New Mexico offers up to $80,000 in loan forgiveness for veterinarians

The New Mexico Veterinary Loan Repayment Program was signed into law under Senate Bill 8 by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham earlier this year. The program is under the direction of the state’s higher education department and offers up to $80,000 in loan forgiveness.  

“The New Mexico Higher Education Department has a track record of successfully implementing loan repayment programs for hardworking New Mexicans in critical workforce fields,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “The Veterinary Medical Loan Repayment Program offers a specific incentive for veterinarians to stay and practice in rural areas throughout the state.”   

The program was designed to encourage veterinarians to practice in rural, agricultural areas that struggle to find large animal veterinary caregivers. The hours are often longer and the pay less in the areas that are experiencing these shortages, so a loan forgiveness program is a way to level the field and reward veterinarians for practicing in rural areas.  

Applicants must commit to working in rural areas of New Mexico and providing care for food animals for at least four years. Following the four-year period, veterinarians will receive the funds. The hope is that veterinarians will choose to stay long-term after the completion of the four-year term. 

The department of higher education expects to select 10 students for the program in the first year. The counties that are facing a veterinarian shortage include Bernalillo, Catron, Chaves, Cibola, Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, Luna, McKinley,
Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Juan, San Miguel, and the northern portion of Santa Fe. 

“This program is a great first step in New Mexico supporting our rural veterinary community, said Samantha Holeck, DVM, New Mexico State Veterinarian. “Veterinarians are crucial to the health of our animals and the security of our food supply. This program will support the recruitment and retention of veterinarians in areas of dire need.”  

The deadline to apply for the 2025 program is Nov. 1. For more information about other loan repayment programs in New Mexico, visit www.hed.nm.gov or call the state’s Financial Aid Help Line at 800-279-9777.   

Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or lvilhauer@hpj.com.