10 Vet Schools That Don't Require GRE in 2025
Many veterinary medicine schools no longer require standardized test scores. These 10 schools offer rigorous veterinary programs, but don't require the GRE.
The graduate record examination (GRE) is a standardized test offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) that measures your readiness for grad school. However, many veterinary schools no longer require the GRE, focusing instead on other factors.
There are many accredited veterinarian schools that don't require GRE scores, and you can even become a veterinarian online through some programs. Below, we will look at 10 of the best vet schools in the nation, several of which are member institutions with the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).
Are There Vet Schools That Don't Require the GRE?
Yes, there are many vet schools that don't require GRE scores as part of their application process. Science.org reports that many schools dropped the GRE over concerns that it wasn't measuring success effectively and could be putting minority groups at a disadvantage. But it's not enough to have a love of animals, there are still strict admissions requirements for these programs.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Vet School?
Most students attend vet school to earn a master's or doctoral degree, so they should already have a relevant bachelor's degree. Many programs have a minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement and may also require an interview or letters of recommendation. Prerequisite courses may include organic chemistry, microbiology, or biochemistry.
Rather than GRE scores, some schools require students to take the CASPer test, which measures personal and professional skills. Review your school's specific admission requirements or contact the admissions office for more information.
Top No-GRE Vet Schools
These accredited vet schools do not require GRE scores, but they may still have a rigorous admissions process. It's important to note that many schools have one tuition rate up to year three and a higher rate for year four. As necessary, we have averaged these totals below.
1. Texas Tech University
Texas Tech's School of Veterinary Medicine offers a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. Students spend the first three years on campus and the fourth working in a community-based clinical learning network. This hands-on experience prepares grads to work in primary vet care.
Applicants should have a minimum 2.9 GPA, complete all required prerequisite classes, and provide examples of veterinary work in rural and regional communities.
- Estimated tuition cost: $5,400 per year
- Accreditation: American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA COE)
2. Michigan State University
Michigan State (MSU) offers a DVM program, veterinary nursing, graduate programs, residency opportunities, and internships. The school includes three biomedical science departments, large- and small-animal clinical departments, and two service units.
Applicants must have a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses, and all science prerequisites must be completed before applying. Students must pass a background check, and MSU recommends at least 150 hours of experience with a vet.
- Estimated tuition cost: $937.25 per credit hour
- Accreditation: AVMA COE
3. Colorado State University
Colorado State offers undergrad, graduate, and doctoral programs. DVM students spend the first two years building a strong medical foundation, and years three and four practicing surgery, primary, and specialty care at CSU's on-site hospitals.
Students must have completed or be in progress with all prerequisite courses when they apply. There are no GPA minimums, but students must submit three letters of recommendation.
- Estimated tuition cost: $1,533.69 per credit hour
- Accreditation: AVMA COE
4. Tufts University
Tufts offers doctorate, master's, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs; DVM students also have the option to pursue a dual degree. Tufts' large animal hospital gives students who hope to become livestock veterinarians hands-on experience with horses, alpacas, sheep, and more.
Applicants must submit their academic record, three letters of recommendation, and two essays. On their personal statement, students must show evidence of veterinary experience, community service, leadership, and extracurricular activities.
- Estimated tuition cost: $15,000 per year
- Accreditation: AVMA COE
5. Texas A&M University
The veterinary program at Texas A&M includes undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs. The four-year doctoral program includes three years of classroom and lab work and one year of clinical work at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
Prospective students must meet all three GPA requirements: a 2.90 overall, 3.10 for the last 45 semester hours, and a 2.9 for science courses. Applicants must also complete all required coursework and have at least 100 hours of direct veterinary experience.
- Estimated tuition cost: $19,790 per year
- Accreditation: AVMA COE
6. Mississippi State University
Mississippi State (MSU) offers both a veterinary medical (vet med) tech program and a DVM. Doctoral students will have two years of clinical work, focusing on numerous species and disciplines.
MSU offers an early entry program for high school seniors. All other applicants will apply through the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS). A supplemental application is also required, which has a $60 fee.
- Estimated tuition cost: $13,682.88 per semester
- Accreditation: AVMA COE
7. University of Florida
U.S. News and World Report ranked University of Florida's vet school number five in the nation. Programs include a DVM, MS, or PhD, as well as distance learning options in aquatic animal health, shelter medicine, and forensics.
DVM applicants must demonstrate both strong academic achievement and impressive communication skills. Additionally, they should have a 3.0 overall GPA, a C or higher in prerequisites, and a wide range of direct veterinary experience.
- Estimated tuition cost: $28,790 per year
- Accreditation: AVMA COE
8. Iowa State University
DVM students spend three years in the classroom gaining the skills, values, and attitudes to help them excel in their fourth-year clinical rotation. ISU's equine hospital is one of the leading equine veterinarian schools in the state, complete with an intensive care unit and advanced diagnostic tools.
Applicants must complete required coursework, have 200 hours of veterinary experience, include letters of recommendation, and a supplemental application.
- Estimated tuition cost: $30,154 per year
- Accreditation: AVMA COE
9. University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee admits about 100 students to its doctoral program every year. The large and small animal clinical science departments, internships, and residencies give students real, hands-on educational experiences.
The admissions procedure begins in January, and students must submit a VMCAS application, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and fees by the September deadline. Additional opportunities are available for students facing hardships.
- Estimated tuition cost: $30,788 per year
- Accreditation: AVMA COE
10. Ohio State University
Vet students at Ohio State can enroll in the following programs:
- DVM
- veterinary public health
- comparative biomedical sciences
- graduate certificate in global one health
Internships, externships, and residencies are also available. Interested doctoral students must have a 3.2 minimum overall GPA, veterinary and animal experience, community involvement, and evidence of communication and leadership skills. Students must also submit three letters of recommendation and a supplemental application.
- Estimated tuition cost: $43,964.50 per year
- Accreditation: AVMA COE
FAQs About Vet Schools That Don't Require the GRE
It is incredibly rewarding to work with dogs and cats, or even lions and tigers if you hope to become a zoo veterinarian. But you may still have questions about vet school. Below, we'll look at a few more schools and admission requirements.
Do You Have To Take a Test To Get Into Vet School?
Many vet schools no longer require standardized tests, including the GRE or Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Some may want students to take the CASPer test, but many prioritize grades, prior animal experience, and community service.
Does UC Davis Vet School Require GRE Scores?
University of California (UC) Davis is one of many graduate schools with no GRE requirements. Students should have a 2.5 overall GPA, 180 hours of vet experience, three letters of recommendation, and a bachelor's degree.
Does Cornell Vet School Require GRE Scores?
Cornell's admissions committee does not require any standardized test scores. However, students should complete all prerequisites, fulfill animal experience hours, and submit three evaluation letters. One letter should be from a veterinarian.
Does Purdue Vet School Require GRE Scores?
Applicants to Purdue University should have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.1, demonstrated leadership ability, evidence of veterinary experience and extracurriculars, and references. However, they do not need to submit GRE scores.
What Is the Easiest Vet School To Get Into?
Vet schools are inherently challenging and competitive. You can boost your application with more experience and good grades, but there is no ''easy'' vet school. You can look for schools with acceptance rates above 50%, but make sure they are fully accredited.
Explore Veterinarian Degrees
Whether you hope to care for dogs and cats or alligators and alpacas, a high-quality vet school is the place to begin your healthcare career. The schools featured on Learn.org offer more accredited veterinary programs. Reach out to one today to discuss the application process.