10 Online Vet Tech Programs That Accept FAFSA 2026

Pursuing a veterinary technology degree online can be an affordable path when you choose a program eligible for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These schools allow you to apply federal financial aid to reduce tuition costs, making your education more accessible. 

With veterinary technicians in high demand and online formats offering flexible schedules, you can prepare for credentialing while balancing work or family responsibilities. Below, we’ve highlighted accredited online vet tech programs that combine affordability, flexibility, and career readiness.

Can You Use FAFSA for an Online Vet Tech Program?

Yes, you can use FAFSA to pay for an online vet tech program as long as the school is a Title IV institution and the program is properly accredited. Accreditation may come from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for vet tech programs, as well as the college’s institutional accreditor. 

To ensure eligibility, check the school’s financial aid page, confirm its FAFSA school code, or contact the financial aid office directly. Verifying this step is essential before enrolling so you can access grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

Top Online Vet Tech Programs That Accept FAFSA

If you’re looking for an affordable way to become a veterinary technician, these online programs combine financial aid eligibility with flexible learning. Each school is accredited, accepts FAFSA, and provides the hands-on training you need to qualify for licensure and start your career in animal care.

1. Mount Wachusett Community College

Mount Wachusett Community College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in veterinary technology that provides both classroom learning and hands-on training. The curriculum covers topics like animal diseases, veterinary radiology, anatomy and physiology, and animal behavior, giving you the skills needed to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).

A key feature of the program is its practical training, which includes two 120-hour internships at off-site facilities. These rotations let you work with farm animals, exotics, and wildlife under the supervision of certified veterinary technicians. High school students can also get a head start with a dual enrollment option available during their senior year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $25 per credit hour (resident); $37.50 per credit hour (regional); $230 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA)

2. San Juan College

San Juan College offers an online AAS in veterinary technology, one of only 10 fully accredited online programs in the nation. The program combines flexibility with rigor, letting you take one to four courses per semester on a part-time schedule. Coursework covers nursing skills, surgical and clinical assisting, diagnostic imaging, pharmacology, and care for a wide range of animal species.

Graduates have an impressive track record, with an 85.71% pass rate on the VTNE in recent testing, well above the national average. After earning your degree and passing the VTNE, you’ll qualify to work as a credentialed veterinary technician. Plus, San Juan’s articulation agreement with the University of Missouri allows you to transfer directly into a bachelor’s program with junior standing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $61 per credit hour (resident); $195 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Program length: Two to four years (part-time, flexible pacing)
• Accreditation: AVMA CVTEA

3. Colby Community College

Colby Community College’s distance learning veterinary nursing program gives you the flexibility to earn an AAS in veterinary nursing entirely online. The 82-credit program combines online coursework with practical training, so you can prepare for a career as a veterinary technician without relocating to campus.

Hands-on experience is built into the program through partnerships with local veterinary hospitals, where you’ll work with companion animals, horses, and birds. If you want exposure to larger or exotic animals, optional on-campus weekend mentorships are available. You’ll also demonstrate AVMA essential skills through video submissions reviewed by faculty.

• Estimated tuition cost: $77 per credit hour (in-county); $82 (out-of-county); $102 (in-region); $136 (out-of-state)
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: AVMA CVTEA

4. Dallas College

Dallas College’s Cedar Valley campus offers a veterinary technology AAS degree through a fully accredited distance education program. Designed to prepare you for a career as a veterinary technician, the curriculum includes training in nursing care, radiology, laboratory procedures, and assisting with anesthesia and surgery.

With a minimum of 60 semester credit hours, the program ensures you gain both knowledge and practical skills. At least 25% of your coursework must be completed through Dallas College, which makes this a great program for transfer students. Graduates are eligible to sit for national and state credentialing exams and start careers in veterinary practices, research facilities, and allied health industries. Applications are accepted year-round for added flexibility.

• Estimated tuition cost: $99 per credit hour (in-county); $169 (out-of-county); $250 (out-of-state)
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: AVMA CVTEA

5. St. Petersburg College

The Associate of Science (AS) in veterinary technology at St. Petersburg College prepares you for a career in veterinary medicine with flexible learning options. Accredited by both AVMA and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the program can be completed online, in person, or in a blended format. Coursework covers radiology, nursing, dentistry, and anesthesia.

