Student Scholarships

Building the Future of Veterinary Medicine

Each year, the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine attracts approximately 1,000 applicants for a mere 80 openings, with at least 60 of those openings reserved for Wisconsin residents.  Our applicants are the best and brightest, attracted to Wisconsin because of our international reputation for education, research, teaching, and clinical patient care.

However, the cost of a veterinary education is a growing barrier to many new students.  In 2002-2003, tuition was $15,843 for Wisconsin residents, and $23,876 for non-residents.  With the additional cost of books, housing, and other expenses, the average debt load of a student completing their four years of education is nearly $70,000.  Although a veterinarian’s education is comparable with that of a human physician, the veterinarian’s income after graduation is far lower, making repayment of such a debt difficult.  In the face of such challenges, the School’s current level of scholarship support, averaging $500 per student, is woefully inadequate.

Scholarships make the difference

A student forced to temporarily leave school because of financial difficulties says, “Having a scholarship is a real stress reliever.  It means not worrying all the time about everything I have to pay for – rent, groceries, books, unexpected expenses.”

“One book was $150,” she explains.  “I couldn’t pay that much, so I spent nights in the reading room so I wouldn’t fall behind.”

Between demanding classes and the constant need to study, it’s a real disadvantage to have to try to fit in a job as well.  Another financially-strapped student agrees, “Too much focus on finances can hinder progress academically.  Scholarships provide peace of mind.” 

A $20 million goal for scholarship support

Veterinary medicine cannot afford to lose students with impeccable credentials and unequaled commitment simply because of their financial circumstances.  Consequently, the School’s goal is to increase student scholarship endowment by $20 million.

Many scholarship giving opportunities are available, including an unrestricted gift to provide flexibility to the School in selecting scholarship recipients.  However, scholarships can also be designated for students with specific interests or qualifications.  A gift of $10,000 will endow a named scholarship, while a $50,000 endowment will provide significant annual tuition assistance for a student.

How can I help?

Any size gift is needed and appreciated by the School of Veterinary Medicine. How you choose to make a gift is a matter of personal preference and situation. Careful planning can maximize the benefits of outright contributions such as cash, appreciated securities, life insurance policies, corporate matching gifts, real estate and gifts of personal property, as well as deferred gifts such as bequests, testamentary trusts, and life income gifts.

The University of Wisconsin Foundation, the official fund-raising agency for the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, provides special recognition for donors through its honor societies, including donors who have made deferred gifts.