Sniffing out the best affordable veterinary studies degree programs can help animal lovers pursue their passion of protecting our four-legged friends on budget. Cheap veterinary studies degree programs can save undergrads thousands of dollars on science courses about creatures both big and small. Veterinary studies bachelor’s majors can then forget financial stresses and focus on advocating for optimal pet health. Demand for veterinary studies graduates is growing congruently with the number of people owning animals. In November 2018, the American Veterinary Medical Association reported that 57 percent of U.S. homes had at least one pet. There are currently 89.7 million dogs and 94.2 million cats nationwide. Further, the Department of Agriculture counts 1.31 million farms that own livestock like cows, horses, and sheep. Today’s pet care industry generates more than $75 billion annually. Getting an affordable degree in veterinary studies lets students fetch gratifying careers tending cuddly critters.
Our Methodology
First, Affordable Schools decided to look for best-value veterinary studies degree programs that teach fundamental animal care skills at barktastic deals. Our team used the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator tool to locate bachelor’s opportunities. Our advanced search criteria narrowed down only four-year colleges with veterinary studies majors. We compiled an initial pool of 50 vet tech schools. We judged each college’s affordability by recording the average attendance cost for full-time students in 2018-19. Our research evaluated the in-state undergrad tuition, though the out-of-state price is also featured. To minimize loan debt, we preferred low-cost veterinary studies degree choices with $7,500 or lower tuition. We gave each institution one to five points based on the rubric below.
Points:
Under $7,500: 5 Points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 Points
$15,001 and Up: 1 Point
Second, the AS Staff used the College Navigator profiles to find each low-cost veterinary studies degree program’s student-faculty ratio. We considered student-faculty ratios because the number shows how closely learners interact with their professors. This proportion correlates how many students are generally assigned to the average teacher’s class. Veterinary studies schools with small classes are preferable to ensure hands-on interaction with pets and people alike. Lecture halls packed with hundreds of curious minds are less likely. Future vet techs will instead have more opportunities, including internships and animal research projects, with student-faculty ratios of 10:1 or less. We designed the following three-point scale to grade each economical veterinary studies degree for engagement.
Points:
10:1 or Less: 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 Points
Greater Than 15:1: 1 Point
Third, Affordable Schools evaluated the average graduation rates at each institution. We accessed the College Navigator’s retention and graduation tab to find an accurate percentage. This number exhibits how many bachelor’s majors culminate their program in at least six years. We chose graduation rates as a ranking factor because it shows concrete evidence of education quality. Graduation rates of 50 percent and more tell us that undergrads are satisfied with the learning environment. Students at schools with high graduation rates are less likely to invest in tuition without finishing their degree. We gave each college one to three points based on the scale below. Our researchers added up the point totals and profiled the 15 top-value veterinary studies degree programs with the most points.
Points:
Less than 30 Percent: 1 Point
Between 30 and 50 Percent: 2 Points
More than 50 Percent: 3 Points
Ranking the 15 Best Affordable Colleges for a Veterinary Studies Degree
15. Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Running the Tom Avery Poultry Research Farm since 1966, Kansas State University is a public, land-grant ASAIHL member that’s endowed for $539 million to employ 1,421 full-time faculty inspiring 22,221 Wildcats from 103 countries in 65 departments on its 668-acre Konza Prairie campus. In 2019, K-State accepted the Friends of Cats’ Cupboard Award. Kansas State had the 2019 ASAS Midwest Outstanding Young Teacher Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Kansas State University 98th for biological sciences. KSU was called America’s sixth best agriculture school on Niche, 269th top value in Forbes, and eighth happiest college by The Princeton Review.
Kansas State University claimed the 15th spot among affordable colleges for top-value veterinary studies degree programs with a $10,383 in-state rate. At Weber Hall, the College of Agriculture grants an inexpensive B.S. in Animal Sciences & Industry for studying the needs of farm and companion animals. Chaired by Dr. Evan Titgemeyer, the low-cost, 126-credit, HLC-accredited major splits into six tracks: Pre-Vet, Business, Bioscience, Animal Products, Production Management, and Marketing. Undergrads could also add the Equine Science Certificate, join the Collegiate Cattlewomen, intern at Nestle Purina PetCare, participate in the Japan Study Abroad Program, and research in the Kansas Wildlife Habitat Center.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences and Industry
In-State Tuition: $10,383
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,887
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 64 percent
14. North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Highly regarded for its 46,000-square-foot Animal Nutrition & Physiology Center, North Dakota State University is a public, doctoral-granting Big 12 affiliate founded in 1890 that’s serving 11,425 undergrad Thundering Herd from 60 countries across 102 inexpensive majors in the Red River Valley. In 2018, NDSU had the American Meat Science Association’s R.C. Pollock Award winner. NDSU accepted a 2019 American Feed Industry Association Research Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked North Dakota State 213rd for biological sciences. NDSU was named America’s 24th best farming college on Niche, 457th top university by Times Higher Education, and 190th best value in Forbes.
