Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine stands as one of the most prestigious veterinary institutions in the world, consistently ranked among the top three veterinary schools in the United States. Founded in 1894 as the first veterinary college at an American university, Cornell has shaped veterinary medicine through groundbreaking research, innovative education, and exemplary clinical service for over a century. The college's mission encompasses advancing animal and human health through education, research, and public engagement. Cornell operates on a One Health philosophy recognizing the interconnections between animal, human, and environmental health. Faculty and students address challenges ranging from emerging infectious diseases to conservation medicine while advancing clinical care for companion animals, horses, and food animals. The College of Veterinary Medicine occupies state-of-the-art facilities on Cornell's Ithaca campus, including the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, which serves as both a teaching hospital and referral center for complex cases from throughout the Northeast. Additional facilities include the Animal Health Diagnostic Center, providing critical diagnostic services to veterinarians across New York State and beyond. With approximately 500 professional students and 150 graduate students, Cornell provides individualized mentorship and extensive hands-on clinical experience. The college's faculty includes members of the National Academy of Sciences, American Veterinary Medical Association leadership, and internationally recognized specialists across all clinical disciplines. Alumni serve in private practice, academia, government, and industry worldwide.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
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- Avg GPA
- 3.25
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Student Life & Environment
Veterinary students at Cornell form an exceptionally close community, bonded by shared challenges and long hours together. The demanding curriculum means most socializing happens with classmates who understand the particular stresses of veterinary training. Study groups form naturally, with students quizzing each other on anatomy or working through case studies together. The veterinary college has its own student lounge, facilities, and traditions separate from the broader Cornell undergraduate experience. Class sizes of around 120 students mean everyone knows everyone, for better or worse. Student organizations cover interests from emergency medicine clubs to wildlife groups to breed-specific organizations for dog and cat enthusiasts. The college hosts social events throughout the year, providing necessary breaks from intense academic work. Living in Ithaca means access to natural beauty, with gorges, waterfalls, and state parks within easy reach. Many veterinary students adopt pets during their training, finding that caring for an animal provides stress relief and practical experience. The surrounding community includes many farms and rural properties, allowing students interested in large animal medicine to connect with potential clients and mentors.
Location & Surroundings
Ithaca sits at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. This small city of about 32,000 permanent residents swells when Cornell and Ithaca College students arrive each fall. The setting combines natural beauty with the cultural offerings of a college town, including restaurants, shops, bookstores, and entertainment venues supported largely by the student population. The famous local saying that Ithaca is "gorges" plays on the dramatic gorges cut by streams flowing into Cayuga Lake. Waterfalls cascade through campus and the surrounding state parks, providing stunning scenery and hiking opportunities in all seasons. Climate here trends toward long, cold winters with significant snowfall and pleasant but short summers. Students should be prepared for grey skies from November through March. Getting to Ithaca requires some effort. The small regional airport has limited commercial service. Most people drive, with Syracuse about an hour north and New York City roughly four hours south. The relative isolation concentrates campus life and builds strong community bonds among those who stay through four years of veterinary training.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Veterinary education at Cornell requires substantial financial investment. Tuition for the DVM program runs approximately $40,000 per year for New York residents and significantly higher for non-residents. When living expenses, fees, equipment, and other costs are added, students typically borrow $200,000 or more to complete their degrees. This debt load causes real stress, particularly given that veterinary salaries, while respectable, rarely match those of human physicians. Career paths for Cornell veterinary graduates span private practice, specialty medicine, research, public health, government service, and industry. Many graduates enter general practice treating companion animals, while others pursue residencies to become board-certified specialists in areas like surgery, oncology, or cardiology. The college's research focus means many graduates pursue academic careers or positions in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Cornell's reputation opens doors throughout the veterinary profession. Alumni occupy leadership positions in veterinary organizations, academic institutions, and industry. The network of Cornell veterinary graduates provides mentorship and professional connections throughout careers. Starting salaries for new graduates vary widely by practice type and location, typically ranging from $80,000 to $120,000, with specialists and experienced practitioners earning considerably more.
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