During the ongoing pandemic, there has been a noticeable surge in the number of individuals pursuing education across various disciplines. However, it is particularly noteworthy that there has been a significantly higher influx of applicants to veterinary schools. The field of veterinary medicine has witnessed a remarkable 19% increase in the number of individuals applying to veterinary colleges in the United States. Typically, only 72-73% of candidates proceed with their application, but this year, an impressive 79% of applicants successfully completed the application process. Furthermore, 77% of these applicants were accepted into at least one veterinary school.
While this development is indeed promising, it is crucial to acknowledge the demographic statistics that accompany it. Regrettably, only 22.2% of individuals applying to veterinary school identify as non-white.
26.3% of all candidates are individuals seeking their first degree, while 28.2% of veterinary students receive financial assistance. The decision to return to school offers many individuals increased financial stability and a more optimistic outlook for the future. For the first three years of veterinary study, students can access up to $40,500 in direct unsubsidized loans, and for the final year, $47,167 of direct unsubsidized loans are available. Additionally, veterinary students have the option to borrow additional funds through a Graduate PLUS Loan to cover the remaining cost of attendance after deducting other forms of aid.
It is understandable that many individuals choose to pursue degrees that offer greater job satisfaction, increased financial aid, and are associated with a higher level of social prestige, such as veterinary medicine. Despite the concerning suicide rates, which rank veterinary medicine as the second highest profession after police work, it remains a sought-after field for animal enthusiasts. Veterinary study requires individuals with resilience, yet it still holds a sense of influence and financial advantage, as veterinarian incomes largely depend on the income of the community they serve. In essence, veterinarians tend to earn more money in areas where their clients have higher incomes.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that veterinary school is now predominantly populated by women, and this trend shows no signs of diminishing in the foreseeable future. It seems that for women, who face considerable uncertainty and discouraging outcomes in various aspects of society, the role of a veterinarian offers a sense of purpose and social acceptance that outweighs any potential drawbacks.
Furthermore, an increasing number of women are consistently seeking admission to veterinary school and achieving successful outcomes. This trend can be attributed to the tendency of men to gravitate towards positions that offer higher immediate income and have fewer prerequisites, such as internships, clinical practice observation, laboratory-based study, and volunteering in companion animal settings before entering the workforce. Additionally, men generally prefer to work less in companion animal settings and, if they pursue a career in veterinary medicine, they typically opt for corporate or research positions that focus on food chain and clinical settings.