Top Scholarships for Veterinary School Students

Becoming a veterinarian takes time and money: Vet school costs at least $200,000 on average for a four-year postgraduate degree. Scholarships are the best way to pay for vet school because you don't have to repay them.

Your school will likely be the best source for this free aid, but you can also earn private veterinary scholarships based on your specialty, where you're from and other criteria. Here are a few veterinary scholarships to consider.

» MORE: How to pay for vet school

John D. Spurling Scholarship

Funded by the AKC Humane Fund, the John D. Spurling scholarship supports future veterinary practitioners and researchers. Five awards are provided annually, for a total of $10,000.

How to qualify: This award is intended for students who are pursuing educational programs that focus on the well-being of dogs and responsible pet ownership. You must be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited school.

When to apply: July.

American Pointer Club Scholarship

The American Pointer Club scholarship awards $1,000 to any student entering their third or fourth year at an accredited veterinary school.

How to qualify: Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation, write two essays and submit their transcript by the scholarship deadline.

When to apply: December.

Jim Steere Memorial Veterinary Student Scholarship

Sponsored by the Ride and Tie Association, the Jim Steere Memorial scholarship is open to all veterinary students. A total of $3,000 is awarded, either to a single applicant or divided among multiple applicants.

How to qualify: Submit a 1,000-word essay. The winning entry will be published in the Ride and Tie Association's monthly newsletter.

When to apply: January.

Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association Scholarships

This Veterinary Student Scholarship supports students who graduated from Nebraska high schools. Minimum award amounts are $250, with maximums based on available funding and the decision of the scholarship committee.

How to qualify: You must have graduated from a Nebraska high school, or home school equivalent, and have completed at least two semesters of veterinary school with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

When to apply: October.

RIVMA Veterinary School Scholarship

The Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association Scholarship awards $2,500 to a veterinary student who graduated from a Rhode Island high school.

How to qualify: This award is open to third-year veterinary students only. You must have a GPA of at least 2.5 to qualify.

When to apply: October.

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) Scholarships

The AVMF offers a number of veterinary student scholarship opportunities. Application deadlines vary, so check the AVMF website for specific details on the following awards.

• Merck Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Program. A $10,000 award for second- and third-year veterinary students.

• AVMA/AVMF Scholarship for Veterans. Five $9,000 scholarships for veterans in their first, second or third year attending an AVMA-accredited school.

• Mildred Sylvester Scholarship. A $5,000 scholarship for first-, second- or third-year vet students with a relationship to New Jersey, such as being born, residing or attending school in the state.

• AVMA Legacy Endowed Scholarship Program. A $1,000 scholarship to second- or third-year students with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

More ways to pay for veterinary school

Scholarships can help pay for your D.V.M., but you'll likely need to also take out vet student loans for your studies. Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to qualify for federal aid. Your vet school will also use this form to qualify you for institutional grants and scholarships.