Repaying student loans is critical to financial stability for new veterinary graduates. According to the AVMA’s 2024 survey of graduating seniors, the average debt-to-income ratio (DIR), which compares student debt to anticipated annual income, rose slightly to 1.4 from 1.3 in 2023. It is “substantially lower” compared with the 2010s, when the ratio was reported to often exceed 2.0. New data from the association shows 74.9 percent of graduates in 2024 had a DIR below 2.0, and 58.8 percent were below 1.5, indicating “manageable” debt levels for most new veterinarians. Despite these positive trends, some findings underscore the need for continued support and resources to help new veterinarians manage debt effectively. According to the survey, more than 40 percent of graduates had a DIR exceeding 1.5, including 12.3 percent with ratios above 2.5. These higher ratios make loan repayment more challenging, often requiring alternative strategies, such as income-driven repayment plans, loan forgiveness, or employer assistance. If the ratio continues to climb as it did between 2023 and 2024, future veterinary graduates may face increasing financial pressures as they enter the workforce. For more information, visit the AVMA website.
