Improving life for over 130 years
Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has earned its international reputation for quality education, research and clinical service through the efforts of many generations of dedicated faculty, staff, students and alumni.
From the early work of Dr. Charles Allen Cary more than a century ago to the pursuit of current cutting-edge research initiatives, Auburn influences the character and scope of veterinary medicine on a global scale. As the country’s seventh-oldest veterinary school and the first in the South, Auburn is one of the nation’s premiere institutions for teaching, research and advanced diagnostic services for animals of all species.
At Auburn, students have the opportunity to work in a welcoming, collaborative, intellectually-stimulating environment with more than 150 nationally and internationally recognized faculty, who are board-certified specialists in disciplines ranging from infectious diseases to genomics to surgery.
A veterinarian’s ability to compassionately and effectively prevent, diagnose and treat diseases is both an art and a science. Here at Auburn, we take seriously our mission of educating veterinarians for the future — to protect animal health, to prevent and relieve animal suffering and to cultivate advanced knowledge and skills for the benefit of animals, the environment and society. We welcome all qualified and dedicated applicants who aspire to a career of service in this distinguished profession and we look forward to hearing from you.
NAVLE Pass Rates
Class of
2023
Class of
2022
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2021
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2020
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2019
The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. To practice clinical veterinary medicine in the United States, students must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). Auburn graduates far exceed the accrediting expectation of at least an 80% pass rate on the NAVLE.
Program Admission
Auburn University established the Department of Veterinary Science and Physiology in 1892. Since 1909, the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine has graduated 7,654 doctors of veterinary medicine. The college, known for its collegial atmosphere and strong traditions, provides a broad-based education that prepares students to enter a variety of careers in veterinary medicine.
Admission to the program is competitive and the number of applicants varies each year. Approximately 130 students are admitted to the professional program annually — 41 Alabama residents, 38 Kentucky residents through the Southern Regional Education Board contract and 51 non-resident/non-contract students. The most recent graduate statistical data can be found online at vetmed.auburn.edu.
Successful applicants demonstrate superior academic ability, as well as dedication to the profession evidenced by work or volunteer experience with animals. All applicants must apply through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). An electronic application is available at aavmc.org.
In addition to completing the required pre-veterinary courses, applicants should work with one or more veterinarians to learn about career opportunities and responsibilities within the profession. Experience
with both large and small animals is encouraged.
While experience working with veterinarians is necessary for admission, an applicant’s demonstration of academic ability is essential. The Admissions Committee carefully selects students that are perceived to demonstrate the attributes to be successful in both a rigorous four-year professional curriculum and in the profession.
Applicants must follow deadlines for submission of materials as stated on the VMCAS website.
Pre-veterinary coursework must be completed by June 15 of the year of matriculation.
Professional Career Opportunities
A degree in veterinary medicine provides a wide range of employment options. Our recent graduates have pursued employment opportunities in diverse practices and roles in locations worldwide.
Veterinarians are uniquely educated to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases affecting both animals and humans. In addition to treating animals, veterinarians play a major role in public health, environmental protection, biomedical research and ensuring the safety of the food we consume.
Approximately 63% of the 124,000 veterinarians in the United States are involved in clinical practice — treating individual animals or animals as part of a herd or flock. Many veterinarians limit their practice to certain species or areas (i.e., small animals, horses, food animals). Some veterinarians in mixed animal practice see all species of animals. Veterinarians may also specialize in certain disciplines, for instance surgery, dermatology or emergency medicine and critical care. Veterinary clinics range from solo practices to hospitals with many veterinarians and a variety of specialists.
Veterinarians are employed by the government in the military or as veterinary medical officers in the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service. Others work as state veterinarians or state public health veterinarians, where they are especially concerned about diseases that may transfer from animals to humans. Federal and state veterinarians are also responsible for protecting our country from foreign animal diseases.
Veterinarians employed in industry may have a background in areas such as pathology or toxicology. Companies may employ veterinarians in biomedical research or as technical consultants. At universities, veterinarians teach future generations, perform biomedical research and aid in the dissemination of new knowledge.
Pre-Veterinary Requirements
Alabama and Kentucky applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Non-resident/non-contract applicants must have a 3.0. Additionally, there is a mandatory interview with the college Admissions Committee.
The final grade for each required course must be a C-minus or better. Students completing pre-veterinary work at Auburn University must complete the requirements for the Auburn University core. Courses will not be waived on the basis of practical experience. Pass-fail or satisfactory-unsatisfactory grades are not acceptable in required courses.
Prerequisite courses listed under sections I, II, III and IV will be waived for students with a bachelor’s degree and for those graduating with a bachelor’s by June 15 of the year of matriculation. Following are the specific pre-veterinary course requirements for admission to the program. Please note details of the professional curriculum.
Note: Pass-fail, satisfactory-unsatisfactory or other alternative grading practices may be used to fulfill prerequisite courses taken during the spring 2020/summer 2020 terms as long as the alternative grading method indicates successful completion of the course
(i.e., pass or satisfactory vs. fail or unsatisfactory).
Prerequisite requirements have been updated to reflect that which will be required for admission into the Class of 2028.
* A six-hour sequence is required in either literature or history.
Humanities include literature, philosophy, religious studies, speech and foreign languages.
Fine arts include art, music, theater and dance, with an emphasis on history and appreciation rather than performance.