North Dakota State University landed 14th among affordable colleges for high-value veterinary studies degree programs with in-state attendance averaging $9,414. At Robinson Hall, the Animal Sciences Department currently trains 101 B.S. in Veterinary Technology majors for medical support with a 92.54 percent VTNE pass rate. Coordinated by Dr. Lisa Christenson, the low-cost, 124-credit, AVMA-accredited sequence has an April 1st deadline for starting courses like Parasitology and Animal Restraint. Students can also practice at the Wellness Clinic, join Vet Tech Club, compete in the Ag Olympics, intern at the Days End Farm Horse Rescue, minor in Poultry Science, and travel to China.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology
In-State Tuition: $9,414
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,393
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
13. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Hosting the George A. Young Swine Health Conference since 1960, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a public, land-grant URA member linked to 99 Fulbright Scholars that’s endowed for $1.47 billion to educate 20,954 undergrad Cornhuskers from 135 nations on a 613-acre capital campus. In 2017, Lincoln had the ASAS Rockefeller Award in Animal Breeding and Genetics recipient. UNL received a 2018 Governor’s Ag Excellence Award for its 4-H Foundation. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Nebraska 90th for biological science. UNL was proclaimed America’s 25th best farming college on Niche, 151st top value in Forbes, and 107th best university by the CWUR.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is Affordable Schools’ 13th best accredited college for inexpensive veterinary studies degree options priced $9,242 in-state. On the East Loop, the Institute of Agriculture & Natural Resources has an economical Veterinary Science B.S. or Veterinary Technology B.S. dedicated to animal wellness. Directed by Dr. Bruce Brodersen, the budget-friendly, 120-credit, AVMA-accredited paths offer emphases for Biomedical Science, Pre-Vet Medicine, and Veterinary Business. Majors might also intern with the Nebraska State Fair’s Birthing Pavilion, pursue the 3+2 Accelerated DVM, practice at the Diagnostic Center, join the Husker Equestrian Team, and contribute to the No Kill Advocacy Project.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology
In-State Tuition: $9,242
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,038
Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 69 percent
12. Mississippi State University
Starkville, MS
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Managing 160 Jersey and Holstein cows at the Joe Bearden Dairy Research Center, Mississippi State University is a public, land-grant RU/VH institution created in 1878 that’s endowed for $470 million to employ 1,359 faculty training 22,214 Bulldogs from 47 countries on its 4,200 total acres. In 2015, MSU had the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s Advocate Award winner. Mississippi State’s College of Veterinary Medicine earned the 2019 Quality Commitment Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Mississippi 24th for veterinary studies. MSU was deemed America’s 16th best farming school on Niche, 196th top value in Forbes, and 235th best faculty by the CWUR.
Mississippi State University is our list’s 12th most affordable college for top-value veterinary studies degree students to pay only $8,650 in-state. At Wise Center, the College of Veterinary Medicine presents a cheap Veterinary Medical Technology B.S. to teach innovative animal care solutions. Overseen by Dr. Allison Gardner, the inexpensive, 124-credit, AVMA-accredited plan boasts 67.8 percent certification success after courses like Pharmacology and Surgical Nursing. Techs may also attend the Summer Veterinary Camp, read Pegasus Press, join Bully’s Bond, take the Large Animal Emergency Response Training workshop, engage with the CIMTRADZ Project in East Africa, and research in the Aquatic Lab.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medical Technology
In-State Tuition: $8,650
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,250
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
11. Delaware State University
Dover, DE
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Home to the only USDA-ARS Microbial Seafood Safety Laboratory, Delaware State University is a public, historically Black institution established in 1891 that’s endowed for $28.7 million to support 212 faculty teaching 4,872 Hornets in 18 departments online and at three “Small Wonder” sites. In 2018, Delaware State’s Provost earned the David G. Menser Lifetime Achievement Award. DESU had the 2016 Delmarva Animal Conservation Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Delaware State the 12th best HBCU nationwide. DESU was declared America’s 203rd most diverse college on Niche, 331st best university in Washington Monthly, and 222nd top value by WalletHub.
