UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
General Information
Overview
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is a world‑renowned institution dedicated to animal health, biomedical research, and public service. As part of the University of California, Davis, it integrates cutting‑edge clinical training with rigorous scientific education. The school offers comprehensive programs ranging from the professional Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) to graduate MS and PhD degrees in various biomedical and preventive veterinary disciplines.
Its hospital system handles tens of thousands of patient visits annually across a wide range of species, providing students with real‑world clinical experience. Research is a core component of the school’s mission, driving advances in comparative medicine, infectious disease, oncology, and wildlife conservation. The school emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together faculty, students, and staff from veterinary, biomedical, environmental, and public health fields to address global challenges such as zoonotic disease and ecosystem health.
Contact Information
Address: School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
Phone Number: (530) 752‑1011 (main office)
Email Address: admissions@vetmed.ucdavis.edu (for admissions inquiries)
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1946 (School established) |
| Type | Public veterinary school |
| Dean | Mark Stetter (current) |
| Accreditation | Fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) |
| Motto / Mission | Commitment to excellence in veterinary education, research, clinical service, and public outreach |
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Rankings
| Region | Rank / Recognition |
|---|---|
| United States | Frequently ranked #1 among U.S. veterinary schools based on outcomes, value, and reputation |
| Global | Recognized globally; UC Davis is highly ranked for veterinary science and animal sciences |
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Academics
Faculties / Departments
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences
- Molecular Biosciences (Microbiology, Pathology, Virology)
- Population Health and Reproduction
- Preventive Veterinary Medicine
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology
- Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology
- Comparative Medicine
- Epidemiology & One Health
- Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital / Clinical Services
Courses and Programs / Majors
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM)
- Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Sciences (various tracks)
- PhD in Biomedical Sciences (e.g., immunology, molecular pathogenesis)
- Residency programs (clinical specialties, e.g., surgery, internal medicine)
- Veterinary internships and externships
- Graduate certificate programs and translational research opportunities
Online Learning
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine primarily emphasizes in-person, hands-on training given the clinical nature of veterinary education. However, certain graduate-level courses, seminars, or collaborative research opportunities may be offered in hybrid or online formats. These are typically more common in the MS/PhD programs, where coursework and research supervision can be conducted remotely or in flexible structures.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Range / Requirement |
|---|---|
| GRE | Not required for DVM admissions, as the school has removed the GRE to improve equity. |
| Undergraduate GPA | Competitive applicants often have very high GPAs in science coursework, often around 3.8–3.9. |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has strong retention among its DVM students, owing to rigorous academic support, mentorship, and clinical training. While precise retention and graduation rates for the veterinary school alone are not publicly broken out separately from broader university data, the school’s status as a top-tier veterinary institution suggests high completion rates due to its selectivity, student support resources, and strong alignment of curriculum with career goals. Many DVM students go on to residency, internships, or clinical practice successfully.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
For entry into the DVM program, the most critical academic metric is the undergraduate GPA, especially in science courses. Many admitted students report overall GPAs in the high 3.8–3.9 range, with strong science GPAs. Standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are not directly relevant for the professional DVM program admissions. Graduate or professional applicants focus more on undergraduate GPA, veterinary or research experience, recommendation letters, and personal statements.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Acceptance Rate
| Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Interview Invitation Rate | For a recent class, roughly 1,966 applicants completed applications, and 240 were offered interviews. |
| Approximate Acceptance Rate | Very competitive: interview offers to ~12‑13% of applicants; of those interviewed, a smaller fraction matriculates, typical for top DVM programs. |
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Application Requirements
Applicants to the DVM program at UC Davis must demonstrate academic excellence, veterinary‑relevant experience, and personal commitment. They must submit transcripts, a detailed resume/CV, and documentation of animal‑care experience. Additionally, they go through an interview process and are assessed on communication skills, leadership, ethical perspective, and understanding of veterinary medicine. Strong letters of recommendation (academic and professional) are expected. UC Davis emphasizes a holistic review, valuing not just grades but also experience and fit.
Application Process
- Submit the Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) application with transcripts and personal data.
- Provide detailed animal‑care experience documentation.
- Wait for interview invitation based on screening.
- Participate in interviews (on-campus or virtual).
- Receive admission decision and, if accepted, confirm enrollment.
