New Jersey Opens Its First Veterinary School Amid National Vet Shortage
For decades, aspiring veterinarians from New Jersey had to leave the state—and pay hefty out-of-state tuition—to pursue their dream. That changed Thursday as Rowan University officially launched the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, the state’s first veterinary school.
The inaugural class of 75 students, more than half of them New Jersey residents, will begin coursework next week at the Gloucester County campus. Students represent 16 states and were welcomed Thursday during an opening celebration where Dean Mathew Edson presented each with a stethoscope.
Tackling a Shortage and Soaring Costs
The creation of the Shreiber School comes as the U.S. faces a severe veterinarian shortage. According to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, the nation could be short 15,000 veterinarians by next year.
“For too long, New Jersey residents have had to compete for limited out-of-state seats and pay much higher tuition,” said Edson. “Student debt and the shortage of veterinary professionals are both major challenges in our field.”
Rowan’s program aims to ease that burden. Annual tuition for in-state students is $37,500, compared to $58,500 for out-of-state students. The university estimates living expenses, books, and other fees will add about $28,497 per year. Financial aid will be available for eligible students.
A $105 Million Investment in Animal Health
The New Jersey legislature approved $75 million in 2021 to fund the school’s main academic and clinical building, a 100,000-square-foot facility on Rowan’s West Campus in Harrison Township, about 18 miles southeast of Philadelphia.
The school is named for Gerald B. Shreiber, who donated $30 million to support scholarships and programs.
In October, when the new facility officially opens, community members will be able to bring their pets for care provided by faculty, staff, and students. Clinical services will include dentistry, ophthalmology, imaging, surgery, emergency, primary, and critical care, as well as rotations with large, small, and exotic animals.
The school has already partnered with more than 60 animal shelters and organizations to expand training and service opportunities.
Accreditation and What’s Next
The American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education issued a “Letter of Reasonable Assurance” last October, signaling that Rowan’s program is on track for full accreditation if it meets all outlined requirements.
For South Jersey, the facility addresses a long-standing shortage of veterinary services—a gap school officials say “can make a life-or-death difference” for local pets.
As the first class begins its four-year journey next week, New Jersey takes a major step toward strengthening the veterinary workforce and ensuring accessible, high-quality animal care.