Delaware State University stands as the 11th most affordable accredited high-value college for veterinary studies degree programs billing $7,868 yearly in-state. The Agriculture & Natural Resources Department admits Agriculture B.S. majors with an average 3.11 GPA into low-cost Pre-Veterinary Science, Animal and Poultry Science, or Equine Business Management tracks. Led by Dr. Dyremple Marsh, the economical, 123-credit, MSCHE-accredited curriculum offers custom electives from Animal Nutrition to Sustainable Crop Production. Students can also gain experience on Hickory Hill Farm, join Pre-Vet Club, attend National FFA conferences, enter the 1890 Scholars Program, and explore Ghana.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture – Pre-Veterinary Science
In-State Tuition: $7,868
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,904
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
10. Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley, GA
Total Points: 7
Program Website
Contributing to McCurnin’s Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, Fort Valley State University is a public, historically black TMCF member founded in 1895 that’s endowed for $5.12 million to enroll 2,776 Wildcats from 10 countries at a 1,365-acre Warner Robins Metro campus. In 2018, FVSU earned three Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences Awards. Fort Valley won the first Georgia Chamber of Commerce Inventure Prize in 2019. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Fort Valley State the 31st top HBCU nationwide. FVSU was labeled America’s 100th best Greek life school on Niche and 110th most popular agriculture program by College Factual.
Fort Valley State University climbed to 10th place among affordable colleges for best-value veterinary studies degree majors with a $6,658 in-state price. At O’Neal Hall, the College of Agriculture Academics provides the Peach State’s only cheap Veterinary Technology B.S. for in-depth knowledge of animal care equipment. Advised by Dr. Oreta Samples, the 1991 Hill’s Pet Food Tutorial Award winner, this low-cost, 128-credit, AVMA-accredited plan integrates 480 externship hours into courses like Microbiology and Radiology. Students with minimum 2.25 GPAs can also research in the Small Ruminant Center, earn the James H. Porter Scholarship, join the Agri-Demic Forum, and volunteer with Life on the Farm.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology
In-State Tuition: $6,658
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,738
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 28 percent
9. University of Holy Cross
New Orleans, LA
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Funding the nine-week Chick Weiss STEM Summer Research Program, the University of Holy Cross is a private, nonprofit Marianite AACU member established in 1916 that’s endowed for $32 million to teach 1,260 students in 65 inexpensive majors at its 16-acre Algiers campus on the West Bank. In 2019, UHC accepted an Omicron Delta Kappa Circle of Excellence Award. Holy Cross received a 2018 UCDA Design Competition Awards for its “Do Good Do Well” campaign. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Holy Cross 22nd in the South. UHC was classified America’s 78th best allied health school by College Factual and 146th top liberal arts college in Washington Monthly.
The University of Holy Cross has our ranking’s ninth most economical veterinary studies degree opportunity with a $14,180 cost and 10:1 student-faculty ratio. From a Roman Catholic worldview, the Health Sciences Division awards a low-cost B.S. in Biology – Pre-Veterinary Track to prepare for doctoral admission. Managed by Dr. Narpinder Singh Chahil, the high-value, 120-credit, SACS-accredited sequence fills eight semesters with courses like Organic Chemistry and Animal Anatomy before the Exit Exam. Trainees could also research with the Small World Initiative, intern at the Audubon Nature Institute, volunteer with Relay for Life, pledge Beta Beta Beta, and exchange to the University of Melbourne.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Pre-Veterinary Track
In-State Tuition: $14,180
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,180
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
8. University of Delaware
Newark, DE
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Operating the 350-acre Webb Farm off Route 72 for its UDairy Creamery, the University of Delaware is a flagship public, land-grant AASCU member first chartered in 1769 that budgets $1.2 billion to employ 5,176 staff serving 24,120 Fightin’ Blue Hens with 91 percent retention. In 2018, UD was chosen for the National Poultry Foundation’s Student Recruitment Grant. Delaware had a 2018 USDA Agricultural Sciences Teaching Excellence Award winner. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Delaware 140th for biological science. UD was placed America’s 38th best agriculture college on Niche, 172nd top value in Kiplinger’s and 150th best university by Forbes.
