U.S. Veterinary Education Market Trends
U.S. veterinary education market size was calculated at USD 754.4 million in 2024 and is expected to register a CAGR of 7.62% during the period from 2025 to 2035. The market is driven by the increase in demand for specialized services, accompanied by rising government efforts to enhance veterinary education. In addition, educational incorporation of technology and developments in animal medicine spur demand for an extremely skilled labor force, and market growth will occur during the forecast period. New areas such as regenerative medicine, diagnostics, oncology, and minimally invasive surgery also drive curriculum innovation and increased numbers of specialty programs.
Competency-based education has become the model of choice in healthcare education, including veterinary medicine, because of its high focus on outcomes and practical skill acquisition, AAVMC says. This student-focused model guarantees that graduates are well-informed and able to perform in actual clinical practice, addressing directly the increasing demand for practice-ready veterinarians. For students, it offers more defined expectations and tailored learning pathways; for teachers, it provides systematic frameworks for curriculum planning and assessment. The veterinary profession benefits from a more stable and uniform workforce, and society benefits from enhanced animal health care services. Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) is therefore instrumental in determining the market.
In addition, increasing demand for specialist services propels the veterinary education market. As reported in an article by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), in June 2024, approximately 4,000 veterinarians graduated each year from United States and foreign colleges of animal medicine and joined the U.S. workforce; 59.8% joined companion animal practice. This meant an additional 2,400 new companion animal veterinarians would be entering the workforce each year until 2030. More graduates entering the profession mean there's a resultant demand for internships, residencies, and ongoing education programs, which is a secondary demand for educational services and facilities, pushing veterinary education growth.
In the same vein, organizations like the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) are collaboratively partnering with academic institutions, medical associations, industry leaders, and influential stakeholders to make colleges and institutions of higher education ready to face the increasing shortages of the workforce and respond to the rising needs of the animal healthcare industry. The ongoing shortage of veterinarians is a key driver of the market, fueling demand for academic and clinical training programs, speeding up the growth of veterinary curricula, and inducing institutions to increase infrastructure and capacity.
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Market Concentration & Characteristics
The market is of moderate concentration level and is growing at an accelerated rate. Being in a mid-growth stage currently, the market is observing consistent growth fueled by growing demand and changing industry dynamics.
The market is reflecting a moderate to high level of innovation fueled by technology incorporation, curriculum overhaul, and the transition towards skills-based, specialist training. These developments are critical in responding to changing needs of animal healthcare, resolving talent shortages, and positioning the market for long-term growth and evolution. Further, the market is experiencing robust incorporation of virtual simulations, augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and web-based learning platforms to augment conventional hands-on training. These technologies enhance access, flexibility, and student involvement while mimicking clinical situations within a risk-free environment.
The market has a high to moderate rate of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the veterinary education market. Private companies and educational institutions cooperate actively, combining resources through acquisitions and strategic alliances to improve their program offerings, increase training capacity, and address a broader population.
Regulations have a substantial impact on the U.S. veterinary education sector by establishing accreditation standards, licensing requirements, and curriculum guidelines. Organizations such as the AVMA Council on Education provide assurance and consistency in institutions, while federal and state licensing exams influence program designs. Government policies also affect funding, financial aid, and student loan programs, influencing affordability and enrollment.
End user focus, mainly by veterinary students, schools, and animal health care professionals, has a serious impact on market force. High focus among a few veterinary schools and student candidates can increase admission competition, push tuition costs higher, and restrict access to education.
Course Insights
The graduate courses segment had the highest market share of 39.5% in terms of revenue in 2024, attributed to growing demand for higher-level, specialized education. Graduate degrees, such as Master's and Doctoral degrees, provide veterinary professionals the chance to specialize in areas such as veterinary oncology, regenerative medicine, and public health that are highly demanded as veterinary medicine becomes more complex. For instance, universities like the University of California, Davis, and Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine provide graduate programs in these advanced study fields. These universities are developing their specialty and residency programs to address the increasing need for highly trained professionals in new areas such as veterinary telemedicine, equine surgery, and pediatric medicine.
