Colorado State University’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program has been recognized as one of the premier veterinary programs in the country, securing the number three spot in the 2026-2027 Best Graduate Schools rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. This distinction highlights CSU’s sustained excellence in veterinary education, maintaining a top-three ranking for over twenty years.
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Additionally, CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences has been named the leading institution for veterinary biomedical research, marking the second consecutive year it has held the top position according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. This independent nonprofit evaluates veterinary research institutions based on National Institutes of Health funding, which is widely regarded as a measure of scientific vitality.
Dr. Sue VandeWoude, dean of the College, noted the institution’s long-standing commitment to veterinary education and research, emphasizing the recent opening of a new Veterinary Hospital and Education Complex. This facility aims to enhance the training of future veterinarians while contributing significantly to public health and scientific advancement in areas including cancer and infectious diseases.
CSU faculty are also pioneers in translational medicine, a field that studies the similarities between animals and humans to foster medical advancements for both species. Highlighted in a recent feature on 60 Minutes, Dr. Stephanie McGrath and Julie Moreno, Ph.D., are investigating canine cognitive decline, a condition akin to human dementia, to inform therapeutic developments.
The college is also leading research on conditions such as osteosarcoma and feline infectious peritonitis, benefiting both animal and human health.
Looking ahead, CSU plans to transform veterinary education through a new 213,000-square-foot Veterinary Hospital and Education Complex, set to open this spring. This facility will revolutionize veterinary teaching methods and address ongoing challenges within the profession. Along with the new complex, CSU will unveil a state-of-the-art livestock hospital to meet the demand for large animal care.
The revamped D.V.M. curriculum will focus on team-based learning and hands-on training, preparing graduates to enter the workforce confidently. Beginning in Fall 2026, the program will expand enrollment by 30 students per class to help alleviate the veterinary care shortage in the U.S.
In addition to the D.V.M. program, CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences provides undergraduate training in fields such as microbiology, environmental health, biomedical sciences, and neuroscience. CSU also collaborates with the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, having graduated its first class of physicians in 2025.
The mission to improve the health of animals, humans, and the environment is central to CSU’s legacy as a land-grant institution and remains integral to the College's vision today.