamalimited2
Arizonalimited2
Californialimited2
Coloradolimited1
Floridalimited1
Georgialimited1
Illinoislimited1
Iowalimited1
Kansaslimited1
Louisianalimited1
Marylandlimited1
Massachusettslimited1
Michiganlimited1
Minnesotalimited1
Mississippilimited1
Missourilimited1
New Yorklimited2
North Carolinalimited1
Ohiolimited1
Oklahomalimited1
Oregonlimited1
Pennsylvanialimited1
Tennesseelimited2
Texaslimited1
Virginialimited1
Washingtonlimited1
Wisconsinlimited1
Indianalimited1

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-1131, Veterinarians, and its national outlook.

Graduates of the Veterinary Medicine program can expect a promising career outlook, with a projected growth rate of 9.6% and approximately 3,000 annual job openings. The median wage for veterinary professionals is $125,510, and a doctoral or professional degree is typically required for entry into the field.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+9.6%
Much faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~3,000
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$125,510
typically Doctoral or professional degree
National employment
80,630
Veterinarians
US average pay
$140,270
annual, BLS OEWS 2024
US median pay
$125,510
annual

Top-paying metros

Anchorage, AK
$257,800avg
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$196,410avg
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
$193,660avg
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$186,930avg
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$186,560avg

Related careers

Veterinarians
$140,270 avg · 80,630 jobs

Skills & knowledge in Veterinary Medicine programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Active Learning
Science
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Writing
Monitoring

Knowledge areas

Biology
Medicine and Dentistry
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Mathematics
Education and Training

What graduates do on the job

  • Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds, or performing surgery.
  • Inoculate animals against various diseases, such as rabies or distemper.
  • Examine animals to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries.
  • Collect body tissue, feces, blood, urine, or other body fluids for examination and analysis.
  • Operate diagnostic equipment, such as radiographic or ultrasound equipment, and interpret the resulting images.
  • Educate the public about diseases that can be spread from animals to humans.

Tools & technology

Adobe AcrobatAmerican Data Systems PAWS Veterinary Practice ManagementComplete ClinicEklin Information Systems VIAHenry Schein ImproMedIDEXX Laboratories IDEXX CornerstoneIDEXX Laboratories IDEXX VPMImproMed Infinity

Concentrations within Veterinary Medicine

Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).

  • Veterinary Medicine
    CIP 01.8001

    A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of veterinary medicine, involving the diagnosis, treatment, and health care management of animals and animal populations a

Common questions

What is the main focus of the Veterinary Medicine program?+

The program focuses on the health and well-being of animals, preparing students to diagnose and treat various animal health issues.

What skills will I develop in this program?+

Students will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, science, and communication.

What is the job outlook for veterinary professionals?+

The job outlook is strong, with a growth rate of 9.6% and about 3,000 annual openings.

What level of education is required to work in veterinary medicine?+

A doctoral or professional degree is typically required to enter the field.

Related programs

Other programs in the same field of study.

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