Important Dates / Deadlines
| Deadline | Event |
|---|---|
| VMCAS Application Deadline | Typically in early summer |
| Interview Period | Usually in late summer through early autumn |
| Acceptance Notification | After interview cycle |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are required to submit personal statements as part of their VMCAS application. These essays typically ask candidates to reflect on their motivation for pursuing veterinary medicine, relevant experiences with animals, leadership or service roles, future career goals, and how they hope to contribute to the profession.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Scholarships
The school provides substantial financial support through scholarships, return-to-aid grants, and donor-funded endowments. A dedicated scholarship endowment helps offset costs, with millions awarded annually to DVM students. There are also funds to support fourth-year externships and other educational experiences, reducing the financial burden of clinical training.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Student Type | Estimated Cost (2025‑26) |
|---|---|
| California Resident (DVM) | ~$36,837 per year in tuition and fees (Years 1–3) |
| California Resident (4th Year) | ~$41,487 in tuition and fees |
| Indirect Costs (Housing, Food, etc.) | ~$20,955 in housing & food in 1st year |
| Non‑Resident Supplement | $12,245 per year for non‑resident supplemental tuition |
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The incoming Class of 2028 consists of 150 DVM students. Their ages range broadly (19 to 42), showing diverse life backgrounds—from middle school teachers to EMTs to veterans. In that class, 58 percent are first-generation college students, marking a strong commitment to accessibility. Ethnically, the class includes students identifying as White/Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, African American, multiracial, and Indigenous, reflecting rich diversity.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
While specific data for low-income or disability status among veterinary students is not broadly publicized, UC Davis emphasizes equity and inclusion. The school has made efforts to recruit first-generation college students and underrepresented minority students. The school also engages in outreach programs to underserved communities and supports students through significant return-to-aid grants and donor-funded scholarship programs, reducing financial barriers.
Student Body Breakdown
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total DVM Students | ~ 700 |
| Incoming Class (2028) | 150 students |
| First-generation College Students | 58% of incoming class |
| Underrepresented in Medicine (UIM) / Diversity | Significant representation, with 29% increase in UIM students for Class of 2028 |
University Diversity
Diversity is a cornerstone of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The school’s strategic plan explicitly aims to recruit and support students, faculty, and staff who reflect California’s rich demographic fabric. Recent classes demonstrate this commitment: the Class of 2028 is the most diverse in the program’s history, with nearly 30 percent growth in underrepresented-in-medicine students and a majority who are first-generation college attendees. The school has lowered structural barriers by removing the GRE requirement and offering more accessible virtual interviews, which broaden the applicant pool. These efforts are supported by a dedicated diversity office, bias training for faculty selection committees, and ongoing outreach initiatives.
Average Earnings
Graduates of the UC Davis DVM program tend to perform very well financially following graduation. Nearly all students are employed in their field or pursuing relevant clinical or academic training within a year of graduation. The mean private practice salary at graduation is reported to be around $144,598. The outstanding value of a UC Davis veterinary education is further reinforced by its reputation for manageable debt burden among graduates, in part because of the school’s robust scholarship programs and return-to-aid policies.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine maintains a large and diverse team of faculty and staff, including clinical professors, research scientists, lecturers, clinicians, and administrative personnel. Many of the clinical faculty are practicing veterinarians, while research faculty lead pioneering work in microbiology, comparative pathology, immunology, epidemiology, and more. The school emphasizes hiring for both excellence and diversity, with search committees trained in unconscious bias and diversity goals embedded in its hiring strategy. There is also a significant international presence among faculty, bringing global perspectives to teaching and research.
Faculty Expertise and Achievements
Faculty at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine are globally recognized for their expertise and contributions. Their strengths include infectious disease research, molecular pathology, wildlife conservation medicine, comparative oncology, and one-health initiatives. Many faculty lead large-scale funded research projects, publish in high-impact journals, and mentor students in translational research. On the clinical side, the school runs a multi‑species teaching hospital, providing students with hands-on training under expert veterinarians. The school also hosts endowed lectureships and honors, including internationally focused lectureships, reflecting its deep engagement in both local and global veterinary medicine.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The veterinary school is situated on the main campus of UC Davis, in a region renowned for its agricultural and research environment. Students benefit from a vibrant campus community, mixing professional veterinary culture with broader university life. Housing options for vet students typically follow the university’s graduate and professional student housing system, including on-campus apartments, graduate dorms, and off-campus rentals. The cost of living is moderate relative to California markets, and students often share housing, reducing individual expenses. Being integrated into a large university offers vet students access to recreational, cultural, and academic resources beyond their professional training, supporting work-life balance during a demanding program.
Transportation
UC Davis offers efficient transit and mobility options for veterinary students. With a pedestrian- and bike-friendly campus, many students walk or bike between their housing, labs, clinic, and classrooms. Public transportation is also available, with local buses serving the campus and surrounding Davis area. For clinical rotations and externships, students may also make use of university parking and shuttle services. The integrated nature of the campus ensures that students can navigate daily schedules without excessive commuting stress, supporting their intensive educational and clinical commitments.