10 Veterinary Schools That Accept a Low GPA

Getting into veterinary school can be challenging, especially if your GPA is lower than the averages reported by many programs. Still, several veterinary schools that accept a low GPA take a more holistic approach to admissions and may consider factors like science coursework, animal experience, recommendation letters, and academic improvement alongside your grades.

A lower GPA does not automatically prevent you from becoming a veterinarian. Below, we’ll go over veterinary schools that may be more accessible for students with lower GPAs, what admissions teams look for, how financial aid works, and ways to strengthen your application before applying.

Can You Get Into a Veterinary Program With a Low GPA?

It is possible to get into a veterinary program with a low GPA, although admissions can be competitive. Many veterinary schools review applications holistically, meaning they look beyond GPA alone when evaluating candidates. Strong science grades, veterinary or animal experience, recommendation letters, leadership, and personal statements can all help strengthen an application.

Some veterinary schools also place greater emphasis on recent coursework or science GPA rather than cumulative GPA alone. Students who show an upward academic trend or complete additional science coursework after graduation may improve their chances of admission. A strong background working with veterinarians, animal shelters, farms, or research programs can also help demonstrate readiness for veterinary school.

Applying strategically is important. Schools with holistic admissions policies or slightly lower average admitted GPAs may provide more realistic opportunities for students whose academic records fall below the national average. Building experience in animal care and submitting a well-rounded application can help improve your chances of acceptance.

Veterinary Schools That Accept a Low GPA

Veterinary schools can have very different admissions standards, especially when it comes to GPA expectations. While many highly selective programs report average admitted GPAs above 3.5, some schools use a more holistic admissions process and may place greater emphasis on animal experience, science coursework, recommendation letters, and academic improvement over time. All schools on this list are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE).

1. Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine

Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine is located in Auburn, Alabama. Auburn University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The college offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program with strong clinical training opportunities and hands-on experience in animal care, research, and veterinary medicine.

Admissions requirements include prerequisite science coursework, veterinary or animal experience hours, recommendation letters, and a competitive academic background. The school uses a holistic review process that considers science GPA, animal care experience, leadership, communication skills, and personal background alongside overall GPA. Students with lower GPAs may still strengthen their applications through extensive veterinary experience or strong recent academic performance.

2. Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine is located in Manhattan, Kansas. The university is often recognized among the most affordable colleges in Kansas and has a long-standing reputation for veterinary and agricultural education. The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program includes classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical rotations covering both small and large animal medicine.

Kansas State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Admissions teams review prerequisite coursework, science GPA, veterinary experience, recommendation letters, and personal statements as part of the application process. The school may consider students with lower GPAs who demonstrate strong science preparation, extensive animal experience, or academic improvement over time.

3. Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine

Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine offers a DVM program with a focus on hands-on clinical training, rural veterinary medicine, and service to underserved communities. Students complete coursework in animal health sciences alongside clinical experiences in companion animal, livestock, and mixed-animal care settings. Admissions requirements include prerequisite science courses, veterinary experience hours, recommendation letters, and personal statements. The school uses a holistic admissions process that considers academic performance alongside professional experience, leadership, and community involvement.

The college is located in Harrogate, Tennessee, near the Kentucky and Virginia borders in the Appalachian region. Lincoln Memorial University is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC.

4. Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine

Louisiana State University (LSU) is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The School of Veterinary Medicine offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program with training in companion animal medicine, food animal medicine, equine care, research, and public health. Admissions teams review science coursework, veterinary and animal experience hours, recommendation letters, and academic trends when evaluating applicants.

The school is located on the main LSU campus, one of the best universities in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Students complete clinical training through teaching hospitals and research facilities that serve both small and large animals. Applicants with lower GPAs may still strengthen their applications through extensive veterinary experience, strong science performance, or evidence of academic improvement in recent coursework.

5. Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine

Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine operates campuses in Glendale, Arizona, and Downers Grove, Illinois. Midwestern University is institutionally accredited by the HLC. The veterinary program emphasizes hands-on clinical training, simulation-based learning, and interprofessional education alongside other health sciences programs offered by the university.

Admissions requirements include prerequisite science courses, veterinary experience hours, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. The school uses a holistic admissions process that considers academic performance alongside communication skills, leadership, and animal care experience. Students with lower GPAs may still be competitive if they demonstrate strong science preparation, meaningful veterinary experience, or improvement in recent coursework.

6. Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine is located in Starkville, Mississippi. The DVM program offers training in companion animal medicine, food animal medicine, equine care, and public health. Students complete classroom instruction alongside hands-on clinical experiences through teaching hospitals and community partnerships. Admissions requirements include prerequisite science coursework, veterinary experience hours, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.

Mississippi State University is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The admissions process considers science GPA, veterinary experience, leadership, and communication skills in addition to overall academic performance. Applicants with lower GPAs may still strengthen their applications through strong recent coursework, extensive animal experience, or competitive science grades.

7. Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program with training in small animal, large animal, equine, and mixed-animal medicine. Students gain clinical experience through teaching hospitals, laboratories, and fieldwork opportunities throughout the program. Admissions teams review science coursework, veterinary experience, recommendation letters, and academic performance as part of a holistic application process.

The college is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Oklahoma State University is institutionally accredited by the HLC. Applicants with lower GPAs may still be considered if they demonstrate strong science preparation, extensive veterinary experience, or improvement in upper-level coursework.

8. Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine

Tuskegee University is institutionally accredited by the SACSCOC. The College of Veterinary Medicine offers a DVM program known for its focus on public service, research, and veterinary care in underserved communities. Admissions requirements include prerequisite science coursework, veterinary and animal experience hours, recommendation letters, and personal statements. The school uses a holistic admissions process that reviews academic background alongside leadership, service, and professional experience.

The college is located in Tuskegee and is one of the best HBCUs in Alabama. Tuskegee has a long history in veterinary education and is one of the few historically Black colleges and universities to operate a veterinary medicine program. Students complete clinical training in both small and large animal care settings throughout the program.

9. University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine

The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine is located in Columbia, Missouri. The University of Missouri is institutionally accredited by the HLC. The college offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program with training in companion animal medicine, food animal care, diagnostics, surgery, and veterinary research. Students gain hands-on experience through teaching hospitals, laboratories, and clinical rotations throughout the program.

Admissions requirements include prerequisite science coursework, veterinary experience hours, recommendation letters, and personal statements. The admissions process reviews science GPA, academic trends, animal care experience, and communication skills alongside overall GPA. Applicants with lower GPAs may still strengthen their applications through strong science coursework, extensive veterinary experience, or evidence of academic improvement over time.

10. Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine

Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine is located in Pomona, California, in the greater Los Angeles area. The college offers a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program that emphasizes problem-based learning, interprofessional education, and clinical experience across a variety of animal care settings. Applicants must complete prerequisite science coursework and submit veterinary experience hours, recommendation letters, and application materials as part of the admissions process.

Western University of Health Sciences is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The school uses a holistic admissions process that considers academic performance alongside leadership, communication skills, and veterinary experience. Students with lower GPAs may still be competitive if they demonstrate strong recent science coursework or meaningful hands-on experience working with animals and veterinarians.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. We also look at key factors like:

• Accreditation: We prioritize schools that are institutionally accredited by recognized regional accrediting agencies and maintain accreditation for their veterinary programs through the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE).
• Admissions requirements: We review average admitted GPAs, holistic admissions practices, prerequisite coursework, veterinary experience expectations, and whether schools may consider applicants with lower GPAs alongside other strengths.
• Online availability: While veterinary medicine programs require in-person clinical training, we consider whether schools offer flexible coursework, simulation labs, or hybrid learning components that may support nontraditional students.
• Student outcomes: We evaluate factors such as clinical training opportunities, research access, licensing preparation, and the overall reputation of the veterinary program.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Average GPA Do You Need for Veterinary School?

The average GPA for vet school applicants who enroll in U.S. programs is often around 3.5 or higher, although admissions standards vary by school. Some highly competitive veterinary programs report incoming class averages closer to 3.7, while other schools with more holistic admissions processes may consider applicants with GPAs in the low 3s or below in certain cases.

Many veterinary schools also place significant weight on science GPA and recent coursework. Strong grades in biology, chemistry, animal science, and upper-level science courses can help demonstrate academic readiness for veterinary school. Some schools may even focus more heavily on last-45-credit GPA trends rather than cumulative GPA alone.

Admissions committees also evaluate veterinary experience, animal handling experience, recommendation letters, leadership, and communication skills. Students with lower GPAs may strengthen their applications through extensive clinical experience, strong prerequisite grades, or additional post-baccalaureate science coursework before applying.