The independent courses segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. These courses provide flexible, specialized educational opportunities for veterinarians who want to gain additional skills without investing in a full program. These courses address the changing demands of the veterinary workforce in areas of specialized skills or new fields in animal health, like veterinary dentistry, pain medicine, anesthesia skills, and telemedicine.
Specialty Insights
Veterinary medicine held the biggest market share by revenue of 32.5% in 2024 and is projected to grow at a profitable CAGR during the forecast period. Osteoarthritis (OA) disorders' growing prevalence among companion animals is fueling the growth of the veterinary medicine market. According to Zoetis U.S., over 40% of dogs have OA. With great developments in animal medicine, advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques for chronic diseases are now more readily available. In addition, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine provides a broad medicine program. The program addresses basic topics like small animal medicine, surgery, public health, and animal care.
The animal grooming segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Pet grooming courses are meeting the growth in the pet care industry by considering the look and health of pets. They provide career paths for grooming salons and pet care businesses, expanding the market. Vocational schools and colleges have added more certificate and diploma courses in pet grooming and styling to service the increasing demand for them. In addition, basic pet grooming courses online have gained greater popularity as an accessible training program for potential groomers.
Institution Insights
The public institutions category led the veterinary education industry in 2024 and is also expected to increase at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. They provide cost-effective, high-quality educational and training opportunities that fulfill the increasing demand for veterinary experts. Public universities tend to deliver much of the veterinary workforce, and their part in educating veterinarians is important because they can educate a larger, more varied student body while enjoying the benefits of state support, making education more affordable.
In addition, public universities frequently partner with government departments and nonprofit organizations to alleviate veterinary shortages and public health demands. For example, the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia collaborates with state agencies and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to educate veterinarians to practice in rural areas and serve underprivileged communities. Aside from academic programs, public institutions play a vital role in influencing workforce development and coordinating educational curricula with government policy, like filling the shortage of veterinarians in certain fields or complying with public health requirements. This makes public institutions a leading force in the overall U.S. veterinary education market.
Delivery Mode Insights
E-learning was the largest in the veterinary education market in 2024 and is also expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The segment provides flexible, accessible, and affordable learning opportunities. This section serves both veterinary students and professionals looking for continuing education through offering a variety of online courses, certifications, and degree programs that can be accessed remotely, allowing individuals to continue their education without the limitations of the conventional classroom environment.
Specialized e-learning platforms provide on-demand Continuing Education (CE) courses and webinars for veterinary professionals. For instance, in March 2023, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) rolled out a new e-learning platform, Learn, aimed at offering free, flexible courses to anyone interested. The platform features more than 30 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses on Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine (EBVM), Quality Improvement (QI), and medication safety, among others. Created by animal health experts, it improves user experience. It is updated on a regular basis to professional standards. The site hopes to assist teachers in providing quality care by providing easily accessible learning materials.
Duration Insights
Over 2 years segment led the veterinary education market with a market share of 46.7% in 2024. Long courses of veterinary education encompass in-depth training involving both field internships and research, a key factor for the creation of highly qualified experts. Such courses are especially crucial in specialized sectors like veterinary surgery, pathology, and emergency care, where expertise and hands-on experience are important. In addition to the conventional 4-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees, an accelerated 3-year degree option has also gained popularity by sending students straight into the labor force, satisfying the growing demand for skilled veterinarians.
The less than one-year segment is expected to achieve the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This segment acts as a turnaround by providing brief, specialized educational programs that support the increasing demand for experienced veterinary support staff and concentrated expertise within specific domains of veterinary medicine. These programs aim at people desiring to promptly enter the employment market or gain specialized abilities without making long degree commitments.
End Customer Insights
The new students segment accounted for the largest market revenue share of 67.6% in 2024 and is also anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. This segment includes undergraduate students applying for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs and those pursuing specialized certifications, degrees, and associate programs. The increasing interest from new students directly correlates with rising demand for veterinary services, growing pet ownership, and the need for skilled professionals in animal healthcare. The entry of new students increases overall student enrollment in veterinary programs and drives institutional growth, curriculum development, and the expansion of research opportunities, all fueling the broader market.
