CSU works to increase access for Native American students in veterinary medicine

Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is accepting applicants for its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program under the Colorado American Indian Tribes In-State Tuition Act. The act grants Colorado residency status to applicants who are enrolled citizens of federally recognized tribes with historical ties to Colorado.  

“As a land-grant institution, we want to build strong partnerships with Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples,” said Sue VandeWoude, dean of CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “Making veterinary medical education more accessible for their members with the talent, desire and passion to serve in this vital field, we can positively impact the animal, human and environmental health of their communities.”  

CSU’s D.V.M. program is consistently ranked among the top three programs nationally and has a highly competitive application process. Applicants who qualify for residency under the act will be considered with other state residents for a limited number of sponsored seats granted each admission year. Once accepted, students in these sponsored seats receive in-state tuition rates. The program has enrolled its first D.V.M. candidate under the act for the 2025-2026 school year.  

Increasing the number of tribal member veterinarians is one way CSU is responding to veterinary care shortages in rural, and especially tribal, communities.  

“Our program takes a One Health approach to veterinary medicine that addresses the intersection of people, animals and their environment. It’s an approach that was inspired by the culture and tradition of Indigenous communities – and one that aligns closely with our college mission,” VandeWoude said. “Engaging and partnering with tribal communities in veterinary medicine enhances our program and the profession and will provide better access to care. This program is one way that we can move the needle in this direction, as an extension of CSU’s land grant mission.”