Can You Get Financial Aid With a Low GPA?

Many students can still qualify for financial aid even with a lower GPA. Federal financial aid eligibility is usually based on factors such as enrollment status, financial need, citizenship, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress after enrolling in school. Most accredited veterinary schools participate in federal financial aid programs and accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

However, GPA requirements for financial aid can vary depending on the type of aid. Merit-based scholarships may require higher academic averages, while federal loans and need-based aid often have more flexible standards. Students searching for scholarships for students with a low GPA may find opportunities through veterinary associations, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and service-based scholarship programs.

Veterinary students may also qualify for loan repayment or scholarship programs tied to rural veterinary medicine, food animal care, or public service careers. Applying for multiple scholarships and researching state and professional association aid programs early can help reduce the overall cost of veterinary school.

Tips for Getting Into Veterinary School With a Low GPA

If you want to get into veterinary school with a low GPA, applying strategically can make a major difference. Some schools place greater emphasis on holistic admissions and may look closely at veterinary experience, science coursework, and academic improvement instead of GPA alone. Researching vet schools with high acceptance rates or schools with lower average admitted GPAs can help you build a more realistic application list.

Hands-on experience is especially important for veterinary school applicants. Working in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, farms, wildlife centers, or research facilities can help demonstrate commitment to the profession and strengthen your application. Many veterinary schools value extensive animal care experience just as much as academic performance.

Improving your science GPA can also help offset a lower cumulative GPA. Retaking prerequisite science courses or completing upper-level biology and chemistry classes may show admissions teams that you are academically prepared for veterinary school. Some students also complete post-baccalaureate coursework or science-focused master’s programs before applying.

Strong recommendation letters and a thoughtful personal statement can also help strengthen your application. Admissions teams often want to understand your academic journey, professional goals, and motivation for pursuing veterinary medicine. A well-rounded application that highlights growth, experience, and preparation can improve your chances of admission even with a lower GPA.

FAQs About Veterinary Schools That Accept a Low GPA

Applying to veterinary school with a lower GPA can raise questions about admissions standards, experience requirements, and career preparation. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common questions students ask when researching veterinary schools that may be more accessible for applicants with lower academic averages.

Can You Get Into Veterinary School With a GPA Below 3.0?

Some students do get into veterinary school with GPAs below 3.0, although admissions may be more competitive. Schools with holistic admissions processes may consider veterinary experience, science coursework, recommendation letters, and academic improvement alongside GPA.

Students with lower GPAs often strengthen their applications through additional science coursework, strong prerequisite grades, or extensive hands-on experience working with veterinarians and animals.

Do Veterinary Schools Still Require the GRE?

Some veterinary schools still require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, although many programs have removed the requirement in recent years. Students looking for veterinary schools that don't require the GRE may find that a growing number of programs now focus more heavily on GPA, science coursework, and veterinary experience instead of standardized testing.

Because admissions policies can change, applicants should review each school’s requirements carefully before applying. Even at schools that no longer require the GRE, strong academic performance and animal experience remain important parts of the admissions process.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Veterinarian?

The length of time it takes to become a vet is usually around eight years after high school. Most students complete a four-year bachelor’s degree followed by a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.

Some students may take additional time if they complete post-baccalaureate coursework, pursue internships, or specialize in advanced veterinary fields after graduation. Clinical training and licensing exams are also required before practicing as a veterinarian.

Do You Need Veterinary Experience Before Applying?

Most veterinary schools strongly recommend or require veterinary experience before admission. This experience often includes working in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, farms, zoos, or research settings under the supervision of veterinarians.

Hands-on experience helps students understand the daily responsibilities of veterinary medicine and can strengthen applications significantly. Many schools also value experience with multiple types of animals and care environments.

Can You Apply to Veterinary School With a Non-Science Major?

Many veterinary schools accept students from a variety of undergraduate majors as long as prerequisite science coursework is completed. Biology and animal science are common majors, but students from fields like psychology, business, or English may still qualify for admission.

What matters most is completing required courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and microbiology while maintaining strong academic performance in those classes.

Discover Low GPA Veterinary Schools

Start your journey toward veterinary school by exploring the accessible programs highlighted on Learn.org. To find out more about admissions requirements and policies, reach out to specific vet schools directly.