ASPCA Offering New Scholarship for Veterinary Students
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has launched a new scholarship initiative aimed at reducing financial barriers for veterinary and veterinary technician students pursuing careers in animal welfare and community-based medicine.
The ASPCA Veterinary Scholarship Program was created to help address the national shortage of veterinary professionals working in shelters, nonprofit organizations, and community animal health programs while helping students manage the rising cost of veterinary education and student loan debt.
Through the program, eligible veterinary students can receive up to $33,333 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $100,000. Veterinary technician students can receive up to $10,000 per year, with a total maximum award of $20,000. The program is designed to support students committed to working in mission-driven animal care settings after graduation.
Program leaders say the initiative is particularly important as new federal borrowing limits are expected to impact student access to education financing beginning July 1, potentially increasing financial pressure on professional students entering veterinary medicine.
To be eligible, applicants must:
Be enrolled full-time during the 2026–2027 academic year in an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited veterinary or veterinary technician program
Be in at least the second year of study during the award year
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
Demonstrate financial need
Commit to at least three years of post-graduation employment in animal welfare or community-focused veterinary medicine, including shelter medicine, high-quality high-volume spay-neuter programs, or care for underserved animal populations
The scholarship program comes at a time when veterinary education costs continue to rise. According to data from the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, annual tuition for U.S. veterinary schools ranges from approximately $24,000 to more than $80,000 depending on residency status and institution.
Student debt remains a major challenge for new graduates. Data from veterinary professional organizations shows that the average veterinary graduate debt exceeds $200,000 for many graduates, while veterinary technicians also carry significant educational loan burdens, often averaging tens of thousands of dollars.
ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker said the scholarship program is intended to strengthen the animal welfare workforce by reducing financial barriers that prevent graduates from pursuing nonprofit or community-based careers. He noted that expanding access to veterinary care and supporting mission-driven professionals are central goals of the initiative.
The ASPCA plans to award up to $1 million in total scholarships this year to qualified students demonstrating academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to animal welfare careers following graduation.
Applications for the 2026–2027 scholarship cycle are due March 3, 2026. Additional information and application details are available through the ASPCA scholarship portal.
The program reflects broader efforts across the veterinary profession to support workforce sustainability and expand access to care for companion animals and underserved communities.
