Applications Now Open for Nevada WICHE Veterinary School Stipend Program
State’s $8 million investment addresses critical veterinary shortage through partnership with Utah State University
Nevada residents interested in veterinary medicine now have access to financial assistance through the Nevada Office of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Nevada WICHE has opened applications for its 2025-26 Health Profession Education Program (HPEP) stipend, supporting students pursuing Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at Utah State University’s (USU) College of Veterinary Medicine.
The financial aid program is funded by a state investment of $8 million through Nevada Senate Bill 342, which passed with broad bipartisan support during the 2023 Legislative Session. It provides stipends to lower out-of-state tuition costs for 70 Nevada students enrolled in USU’s veterinary program through June 30, 2034. The stipend is available for up to four years per recipient.
Nevada System of Higher Education Regent Pete Goicoechea, who sponsored SB 342 during his time in the Nevada Senate, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “I’m extremely grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature for recognizing the need to address Nevada’s shortage of veterinarians. As someone who’s spent my life as part of this state’s agricultural community, seeing SB 342 become a reality is particularly meaningful. This program not only helps students achieve their dream of becoming veterinarians, but it ensures that our communities and ranchers will benefit from quality veterinary care for years to come.”
Recipients of the stipend commit to practicing veterinary medicine in Nevada after graduation for one year per each year of support received, directly benefiting communities across the state. Nevada, like many states, faces a shortage of both large-animal and small-animal veterinarians.
“This partnership with Utah State University represents exactly the kind of collaboration that WICHE was established to facilitate,” said Fred Lokken, Nevada WICHE Executive Commissioner. “By providing financial support, we’re making it possible for Nevada’s aspiring veterinarians to receive an outstanding education while directly addressing critical shortages here at home. It’s an investment that will strengthen our state’s communities and economy for decades.”
“We are delighted to partner with Nevada WICHE to support students from Nevada as they pursue their veterinary education at Utah State University,” said Dr. Dirk Vanderwall, Dean of the USU College of Veterinary Medicine. “This stipend program is a meaningful step toward helping more individuals enter the profession while also expanding access to veterinary care in communities that need it most. In addition, clinical training of our students in the 4th year will occur in community-based veterinary practices, including practices in Nevada, adding another component to this exciting bi-state collaboration.”
Given the anticipated strong interest in the program and limited available slots, eligible students are encouraged to apply quickly.
“We’re excited to launch the stipend application process and encourage all eligible Nevada residents accepted for the fall 2025 USU College of Veterinary Medicine program to apply right away,” said Patty Porter, Director of the Nevada Office of WICHE. “This stipend helps defray the high cost of out-of-state tuition and directly supports Nevada’s need for veterinarians. It’s truly an opportunity for students to pursue their passion while giving back to their communities.”
Applications are currently being accepted and will remain open until all stipend positions are filled.
Interested students can find more information or apply at the following websites:
