Our DVM Degree Program’s Cost of Attendance
A college education is an investment in your future, but to manage that investment, you need to know the costs. This page will show you the estimated average expenses a full-time student may experience in the veterinary medicine program at USU. No two students are alike, so things like housing and food will vary from student to student depending on their individual needs and circumstances.
- Housing and food includes things like rent, groceries or meal plans, and basic utilities.
- Miscellaneous and personal expenses include things like clothing, entertainment, and other living expenses.
- Transportation includes things like travel between campus, residences, and a student’s place of work as well as basic vehicle maintenance.
- Amounts deducted upfront from student loans are taken into account when a student receives a financial aid offer.
- Your individual estimated cost of attendance will be displayed on a webpage that you can access from your financial aid offer email.
- Your calculated financial need is your cost of attendance minus your FAFSA expected family contribution amount, which allows USU to determine your eligibility for subsidized loans, work-study, etc.
USU is willing to consider modifications to these components for the purpose of determining cost of living for student aid. Daycare, childcare, and private school tuition can also be added to a student's cost of attendance, as can high out-of-pocket medical and dental costs that were recently paid.
Students may also appeal for a one-time increase if they need to purchase a computer for their program. Not all increases result in additional direct loan assistance, but they may result in additional eligibility for Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) or private education loans instead.
Utah Resident
| Expenses | Academic Year 1 Fall/Spring 9 months |
Academic Year 2 Fall/Spring 9 months |
Academic Year 3 Fall/Spring 9 months |
Academic Year 4 Summer/Fall/Spring 12 months |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition*** | $27,658 | $27,658 | $27,658 | $41,487 | $124,461 |
| Housing & Food** | $9,874 | $9,874 | $9,874 | $15,713 | $45,335 |
| Books, Supplies, & Other | $856 | $856 | $856 | $1,141 | $3,709 |
| Transportation** | $2,648 | $2,648 | $2,648 | $5,534 | $13,478 |
| Misc/Personal | $1,628 | $1,628 | $1,628 | $2,170 | $7,054 |
| Projected Estimates | $42,664 | $42,664 | $42,664 | $66,045 | $194,037 |
Non-Resident*
| Expenses | Academic Year 1 Fall/Spring 9 months |
Academic Year 2 Fall/Spring 9 months |
Academic Year 3 Fall/Spring 9 months |
Academic Year 4 Summer/Fall/Spring 12 months |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition*** | $52,686 | $52,686 | $52,686 | $66,515 | $224,573 |
| Housing & Food** | $9,874 | $9,874 | $9,874 | $15,713 | $45,335 |
| Books, Supplies, & Other | $856 | $856 | $856 | $1,141 | $3,709 |
| Transportation** | $2,648 | $2,648 | $2,648 | $5,534 | $13,478 |
| Misc/Personal | $1,628 | $1,628 | $1,628 | $2,170 | $7,054 |
| Projected Estimates | $67,692 | $67,692 | $67,692 | $91,073 | $294,149 |
*DVM applicants who do not meet all requirements to be eligible for resident tuition by the applicable deadline (VMCAS application deadline) shall be classified as nonresidents for tuition purposes and shall not be eligible for residency reclassification or appeal at any point during the entire duration of their participation in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. DVM students determined to be nonresidents for tuition purposes will be charged nonresident tuition for all four years of the DVM program. Please see Utah Residency for Tuition Purposes for more information.
**The CVM plans to provide a travel award to students to help offset the increased cost in housing and travel to off-site clinical rotation in the fourth-year. For more information about cost of attendance and financial support, please reference USU's Cost of Attendence page.
*** Amount listed is for Tuition only. Fees are calculated on a percentage of tuition. Fees in 2025-26 based on 21 credit hours were $518.14. Please reference USU’s Tuition and Fees website for the most current information.
Institutional Cost Comparison Tool
The AAVMC Cost Comparison Tool is an online resource developed by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) to assist prospective veterinary students in evaluating and planning for the financial aspects of their education. It offers detailed information on the costs associated with attending various veterinary schools, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other potential costs. The tool allows users to compare these expenses across different institutions, helping them make informed decisions and develop a realistic financial plan for their veterinary education. This tool can be found at: https://www.aavmc.org/becoming-a-veterinarian/funding-your-degree/cost-comparison-tool/
An additional veterinary medical college cost comparison tool can be found here and at https://www.vin.com/studentdebtcenter/default.aspx?pid=14352&id=7728661
Scholarship Displacement
Non-federal aid such as private or institutional scholarships, tribal funding, vocational rehabilitation, etc. may affect eligibility for institutional aid, including student loans. Reductions to work-study, supplemental grants, and subsidized student loans are required when a student's total aid exceeds their financial need and/or cost of attendance. Additional reductions to PLUS, private, and unsubsidized loans may also be necessary. We will notify students of such reductions by email, and students may appeal them.
