Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.
See all posts Rohit MittalBest SUNY Schools for Pre-Vet
Updated on January 29, 2024
Written by
Written by
The State University of New York (SUNY) system contains numerous excellent schools with strong pre-veterinary programs. When evaluating the best SUNY colleges for pre-vet students, important factors include academics, hands-on learning opportunities, admissions competitiveness, career support, location, and affordability. This guide profiles the top 10 SUNY schools for aspiring veterinarians based on these criteria.
Cornell University
Location: Ithaca, NY
Rating: 9.5/10
Acceptance Rate: 10.9%
SAT: 1410-1530
Tuition: $57,222 (in-state), $57,222 (out-of-state)
Avg Salary: $80,000
Website: www.cornell.edu
As an Ivy League school, Cornell University is highly selective but offers exceptional academics. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences provides substantial research, internship, and hands-on learning opportunities at the on-campus veterinary school hospital. Graduates enjoy a 90% vet school acceptance rate.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)
Location: Syracuse, NY
Rating: 8.5/10
Acceptance Rate: 66%
SAT: 1160-1350
Tuition: $7,870 (in-state), $17,480 (out-of-state)
Avg Salary: $60,000
Website: www.esf.edu
ESF enables students to gain wildlife and zoo animal care experience via partnerships with the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and state parks. Students take science courses through Syracuse University and qualify for early admission to top veterinary colleges after 3 years.
University at Albany, SUNY
Location: Albany, NY
Rating: 8/10
Acceptance Rate: 58%
SAT: 1160-1340
Tuition: $6,970 (in-state), $18,190 (out-of-state)
Avg Salary: $59,100
Website: www.albany.edu
Albany provides quality biological science programs and research opportunities. The school is affiliated with the New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, facilitating hands-on learning. Over 90% of recent graduates were accepted to veterinary schools.
SUNY Oswego
Location: Oswego, NY
Rating: 7.5/10
Acceptance Rate: 56%
SAT: 1090-1270
Tuition: $7,770 (in-state), $16,320 (out-of-state)
Avg Salary: $55,000
Website: www.oswego.edu
SUNY Oswego has an excellent zoology program allowing students to assist zookeepers at the campus education center. Partnerships with SUNY ESF provide expanded research options. The school supports resume-building through clubs and internships.
SUNY Oneonta
Location: Oneonta, NY
Rating: 7/10
Acceptance Rate: 73%
SAT: 1050-1230
Tuition: $7,070 (in-state), $14,620 (out-of-state)
Avg Salary: $53,000
Website: www.oneonta.edu
Oneonta offers quality biological sciences training with abundant faculty research support. Students gain practical animal care abilities via partnerships with the local animal shelter, wolf sanctuary, and raptor rehabilitation center.
SUNY Binghamton University
Location: Binghamton, NY
Rating: 9/10
Acceptance Rate: 44%
SAT: 1300-1490
Tuition: $7,070 (in-state), $21,550 (out-of-state)
Avg Salary: $70,000
Website: www.binghamton.edu
This selective public university provides exceptional academics. Undergraduates produce outstanding research alongside dedicated faculty mentors. Many secure early acceptance to top veterinary programs after 3 years via the accelerated Fast Track program.
SUNY Brockport
Location: Brockport, NY
Rating: 7/10
Acceptance Rate: 71%
SAT: 1100-1260
Tuition: $7,070 (in-state), $16,640 (out-of-state)
Avg Salary: $51,600
Website: www.brockport.edu
Brockport offers strong biological sciences training, veterinary school advising, and abundant research opportunities. Labs feature high-end microscopes, imaging software, climate-controlled greenhouses, and animal room.
SUNY New Paltz
Location: New Paltz, NY
Rating: 7.5/10
Acceptance Rate: 75%
SAT: 1100-1280
Tuition: $7,070 (in-state), $16,950 (out-of-state)
Avg Salary: $54,800
Website: www.newpaltz.edu
At New Paltz, undergraduates play an integral role in faculty biology research projects. The focus on hands-on learning produces graduates highly qualified for veterinary programs and animal science careers.
SUNY Fredonia
Location: Fredonia, NY
Rating: 6.5/10
Acceptance Rate: 60%
SAT: 1000-1200
Tuition: $7,070 (in-state), $15,480 (out-of-state)
Avg Salary: $49,600
Website: www.fredonia.edu
Fredonia provides quality zoology, biology, and chemistry training at an affordable price. Smaller program size enables abundant faculty support. Research and volunteer programs give practical animal care experience.
SUNY Plattsburgh
Location: Plattsburgh, NY
Rating: 6/10
Acceptance Rate: 53%
SAT: 1080-1240
Tuition: $7,070 (in-state), $16,320 (out-of-state)
Avg Salary: $50,500
Website: www.plattsburgh.edu
Plattsburgh’s location near Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains facilitates field research opportunities. Undergraduates can collaborate with faculty on publication-worthy projects, boosting vet school applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA and test scores do I need for SUNY pre-vet programs?
The most competitive SUNY pre-vet programs require a high school GPA of at least 3.7 and SAT scores around 1300 or ACT scores around 29. However, average GPAs and test scores vary across SUNY campuses, with less selective schools accepting scores as low as 1000 on the SAT.
Which SUNY schools offer early acceptance to vet school?
SUNY ESF and Binghamton University offer early assurance vet school acceptance programs allowing students to gain guaranteed admission to partner veterinary colleges after just 3 years if they meet GPA and prerequisite criteria.
Do all SUNY campuses have pre-vet advising?
Nearly all SUNY campuses offer pre-veterinary advising to help students meet vet school requirements, gain relevant experience, and strengthen applications. However, larger research universities tend to have the most robust programs and specialty advisors.
How much does pre-vet cost at SUNY schools?
For in-state students, SUNY schools cost $6,000-7,000 per year for tuition. Out-of-state students pay up to $21,000 per year for top programs like Binghamton. Costs are lowest for commuter students living at home.
Do SUNY colleges offer animal care experience?
Many SUNY campuses facilitate hands-on animal care learning at on-campus facilities, local zoos/shelters, rehab centers, farms, and state parks where students can volunteer, work, or research. Programs with veterinary or zoology concentrations generally provide the most options.
Can I study abroad as a SUNY pre-vet student?
Studying abroad is possible but tough for pre-vet students due to strict curriculum requirements. Some campuses offer short-term global animal care programs over winter or summer break. Planning ahead with advisors is critical for those seeking longer international experiences.
How competitive is veterinary school admission for SUNY graduates?
The average veterinary school acceptance rate for SUNY pre-vet program graduates ranges from 70-90% depending on the campus. Selective schools like Binghamton and ESF prepare exceptionally qualified candidates with 90%+ acceptance.
What types of jobs can I get before vet school with a SUNY pre-vet degree?
Vet tech, veterinary assistant, laboratory animal caretaker, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, pet groomer/trainer, animal control officer, livestock manager, and various research roles are options with a pre-vet bachelor’s degree.
Should I attend grad school before vet school?
In most cases, grad school is not necessary prior to veterinary college. Focusing on securing high grades, exam scores, animal experience, and recommendation letters as an undergrad is recommended over pursuing a master’s pre-vet.
What major should I choose for pre-vet?
Zoology, animal science, biology, biomedical science, and biochemistry are top majors for pre-vet students at SUNY schools. You’ll need to incorporate core science prerequisites for veterinary programs regardless of concentration.
Rohit Mittal
Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.