The expansion will be paid by New York State through its 2008-2013 Capital Improvement Program, according to the Cornell Daily Sun, the student newspaper for Cornell University.

According to the Sun, the funds were originally earmarked for the renovation of Cornell’s veterinary research tower. However, the veterinary school’s first priority is to increase class size, and the funds were not substantial enough to cover the tower renovations. The university re-allocated the funds to increasing class size in keeping with its priorities, the Sun reported.

School officials told the Sun that increased enrollment will be necessary for Cornell to maintain prestige as a top-ranked veterinary school.

U.S. News and World Report ranked Cornell University the best in veterinary medicine in 2011. University of California – Davis and Colorado State University were ranked second and third, respectively.

The university is currently maxed out with 102 students in its newest class. Construction plans include the creation of two, 150-seat classrooms and an atrium that is hoped to encourage interactions between students and faculty.

Read more from the Cornell Daily Sun.