The University of Delaware scored the eighth spot among affordable colleges for veterinary studies degree majors with a $13,680 annual in-state bill. At Townsend Hall, the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources grants an economical Pre-Veterinary Medicine BS and Animal Science BS for students to significantly improve the quality of non-human life. Organized by Dr. Limin Kung Jr., the low-cost, 124-credit, MSCHE-accredited programs report 96.6 percent grad school success after courses like Molecular Genetics and Histopathology. Learners can also travel to New Zealand, conduct Charles C. Allen Lab research, work at Blue Hen Blankets & Yarn, pledge Alpha Gamma Rho, and join Ducks Unlimited.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
In-State Tuition: $13,680
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,310
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 81 percent
7. University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Affiliated with the 8,000-square-foot Ames Animal Hospital in Douglas, the University of Arizona is a public, land-grant AAU member established in 1885 that’s endowed for $847.6 million to employ 3,534 faculty teaching 44,831 Wildcats from 75 countries with a Guaranteed Tuition Program. In 2019, Arizona won the NASF International Seafood Innovation Award for GenetiRate. UA had the Animal Behavior Society’s 2015 Warder Clyde Allee Award recipient. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Arizona 46th for biological science. UA was proclaimed America’s 66th best big college on Niche, 62nd top value in Forbes, and seventh best choice by Hispanic Business.
The University of Arizona is Affordable Schools’ seventh top accredited university for inexpensive veterinary studies degree options priced $12,467 in-state. At Lowell Hall, the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences has a 100 percent Engagement Initiative for its affordable B.S. in Veterinary Science that builds expertise nurturing creatures of all sizes. Headed by Dr. Shane Burgess, the best-value, 120-unit, HLC-accredited curriculum requires minimum 2.5 GPAs throughout courses like Immunology and Animal Toxicology. Opportunities include competing on the Livestock Judging Team, joining Alpha Zeta, becoming Holly Keppel Fellows, practicing in the Vet Diagnostic Lab, attending the ACBS Seminar Series, and visiting Italy.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Science
In-State Tuition: $12,467
Out-of-State Tuition: $36,366
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 64 percent
6. Washington State University
Pullman, WA
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Presenting the 2019 North American Veterinary College Administrators Conference in October, Washington State University is a public, land-grant Pac-12 member that’s endowed for $1.02 billion to inspire 30,614 Cougars from 91 nations online and at six Palouse Region campuses. In 2018, WSU received an American Society of Animal Sciences Scholastic Achievement Award. Washington State’s Knott Dairy Center won the 2015 ASAS Big Scoop Ice Cream Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Washington State University 98th for biological science. WSU was America’s 42nd best farming college on Niche, 20th top value in Financial Times, and 223rd best buy by PayScale.
Washington State University is the sixth most affordable university for high-value veterinary studies degree bachelor’s with a $11,584 in-state rate and 59 percent graduation. At Clark Hall, the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences delivers an inexpensive Animal Sciences B.S. that fulfills DVM admission. Led by Dr. Kris Johnson, the low-cost, 120-credit, NWCCU-accredited program has a January 31st for starting the Animal Management Option or Pre-Veterinary Medicine Option. Undergrads may also join Companion Animal Club, travel with the Rabies Free Africa Initiative, conduct Animal Reproduction Lab research, work in the Beef Center, and intern at the Veterinary Hospital.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences
In-State Tuition: $11,584
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,820
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent
5. Murray State University
Murray, KY
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Accredited by the AAVLD to run the Breathitt Veterinary Center, Murray State University is a public, four-year Ohio Valley Conference member opened in 1922 that’s endowed for $83.2 million to engage 8,142 undergrad Racers from 45 countries in 66 affordable majors at five Kentucky locations. In 2017, Murray State had the KVMA Veterinarian of the Year Award recipient. MSU boasted a 2019 American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association Student Award winner. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Murray 32nd for bachelor’s teaching in the South. MSU was picked America’s 275th best faculty on Niche, 217th top public university in Forbes, and 162nd best institution in Washington Monthly.
