Clemson University opened applications for the inaugural class of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine.
The American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education gave the Upstate college the initial approval it needed in the accreditation process to begin enrolling students. The school will accept applications over the next five weeks, with the window to apply closing at midnight on Nov. 17, according to a statement from the college.
Dean Steven Marks has said he expects to enroll 80 students — 60 South Carolinians and 20 from other states.
The first veterinary students will begin classes in fall 2026.
The school will still need another round of approvals before it is fully accredited.
“Today is a very exciting day for Clemson University and the state of South Carolina,” university President Jim Clements said in a statement. “The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine’s application window is now open, and we are one step closer to welcoming our very first Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students to campus.”
The college is building the $285 million project, funded with money set aside in the state budget, to address a potential shortage of veterinarians in South Carolina, particularly in rural and agricultural communities.
South Carolina has more than 2,700 licensed veterinarians and more than 900 technicians, according to the state licensing board. That’s up from more than 1,700 vets and 380 technicians a decade earlier.
“Our mission is to prepare world-class veterinarians who will advance animal health, support agriculture and strengthen communities in our state and beyond,” Marks said in a statement. “The students will be prepared to enter the workforce on day one after graduation or pursue their education further to become specialized.”
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