NMHED News:
SANTA FE — Thousands of dollars in student debt relief have been awarded to eight veterinarians through the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program provided by the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED).
Established during the 2025 legislative session, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program provides up to $80,000 in financial assistance to veterinarians who commit to practicing in rural areas of the state and provide food animal care for at least four years.
The loan repayment program is designed to address the critical shortages of food animal veterinarians in New Mexico, supporting the care of livestock raised for food, such as cattle, sheep, goats and poultry, to protect the state’s agricultural industry and directly support New Mexico’s rural, frontier and tribal communities.
Many rural and frontier areas in New Mexico face significant challenges with access to veterinary care, which can adversely affect the health of local livestock and food production.
“Access to veterinary services remains a challenge for many New Mexicans in rural communities,” Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez said. “This program will strengthen food animal health, protect our food systems and support rural economies statewide while reducing student debt for those who choose to serve the state.”
The program awards veterinarians $15,000 for the first two years of service in the state, and up to an additional $25,000 for each of the following two years.
“I applied for the Veterinary Loan Forgiveness Program because rural eastern New Mexico urgently needs accessible food-animal veterinary care, and building a mobile mixed-animal practice in such an underserved region requires significant personal investment, said Jovani Armendariz, Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program awardee. “This support will allow me to reinvest directly into herd health services, emergency response, and affordable care for local producers, strengthening both animal health and food security. I’m committed to serving these communities long-term, and this program helps make that possible.”
Applications for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program open Oct. 1 and close Nov. 1.
New Mexico offers a variety loan repayment programs, scholarships and other higher education programs to support the community and recruit and retain highly trained professionals in critical fields to provide support under-served areas across the state.
Visit hed.nm.gov for information on New Mexico’s loan repayment programs or call the Financial Aid Helpline at 1.800.279.9777.