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Cornell is More Affordable Than You Think!

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine is committed to making a DVM degree accessible to all qualified students. Each year, students receive over $4 million in scholarships, and 65–70% of our class is awarded gift aid, significantly reducing the cost of attendance for most students.

Affordability at a Glance

  • $4 million+ in scholarships awarded annually
  • 65 to 70% of students receive gift aid
  • Streamlined scholarship process — one application matches you to 200+ funds
  • RED scholarship covers full tuition for years 3 and 4 for selected students
  • Federal, military, and USDA funding available for eligible students

How Students Pay for Their DVM Education

Most students use a combination of:

  • Institutional scholarships
  • Federal loans (Direct Unsubsidized, Grad PLUS, HPSL)
  • Private education loans (increasingly important due to federal changes)
  • External scholarships (US army, USDA, and others)

Our team walks you through each step — from FAFSA to lender comparisons — and helps you understand credit requirements, timelines, and strategies to minimize borrowing.

What's new this year

Recent federal changes affecting graduate and professional students mean some students may need to explore private education loans to cover funding gaps. Because private loans are credit based, understanding your credit profile and comparing lenders is essential. Our office is here to help you navigate these options with clarity and confidence.

Financial Wellness & Support

We offer:

  • One-on-one financial counseling
  • Budgeting and money-management support
  • Guidance on minimizing borrowing
  • Monthly financial aid newsletters with timely updates and opportunities

Outcomes That Support Your Investment

Cornell graduates enter the profession with strong employment and salary outcomes that help keep educational debt manageable.

Cornell Class of 2025 Employment Outcomes

  • 97.4% employed or in advanced training within three months of graduation
  • $141,711 mean private practice starting salary
  • $119,355 mean educational debt (including students with no debt)

These outcomes reflect both the strength of our curriculum and our commitment to affordability.

Debt to Income Ratio: A Key Strength

Cornell’s debt to income ratio is now just over 1:1, significantly stronger than many veterinary programs nationwide. 

A lower DIR means:

  • More manageable monthly loan payments
  • Greater career flexibility
  • Faster progress toward financial goals

Tuition & Estimated Cost of Attendance

Estimated 2026–2027 academic year:

  • NY State Resident: $83,321
  • Non-Resident: $106,026

These totals include tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, transportation, loan fees, and miscellaneous expenses.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Our step-by-step guide walks you through:

  • FAFSA
  • CSS Profile (if applicable)
  • Loan applications
  • Scholarship consideration

Contact Us

Veterinary Financial Aid Office 
Email: vetfinaid@cornell.edu 
Location: S2009, Cornell CVM 
Office Hours: Mon–Thu 8:00–4:30, Fri 8:00–4:00