Students attending on campus benefit from a state-of-the-art training facility, while online learners integrate hands-on experience at local veterinary practices with their online classes. The program’s goal is to equip you with the technical and professional skills needed to succeed in the field and to prepare you to pass the VTNE.

• Estimated tuition cost: $122 per credit hour (in-state); $387 per credit hour (out-of-state) 
• Program length: Two to three years  
• Accreditation: AVMA CVTEA; AAHA

6. Madison Area Technical College

Madison Area Technical College in Madison, WI, offers a veterinary technician associate degree that will prepare you for a career as a veterinary technician or laboratory animal technician. The 64-credit program takes about two years to complete and includes courses such as animal anatomy and physiology, surgical nursing, and diagnostic imaging. Recent graduates report a 100% employment rate, reflecting the program’s strong outcomes.

The program mixes online and in-person learning, with a format that offers flexibility. Students can also enroll as satellite students, completing theory courses fully online while attending in-person labs for hands-on skills. Admission is through a petition process and may involve a wait time of up to one year. Graduates are eligible to sit for the VTNE to become certified.

• Estimated tuition cost: $152 per credit hour (in-state); $228 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: AVMA CVTEA

7. Northern Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia Community College’s (NOVA) Loudoun Campus offers an AAS in veterinary technology, accredited by AVMA since 1980. The program prepares you to become a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) through a rigorous curriculum that balances classroom learning with extensive hands-on experience.

Students train in a modern teaching hospital equipped with a surgery suite, dental suite, and digital radiology suite. The program can be completed on a full- or part-time schedule with both on-campus and online coursework. With small class sizes and instruction from veterinarians and licensed technicians, NOVA provides strong support as you move toward licensure.

• Estimated tuition cost: $202 per credit hour; $426 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: Two to three years 
• Accreditation: AVMA CVTEA

8. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University has a fully online Bachelor of Science (BS) in veterinary technology, developed in partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital. The program is designed to meet AVMA requirements and prepare you for certification exams. The curriculum includes more than 70 credit hours of veterinary coursework covering animal care, diagnostics, and clinical practices.

In addition to online classes, you’ll complete 400 hours of supervised clinical experience to build practical skills. The program also allows you to focus your studies in areas such as practice management or public health, depending on your career interests. Graduates are well-prepared for veterinary careers in a field that continues to see strong job growth nationwide.

• Estimated tuition cost: $205 per credit hour (in-state); $938.83 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: Four years 
• Accreditation: AVMA CVTEA

9. SUNY Delhi

The State University of New York (SUNY) Delhi’s veterinary science technology program lets you earn an AAS degree and qualify to become an LVT entirely online. The program delivers the same curriculum as the on-campus option, taught by experienced veterinarians and licensed technicians.

A 240-hour preceptorship gives you the chance to build essential hands-on skills at a veterinary practice of your choice. Graduates are eligible to sit for the VTNE and may seamlessly continue into SUNY Delhi’s four-year veterinary technology bachelor’s program or related fields.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,070 per year (in-state); $12,590 per year (out-of-state)
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: AVMA CVTEA

10. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers an online BS in veterinary technology designed for registered veterinary technicians who already hold an associate degree. This fully online program builds on your existing foundation, deepening your knowledge of animal anatomy, behavior, and disease while also covering business, communication, and practice management. 

Because the program is asynchronous and semester-based, you can transfer associate-level credits and general education coursework to shorten your timeline. The flexibility and professional focus make it a strong option for advancing your veterinary career or preparing for graduate study in veterinary sciences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $597.60 per credit hour
• Program length: Typically two to three years, depending on transfer credits
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

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 selected these online vet tech programs based on factors that ensure affordability, quality, and accessibility for students. Each school meets strict standards to support your success in veterinary technology.

• FAFSA eligibility: Programs must be offered through Title IV schools so students can apply for federal financial aid.
• Accreditation: Programs must be accredited by AVMA or an approved institutional accreditor.
• Affordability: Preference is given to schools with lower tuition costs and flexible payment options.
• Online format: Programs must provide fully online or hybrid coursework that can be completed remotely.