Social/behavioral sciences include history, anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology and sociology.
+ Science electives must include at least two of the following: animal nutrition, anatomy & physiology, cellular biology, comparative anatomy, genetics, embryology, mammalian or animal physiology, microbiology, physics II, histology, reproductive physiology, parasitology, or immunology.
Course requirements may change. Check the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine website regularly for updates at vetmed.auburn.edu.
Professional Curriculum
The Auburn University veterinary medicine professional curriculum is a rigorous four-year program that provides a broad-based education designed as a modified systems approach. The first year primarily consists of structure and function of the normal animal. This includes gross and microscopic anatomy, imaging and physiology.
During the first semester of the second year, several principles courses are taught, such as immunology, infectious diseases and pathology. Also during the second year, students begin studying disease processes by system. Each system includes appropriate pathology, imaging, diagnostic techniques and therapeutic measures for both large and small animal diseases.
Each semester includes presentations of clinical cases related to topics currently being taught. All students are required to complete four hours of electives before starting spring semester of the third year. Examples include disaster medicine, wildlife diseases, advanced reproductive techniques, diagnostic ultrasound, aquarium medicine, sports medicine and rehabilitation, equine lameness and well being. During the final year of the curriculum, students participate in a series of required rotations interacting with patients and clients in the veterinary teaching hospitals.
In addition to core clinical rotations, students may elect to take rotations such as oncology, cardiology, ophthalmology, dermatology, ambulatory, neurology, orthopedic surgery and practice management. Students may also participate in externships at a variety of locations. Some students choose to work with practices in specific species such as swine, feline, avian or exotic animals. Others use the opportunity to learn more about certain disciplines such as dentistry or cardiology. Still others learn about nontraditional veterinary careers at locations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, research facilities or zoos. A few students gain international experience during their externships.
The final portion of the veterinary curriculum is a required preceptorship. Most students spend this period with a veterinarian in clinical practice. During this time students gain supervised, hands-on experience with day-to-day veterinary medical activities.
Core Clinical Rotations
- Small Animal Internal Medicine
- Small Animal General Surgery
- Small Animal Community Practice
- Small Animal Emergency Medicine & Critical Care
- Equine Internal Medicine
- Equine Selective: Two of the following: Practice-based clerkship, Theriogenology, Ambulatory, or Surgery and Sports Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Anesthesiology
- Farm Animal Hospital & Theriogenology
- Diagnostic Pathology
- High Quality, High Volume Spay/Neuter
Estimated Cost of Attendance
The estimated cost of attendance for a nine-month academic year is outlined below. Course fees are based on full-time attendance. Although modest, these budgets are seen as adequate for the typical student. However, general spending habits will determine actual expenses. Please be aware that the estimated cost of attendance is higher for the third academic year when a third (summer) semester is required because of the year of clinical training. Students attend nine semesters during the four-year program.
| EXPENSE | AL / KY RESIDENT | NON-RESIDENT |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $29,608 | $50,992 |
| Books, Supplies & Insurance | $3,716 | $3,716 |
| Housing & Food | $15,396 | $15,396 |
| Personal Expenses | $3,219 | $3,219 |
| Transportation | $3,371 | $3,371 |
| TOTAL | $55,310 | $76,694 |
Estimated tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year are $31,974 for AL/KY residents and $54,006 for non-residents.
DVM students are required to have a working laptop computer that meets minimum hardware and software requirements as specified by the college’s IT unit.
Financial Assistance and Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities are offered annually through the Office of University Scholarships and most are available to students upon completion of the first semester of study. For the 2023-2024 academic year, 31% of enrolled students were awarded scholarship dollars averaging $5,945 per recipient and
totaling $1,117,708.
The Auburn University Office of Student Financial Services provides assistance to students who need financial aid in order to attend the university. The amount of aid granted is based on financial need and cost of attendance as determined by the university. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine need, and all students seeking financial assistance are required to complete the FAFSA annually. Aid programs available to professional students are limited to student loans with varying interest rates (i.e., Health Professions, Federal unsubsidized loans and the Grad PLUS loan for graduate and professional students).
Additional information can be obtained from:
Student Financial Services
203 Martin Hall
Auburn, AL 36849
| SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS | 384 (SPRING 2023) |
|---|---|
| Total dollar amount awarded | $1,117,708 |
| Average dollar amount per recipient | $5,945 |
| Average scholarship dollars per enrolled student | $2,166 |
| Average amount for 2nd-4th year applicant | $3,802 |
| Total amount for 2nd-4th year | $1,106,308 |
| Total amount for 1st years | $11,400 |
| Scholarships awarded to underrepresented minority students | 24 |
| Dollars awarded to underrepresented minority students | $130,408 |
Residency Requirements
For the purpose of assessing tuition and fees, applicants will be classified as Alabama or non-Alabama students. Contract students are treated as Alabama students. Non-Alabama, non-contract students are required to pay non-resident tuition.
No person who moves to Alabama for the primary purpose of attending college shall be considered to have demonstrated intent to establish domicile in the state of Alabama and will generally not be considered eligible for classification as a resident student. For additional information or to ask specific questions, contact the Office of the Registrar at residency@auburn.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Veterinarian’s Oath
Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health and the advancement of medical knowledge.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics. I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.
Office of Academic Affairs College of Veterinary Medicine
217 Veterinary Education Center
Auburn, AL 36849
vetmed.auburn.edu