NJ Veterinary School Begins Second Year Beset By Challenges

Rowan University’s Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine is entering its second year facing financial and legal challenges. New Jersey lawmakers approved $6.2 million of the school’s $20 million funding request for 2026, continuing a two-year decline in annual state appropriations. The program, which enrolled its first class in 2025, remains provisionally accredited and has warned that reduced funding could jeopardize accreditation goals and Veterinary education. Rowan University also faces a projected $16.5 million budget deficit, partly attributed to startup costs, including the Veterinary school.

In-state Veterinary tuition increased 5%, from $37,500 to $39,375. Separately, three former Veterinary teaching hospital employees filed lawsuits in August against Rowan and several school officials. The plaintiffs, two veterinarians and one Veterinary technician, allege various claims including retaliation, discrimination, accommodation failures, and defamation. Rowan declined to comment on the pending litigation. Despite the challenges, university officials described the $6.2 million state appropriation as significant support for the school’s mission.