Enrollment Management
Office of Student Financial Aid
Search Close Search
Contact Us
Toggle Menu

Veterinary Medicine Students: Fall & Spring

The cost of attendance is an estimate of the costs of being enrolled for one year at Iowa State University and is the total amount of financial aid you can receive. Your cost of attendance is not your University Bill.

Estimated cost of attendance

2026-2027 academic year – Veterinary Medicine

—
University expense (billed directly)
Indirect / estimated cost
Tuition
—
Fees
—
Housing and food
—
Books and supplies
—
Personal
—
Transportation
—

Tuition

Years 1, 2, and 3

University
—

Fees

University
—

Housing and food

Off-campus

Indirect
—

Books, course materials and supplies

University
—

Personal

Indirect
—

Transportation

Indirect
—
Please note: These figures are estimates for the 2026-2027 academic year and are subject to change. Your actual cost of attendance may differ from what appears on your individual financial aid offer. For a complete tuition and fee breakdown, visit the ISU Tuition and Fee Schedule.

Full rate reference – all scenarios

Component Resident Non-res.
Tuition – years 1, 2, and 3University expense$31,360$65,938
Tuition – year 4University expense$30,492$52,248
FeesUniversity expense$1,586$1,586
Housing and food – on-campusUniversity expense$11,162$11,162
Housing and food – off-campusIndirect$12,294$12,294
Books, course materials and suppliesUniversity expense$800$800
PersonalIndirect$2,850$2,850
TransportationIndirect$1,400$1,400

Students enrolled in their first year in the College of Veterinary Medicine will have a one-time computer fee of $2,650. This fee will be included in the cost of attendance. 

VM4 who attempt a preceptorship away from ISU may submit a preceptorship form and receipts for reimbursement of expenses paid after academic credit is earned for the preceptorship.

When considering costs of attendance, please note:

  • Student tuition, fees, and charges for food & housing in university housing are set by the Iowa Board of Regents
  • Food and housing allocated i the veterinary medicine cost of attendance is assuming off-campus housing with no meal plan at ISU; your cost of attendance cannot be adjusted for food or housing expenses that exceed what is included in your cost of attendance.
  • Your cost of attendance may include Direct Loan origination fees, if using the Federal Direct Unsubsidized or Graduate PLUS Loan; the loan origination fee is an average and may not be exact to your principal amount borrowed
  • Your actual University Bill may include miscellaneous expenses not specifically outlined in your cost of attendance
  • All international students enrolled for 1 credit hour or more at Iowa State University are required to purchase the ISU Student & Scholar Medical Insurance Plan

Cost of Attendance Explained

Tuition and Fees

These are the costs for your classes. The amount listed is based on full-time enrollment (12+ credits) and mandatory fees; this does not include any special course fees. Mandatory fees include a technology fee, activity fee, and health fee.

Food and Housing

The amount listed is an estimate of your food and housing expenses and your cost of attendance cannot be increased for off-campus housing and food expenses that exceed the amount offered in your cost of attendance. If you are not living on-campus or do not have a meal plan through the university, you will not be charged for these items.

Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment

The amount listed is an estimate; your actual costs may differ each semester based on the classes you are taking. Only books and supplies purchased through the University Bookstore in the Memorial Union can be charged to your University Bill.

Transportation and Personal Expenses

The amount listed is an estimate for your daily living expenses. This cost will not be charged to your University Bill, but you can use financial aid to cover your day-to-day costs if you choose. Daily living expenses may include laundry, a personal vehicle (parking on campus, gas, etc.), prescriptions, personal hygiene items, or other daily costs.