Vet school costs $50K–$70K a year, and out-of-state programs run higher. You get the professional cap of $50,000, but living expenses push 80% of programs over the limit.
Vet students get the professional cap, but living expenses and out-of-state tuition push most over the limit.
DVM programs are on the professional list, so you get the $50,000 cap. The median vet school costs $55,299, and 80% of programs exceed the cap once living expenses are included.
Four years at $50,000 is $200,000, which maxes out the aggregate. Out-of-state students who borrow the max from year one will hit the wall before graduation if they carried any undergrad debt.
Already enrolled? You may get up to 3 years of grandfathering. Starting fall 2026 or later? The caps apply from day one.
| School | Annual COA | Federal Cap | Annual Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwestern (AZ) | $107,202 | $50,000 | −$57,202 |
| WesternU | $99,213 | $50,000 | −$49,213 |
| Tufts (DVM) | $95,332 | $50,000 | −$45,332 |
| U Arizona | $81,034 | $50,000 | −$31,034 |
| Cornell (DVM) | $75,598 | $50,000 | −$25,598 |
| Tuskegee | $70,424 | $50,000 | −$20,424 |
| Ohio State (DVM) | $64,243 | $50,000 | −$14,243 |
| UC Davis (DVM) | $63,640 | $50,000 | −$13,640 |
Source: The 2026 Graduate Education Funding Crisis: A Data Report. Full methodology →
Federal loans, VMLRP service programs, institutional aid, and private lending for DVM students.
Read guide →DATALook up any DVM program: resident and non-resident costs, federal cap, and the gap.
Calculate yours →GUIDERates and terms from lenders serving veterinary students after Grad PLUS.
Read guide →TOOLPick your vet school, enter your aid, and see the four-year funding picture.
Calculate →Private lending, NHSC updates, and policy changes for vet students.
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