Murray State University reached the top five affordable colleges for best-value veterinary studies degree programs with an average in-state cost of $9,084. At E.B. Howton Hall, the Hutson School of Agriculture awards a low-cost B.S. in Agriculture – Animal Technology where undergrads can select the Veterinary Technology or Pre-Veterinary Medicine focus. Outlined by Dr. Tony Brannon, these two inexpensive, 124-credit, AVMA-accredited paths share core courses like Small Animal Diseases and Advanced Hematology. Racers could also utilize the Equine Instructional Facility, join Pre-Vet Club, celebrate Animal Health Day, attend the Agriculture Career Fair, intern at Louisville Zoo, and serve in Ecuador.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture – Animal Technology
In-State Tuition: $9,084
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,540
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
4. University of Idaho
Moscow, ID
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Sponsored by the Laidlaw Panama Foundation for its 126-acre Sheep Center, the University of Idaho is a public, land-grant Big Sky Conference member started in 1889 that’s endowed for $237.5 million to employ 6,160 staff serving 11,841 Vandals from 73 countries across 93 cost-effective majors. In 2015, Idaho had a ASAS Outstanding Animal Science Contributions Award recipient. The Liquid Feed Hall of Fame inducted a UI alumnus in 2018. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Idaho 140th for biological science programs. UI was selected America’s 29th best agriculture school on Niche, 241st top value in Forbes, and 21st best choice by the Social Mobility Index.
The University of Idaho snagged the fourth spot in affordable colleges for high-value veterinary studies degree tracks with average $7,864 in-state tuition. Known for cloning Idaho Gem, the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences offers a cheap B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Science for studying the biology of beings controlled by humankind. Chaired by Dr. Amin Ahmadzadeh, the economical, 124-credit, NWCCU-accredited roadmap covers topics from Feed Formulation to Environmental Studies. Experiences include joining Block & Bridle, undertaking Livestock Genetics Lab projects, interning at Ogden Nature Center, volunteering with VandalCARE, pledging Sigma Alpha, and touring Ireland.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Science
In-State Tuition: $7,864
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,500
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent
3. Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Stabling more than 50 horses at its 75-acre Equine Center since 1983, Tarleton State University is a public, coed Texas A&M constituent that’s generating $311 million statewide by training 12,333 Texans from 27 countries in 88 affordable degrees near Hunewell Ranch southwest of Fort Worth. In 2018, Tarleton State had the AQHA Jay Pumphrey Animal Sciences Scholarship Award recipient. TSU earned a 2019 Council for Advancement & Support of Education District IV Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Tarleton 91st in the Western Region. TSU was designated America’s 249th best Greek life college on Niche, 221st top value by College Factual, and 388th best university in Washington Monthly.
Tarleton State University is our list’s third most affordable university for inexpensive veterinary studies degree options with a low $7,292 in-state average. The College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences presents a cheap B.A.S. in Veterinary Technology for SACS-accredited emphases in Companion Animal, Equine, or Veterinary Practices. At Joe W. Autry Hall, the low-cost, 120-credit B.S. in Animal Science offers six concentrations: Business, Animal Production, Meat/Food Science, Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, and Range/Ranch Management. Students can also enter the Dairy Challenge, join Pre-Vet Club, research in the Animal Breeding Lab, and intern at Brazos Valley Equine Hospital.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
In-State Tuition: $7,292
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,252
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
2. St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, FL
Total Points: 8
Program Website
Given LEED Silver certification for its $11 million Veterinary Technology Center, St. Petersburg College is a public, four-year FSCS System member founded by Captain George Lynch in 1927 that’s enrolling 46,706 Titans from 63 nations online and on its 406-acre Tampa Bay Area campus. In 2010, SPC earned the Florida Gulf Coast Outstanding Business of the Year Award. St. Petersburg received the 2011 ITC Outstanding Use of New Technology Award. Community College Week ranked St. Petersburg College 10th for associate degrees. SPC was chosen America’s 77th safest campus on Niche, 46th best liberal arts school by College Factual, and 300th top value on PayScale.