The veterinarians segment is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period. Practicing veterinarians continually seek to enhance their knowledge and skills, driving strong demand for continuing education programs. This need fosters the development of new courses, workshops, and online learning platforms. As veterinarians specialize in oncology, dentistry, and exotic animal medicine, veterinary schools are responding by expanding their curricula to include more specialized training programs. Additionally, veterinarians who establish their practices or innovative businesses contribute to the evolution of educational offerings, particularly in practice management and business skills.
Type Insights
The tuition segment dominated the market in 2024, directly impacting the affordability and accessibility of veterinary education. The costs associated with veterinary programs, including tuition fees, influence the demand for various types of education, from traditional 4-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs to shorter certificate courses. The rise in tuition fees, in particular, drives the growth of alternative learning models, including scholarships, financial aid programs, and e-learning options that provide more affordable ways for students to access veterinary education.
In addition, the growth of private veterinary schools such as the Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine, which offer competitive tuition pricing, has added an alternative to traditional public veterinary schools, further driving the competition and shaping the tuition landscape within the market.
Key U.S. Veterinary Education Company Insights
The market is highly competitive, with several key players contributing to its dynamics. Given the presence of both small and large companies, the market remains somewhat fragmented, creating significant competition, particularly for smaller players trying to secure their position. To strengthen their market presence, companies are increasingly utilizing strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, geographic expansion, and introducing new study programs to foster growth and gain a competitive edge.
Key U.S. Veterinary Education Companies
- University of California - Davis
- Cornell University
- Auburn University
- Tuskegee University
- University of Arizona
- Midwestern University
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- University of Illinois
- Purdue University
Recent Developments
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In May 2024, Evette and Shepherd Veterinary Software established a collaborative partnership aimed at addressing the shortage. The partnership involved multiple stakeholders from the educational sectors and used its practice information management system (PIMS) in the U.S. The partnership focused on creating initiatives to increase the number of animal health professionals and improve their distribution, particularly in underserved areas. This included enhancing educational programs and providing better support for students and graduates.
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In March 2024, the World Veterinary Association and Brooke collaborated to develop the world's first Essential Veterinary Medicines List (EVML) for food-producing animals, a groundbreaking initiative promoting animal health and welfare worldwide. By ensuring the global availability of critical animal medicines, the EVML provides a valuable resource for policymakers and veterinarians, enabling them to deliver high-quality animal care to the agricultural sector and ultimately improve the lives of millions of animals
U.S. Veterinary Education Market Report Scope
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Report Attribute |
Details |
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Market size value in 2025 |
USD 808.6 million |
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Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 1,167.3 million |
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Growth rate |
CAGR of 7.62% from 2025 to 2035 |
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Actual data |
2018 - 2024 |
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Forecast period |
2025 - 2035 |
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Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million/billion, and CAGR from 2025 to 2035 |
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Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
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Segments covered |
Course, specialty, institution, delivery mode, duration, end customer, and type |
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Key providers profiled |
University of California - Davis; Cornell University; Auburn University; Tuskegee University; University of Arizona; Midwestern University; University of Florida; University of Georgia; University of Illinois; Purdue University |
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Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to segment scope. |
|
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
U.S. Veterinary Education Market Report Segmentation
Course Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2035)
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Graduate Courses
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Post-graduate Courses
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Standalone Courses
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Specialty Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2035)
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Veterinary Surgery
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Veterinary Medicine
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Veterinary Nursing
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Animal Grooming
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Other Specialties
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Institution Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2035)
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Public
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Private
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Delivery Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2035)
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Classroom based Courses
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E-Learning
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Duration Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2035)
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Less the 1 year
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1 - 2 years
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More than 2 years
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End Customer Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2035)
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New Students
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Veterinarians
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Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2035)
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Tuition
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Non-Tuition
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