Earning Potential and Job Market Outlook
As a prospective veterinary student, it is crucial to understand the economic landscape of the veterinary profession to make informed decisions about your education and career. The veterinary field offers diverse opportunities, but it is important to be aware of the financial aspects, including the cost of veterinary education, earning potential, and job market outlook.
To help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the economic state of the veterinary profession, we recommend exploring the following resources:
- AVMA Economic State of the Profession Report: This report, published by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), provides an in-depth analysis of trends in veterinary income, employment opportunities, and the financial health of the profession. You can access the report here.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: The BLS provides detailed information about the job outlook, earning potential, and employment trends for veterinarians in the United States. This resource is valuable for understanding the long-term prospects and economic realities of the veterinary field. Access the BLS page on veterinarians to learn more.
By reviewing these resources, you can develop a clearer picture of the economic state of the veterinary profession and make more informed decisions about your future in veterinary medicine.
Understanding Federal Loan Limits and Funding Gaps for DVM Students
Pursuing the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree is a significant professional and financial investment. Utah State University College of Veterinary Medicine (USU CVM) is committed to transparency so prospective and current students can plan effectively for the full cost of their education.
Recent changes to federal student loan policy mean that federal loans may not fully cover the cost of attendance for all veterinary students, particularly for non-resident students. The information below explains what these limits are, how they may affect you, and what options exist to cover potential funding gaps.
Federal Student Loan Limits for Professional Students
Veterinary students are classified as professional students for federal financial aid purposes. Under current federal policy (effective for new borrowing beginning in 2026):
- Students may borrow up to $50,000 per academic year in federal loans
- Students may borrow up to $200,000 total across the entire DVM program
Federal loans may be used for tuition and approved living expenses, but borrowing is limited to these caps.
Authoritative federal guidance:
Federal Student Aid (U.S. Department of Education)
Federal vs. Private Loans Comparison
USU CVM Estimated Cost of Attendance
Utah Resident Students (approximate)
- Total program cost (4 years): ~$194,000
- Years 1–3: ~$42,700 per year
- Year 4 (12-month clinical year): ~$66,000
Non-Resident Students (approximate)
- Total program cost (4 years): ~$293,000
- Years 1–3: ~$67,700 per year
- Year 4: ~$90,200
Note: Tuition is the primary difference between resident and non-resident costs. Program and university fees are assessed separately and may increase total costs.
What Is a Funding Gap?
A funding gap is the difference between your total cost of attendance and the amount you are able to borrow through federal student loans.
Example Scenarios
Resident Student Example:
A resident student whose Year 4 cost of attendance is approximately $66,000 may borrow up to $50,000 in federal loans, leaving an estimated funding gap of about $16,000 for that year.
Non-Resident Student Example:
A non-resident student with annual costs of approximately $67,700 in Years 1–3 may face a gap of about $17,700 per year. During Year 4, with costs around $90,200, the gap may be approximately $40,000. In addition, total program costs exceed the $200,000 lifetime federal loan limit.
How Students Commonly Cover Funding Gaps
Students typically use a combination of the following resources:
- Private educational loans
- Scholarships and institutional aid
- Personal savings or family support
- Employer or military education benefits (if applicable)
Private educational loans are commonly used when federal loans are insufficient. Students are encouraged to compare lenders, understand interest rates and repayment terms, and consider long-term repayment obligations.
Long-Term Considerations
Borrowing beyond federal loan limits—especially through private loans—can increase total educational debt and monthly repayment after graduation. Prospective students are encouraged to consider these factors carefully as part of their overall decision-making process.
Additional Planning Resources
AAVMC Student Financial Resources
Federal Loan Repayment Estimator
Loan Repayment Programs
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
Starting July 1st, 2023, we will be accepting applications for the Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program. If you work 32 hours per week on average in a shortage area for 5 years after the date of application, you could be eligible to receive loan repayment, of up to $100,000.
United States Department of Agriculture
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will carry out NVMSA by entering into educational loan repayment agreements with veterinarians who agree to provide veterinary services in veterinarian shortage situations for a determined period of time. If you commit to at least three years to providing veterinary services in a designated veterinary shortage area, NIFA may repay up to $25,000 of your student loan debt per year. Loan repayment benefits are limited to payments of the principal and interest on government and commercial loans you received for the attendance at an accredited college of veterinary medicine resulting in a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or the equivalent.
Additional USU Financial Support Resources
Additional financial support resources are provided through USU's Office of Student Financial Support.