How To Find Affordable Online Vet Tech Programs

Online vet tech programs usually cost between $7,000 and $20,000 per year at public colleges, while private schools may run higher. By choosing a FAFSA-eligible program, you can apply federal aid such as Pell Grants, student loans, and work-study to help offset tuition. Many students also qualify for additional support through state grants, institutional scholarships, or veterinary-specific awards. 

Accreditation plays a key role, since only accredited programs are eligible for federal aid, and credits earned at accredited schools are more likely to transfer if you continue into a bachelor’s program. Checking both institutional and AVMA accreditation ensures your degree carries long-term value.

What To Look for in an Online Vet Tech Program

When choosing an online vet tech program, accreditation should be your first priority, as it ensures quality and makes you eligible for financial aid and licensure. Look for strong clinical support, including externships or partnerships with veterinary practices, so you gain hands-on skills alongside online coursework. 

Exam pass rates, especially on the VTNE, give you a clear picture of graduate success. Faculty expertise also matters; programs led by veterinarians and licensed technicians provide better preparation. Finally, confirm the program meets your state’s requirements for licensure or certification.

FAQs About Online Vet Tech Programs and FAFSA

If you’re planning to enroll in an online vet tech program, you may have questions about financial aid and program outcomes. These FAQs cover common concerns about FAFSA eligibility, costs, and career preparation.

How Do I Know If a Vet Tech Program Accepts FAFSA?

To confirm if a vet tech program accepts FAFSA, first check that the school is a Title IV institution, meaning it participates in federal financial aid programs. Most colleges clearly list this information on their financial aid webpage, along with their FAFSA school code. You can also search for the school code directly on the FAFSA website. 

If you’re still unsure, contact the school’s financial aid office for verification. For example, programs accredited by AVMA at community colleges typically accept FAFSA, while some private or non-accredited schools may not.

Does FAFSA Cover the Entire Cost of a Vet Tech Program?

FAFSA can help reduce the cost of your vet tech program, but it may not cover everything. Federal aid typically includes Pell Grants, subsidized or unsubsidized loans, and sometimes work-study opportunities. For instance, a Pell Grant might cover a few thousand dollars of tuition per year, but you may still need to use loans, savings, or additional scholarships to pay the balance. 

Many students combine federal aid with state grants or institutional scholarships to minimize out-of-pocket costs. Always review your financial aid award letter carefully to understand how much support you’ll receive and what expenses remain.

Are Online Vet Tech Programs Accredited and Legitimate?

Yes, many online vet tech programs are fully accredited and recognized by AVMA. Accreditation ensures that the program meets professional standards and prepares you to sit for the VTNE. To confirm legitimacy, check both the school’s institutional accreditation and AVMA approval. 

For example, programs at San Juan College and Colby Community College are accredited and widely respected. Choosing an accredited program protects your ability to qualify for licensure, transfer credits, and access financial aid, making it a crucial factor in selecting an online veterinary technology program.

What’s the Cheapest Way To Become a Vet Tech Online?

The most affordable way to become a vet tech online is typically through a community or state college program that accepts FAFSA. These schools often charge lower tuition rates, sometimes under $200 per credit hour, and allow you to apply Pell Grants and federal loans. 

You can also look for state-specific grants or institutional scholarships to reduce costs further. For example, SUNY Delhi offers an accredited online program with in-state tuition that’s significantly lower than private colleges. Combining federal aid with scholarships and a low-cost public school can make becoming a vet tech much more affordable.

Do Online Programs Still Require Clinical Experience?

Yes, clinical experience is a required part of every accredited vet tech program, whether online or on campus. Online programs typically partner with local veterinary practices where you complete externships under supervision. 

These experiences ensure you gain hands-on skills in areas like anesthesia, radiology, and patient care. Even though your coursework is online, clinical training is essential for passing the VTNE and becoming credentialed in your state.

Explore Affordable Veterinarian Programs

Take the next step toward your career by exploring accredited vet tech programs on Learn.org. Compare tuition, confirm FAFSA eligibility, and reach out to schools directly to start your application and plan your path toward becoming a licensed veterinary technician.