Veterinary Medical Education Act of 1971

The Veterinary Medicine Education Act of 1971 provides for contractual agreements between the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority and out-of-state schools of veterinary medicine for the acceptance of New Jersey residents who are and have been residents of the State of New Jersey for twelve consecutive months. Under the terms of the Act, the schools receive a capitation subsidy toward the cost of education in return for a number of reserved spaces for New Jersey residents.
The contract schools approved by the advisory committee are has follows: University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Tuskegee University, Iowa State University, Oklahoma State University, University of Illinois, and Tufts University. Any changes to this list of schools will be posted to the HESAA website.
The anticipated distribution of spaces is limited. We suggest that you consider applying to all of the contract schools to enhance your chances of being accepted.1
Most schools of veterinary medicine also admit a few out-of-state residents, without specific contracts. New Jersey residents have previously been accepted at Auburn University, Colorado State University, Kansas State University, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Mississippi State University, North Carolina State University, Purdue University, Texas A & M University, the University of Tennessee, the University of Florida, University of Missouri, and the University of Wisconsin. You may apply to any of these schools. Their selection of students is based on open competition from all out-of-state applicants. The state of New Jersey does not contribute to the cost of the educational process at these institutions; admission of New Jersey residents is not facilitated by this program.
Application forms and bulletins must be obtained from the schools by the student. The applications should be completed and returned to the schools by the dates specified in their bulletins. Please note that each school has its particular prerequisite education requirements. It is therefore advisable that you obtain college catalogues well in advance of your application in order to make sure that all prerequisites have been met.
In order to qualify for participation in this contract program, each applicant must submit to the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority at the time of application to the schools of veterinary medicine, effective proof of New Jersey residency for at least twelve consecutive months prior to the date of matriculation. Students must maintain full-time status. Students are presumed to be residents of the state in which their parents or guardians reside unless they can demonstrate bona fide independence from their parents.
The following material will be considered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority in making a determination of residency. Additional information may be requested, particularly of students who claim financial independence from parents or guardians:
Two notarized affidavits, one from the applicant and one from a parent, legal guardian, or other relative over eighteen years of age attesting to the candidate's residency status (forms are available from HESAA, call 609-588-4694)
New Jersey State income tax return filed for the most recent tax year. 2
In addition, the student must also present photocopies (xerox, etc.) of any two of the following items indicating New Jersey residency:
voter registration
driver's license showing expiration date
current student identification (if attending out-of-state school, please provide verification from the Dean of Students as to residency status, or Bursar's receipt indicating payment of out-of-state fees.)
The affidavits and photocopies should be mailed to: Ms. Amanda Billups Higher Education Student Assistance Authority P.O. Box 540 4 Quakerbridge Plaza Trenton, N.J. 08625-0540
From this documentation, the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will certify to the schools that the applicant is an eligible candidate for participation in this program, which aims to facilitate the acceptance of bona fide New Jersey residents into schools of Veterinary Medicine. Failure to submit complete documentation materials may jeopardize your admission to the Veterinary Medicine Education Contract Program.
The applicant must also complete and forward the enclosed program registration form to the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority at the above address. Student must apply each year for certification. This information is used exclusively for the purpose of analysis within the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, and is not shared with the schools. The Admissions Committee of each school is responsible for the acceptance and notification of students in accordance with their requirements and policies. Being certified as a New Jersey resident by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority does not guarantee admission to any of the schools of veterinary medicine participating in the contract program.
The State of New Jersey contributes substantially toward the educational costs of the veterinary medicine training of each student accepted under the provisions of this program. It should be noted that this capitation fee is not tuition subsidy, and accepted students are responsible for the cost of tuition and fees at the respective institutions. There is presently no legal obligation for program participants to repay any part of this subsidy, in money or in service. It is our hope, however, that students benefiting from this program will recognize a measure of moral indebtedness to the citizenry that sponsored them, and will give serious consideration to putting their valuable training into practice in New Jersey.
Information concerning student financial aid can be obtained by calling the Student Financial Aid Hotline at 1-800-792-8670 or contacting the Student Financial Aid Office at the respective schools of veterinary medicine.
For additional information please visit the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).
1Subject to Legislative Appropriation.2Parent or legal guardian tax returns if applicant is claimed as a dependent; applicant's return if self reporting