St. Petersburg College finished in second place with one of the cheapest online veterinary studies degree that costs Florida residents just $2,682 annually. On Desire2Learn, the Health Sciences & Veterinary Nursing Division delivers the inexpensive Veterinary Technology B.A.S. to teach ethical medical treatment strategies for animals. Administered by Dr. Cynthia Grey, the economical, 120-credit, AVMA-accredited program gives 24/7 digital access to accelerated eight-week courses like Hospital Marketing and Emergency Care. Titans may also transfer from the Veterinary Technology A.S., intern at Pinellas County Animal Services, research with Bay Pines STEM Center, and earn the Kelly Stadler Scholarship.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology
In-State Tuition: $2,682
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,286
Student-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Graduation Rate: 32 percent
1. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Pomona, CA
Total Points: 9
Program Website
Partnered with JustFoodForDogs in its Canine Nutrition Research Lab, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona is a public, coed AASCU member founded in 1938 that’s endowed for $99.7 million to employ 1,330 faculty teaching 24,314 undergrad Broncos. In 2016, CPP had the William F. McCulloch Award for Excellence in Human-Animal Interaction Education winner. Cal Poly accepted a 2017 OLC Digital Learning Innovation Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked California State Polytechnic 28th on the West Coast. CPP was elected America’s 47th best value in Money, 171st most diverse campus on Niche, and 434th top university by Times Higher Education.
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona rose to top of the affordable colleges for veterinary studies degree programs with a $7,353 in-state price. At W.K. Kellogg Center, the Huntley College of Agriculture houses an inexpensive B.S. in Animal Health Science focused on treating acute or chronic illnesses in non-human patients. Directed by Dr. Joanne Sohn, the economical, 120-unit, AVMA-accredited major integrates classes from Diagnostic Imaging to Anesthesiology for 91 percent certification exam success. Students could also intern at Full Circle Dairy, join Gamma Sigma Delta, attend the Sunday Horse Show, compete at the College National Rodeo, and secure the Dr. Carl Becker Scholarship.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Animal Health Science
In-State Tuition: $7,353
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,233
Student-Faculty Ratio: 29:1
Graduation Rate: 71 percent
Which Careers Can High-Value Veterinary Studies Degree Graduates Apply For?
Graduating from an affordable accredited university for veterinary studies degree programs will lead to several diverse species of jobs serving fuzzy and scaly animals. For example, veterinary technologists assist scientists with empirical research studying animal traits and behaviors. Vet technicians help licensed veterinarians deliver effective clinical care at private practices. Animal trainers teach different breeds lessons to obey owners and perform on command. Zookeepers oversee the nutrition and hygiene needs of exotic animals enclosed for viewing at wildlife parks. Livestock managers maintain a healthy herd of farm animals like cows and pigs. Aquaculture farmers feed and raise saltwater or freshwater fish in controlled pens. Animal conservation scientists ensure habitats are protected to prevent extinctions. Other careers with an affordable veterinary studies degree include animal control officer, equine therapist, dog breeder, wildlife biologist, rescue shelter director, rehabilitation specialist, and kennel owner.
What is the Salary Potential with a Cost-Effective Veterinary Studies Degree?
Finding affordable colleges for veterinary studies degree options is suggested because the animal care field has modest salaries at the bachelor’s level. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that animal workers had wide-ranging wages from $20,340 to $87,590. In May 2018, the 106,680 veterinary technicians and technologists reported average pay of $35,560. Veterinary assistants earn median income of $27,540. Laboratory animal caretakers bring home mean earnings of $28,690. Zookeepers can expect an average $34,190 salary. Wildlife biologists reap median profits of $63,420 each year. Animal conservation scientists are rewarded $61,340 annually. Farm and ranch managers oversee livestock for $67,950 on average. Veterinary technicians reported median pay of $43,479 on Salary.com. Continuing for a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine helps veterinarians make $70,045 to $96,239 or more.
How is the Job Outlook After Cheap Veterinary Studies Degree Programs?
Attending the most affordable university for veterinary studies degree opportunities is currently advantageous because demand in the pet care market is soaring. MSN ranked Oregon, Colorado, California, Washington, and Maine as the most pet-friendly. The U.S. Labor Department predicts that jobs for veterinary technologists and technicians will increase 20 percent by 2026. Employment of veterinary assistants will jump 19 percent for 16,300 new openings. Doctoral-level veterinarians will benefit from much faster-than-average growth of 19 percent. Animal care workers like groomers and pet sitters will see a 22 percent hiring increase this decade. The need for zoologists and wildlife biologists will moderately grow by 8 percent. Animal conservation scientists are forecasting a 10-year field expansion of 6 percent. Farming and ranching management jobs will decrease by 1 percent though. Choose the above best affordable veterinary studies degree programs to make your resume a blue ribbon winner.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 15 best affordable colleges for a veterinary studies degree.
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