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Loans, budgets, salaries and everything in between

Financial health requires skills that you might not have learned in veterinary school. Use these resources to start off on the right track post-graduation.

Student Loans

Managing student debt doesn't have to be overwhelming or scary. All you need to know about student loans starts here!

Loan Repayment Strategies

On March 26, 2025, after a temporary pause, the U.S. Department of Education once again made the online application form available for eligible borrowers to apply for the Income-Based Repayment (IBR), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plans for federal loan repayment. The online loan consolidation application also was reposted. The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan remains on hold, and borrowers enrolled in SAVE are in a general forbearance unless otherwise notified. For more information on the available income-driven plans and the implications of the SAVE forbearance, see the announcement and FAQs on the Federal Student Aid website.

The AVMA is engaging with lawmakers in Washington and working with student debt experts to prepare materials to help veterinary students and veterinarians navigate the evolving federal student loan landscape. Meanwhile, borrowers who are already enrolled in income-driven plans, including those pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), are advised to document and retain all information related to their student loans, including repayment history.

StudentAid.gov

Knowledge is power and checking in is a good thing. Start with the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid site. You can view your personal loan information, get live chat help, and see the latest updates.

https://studentaid.gov/

Veterinary Salary Estimator

The AVMA Veterinary Salary Estimator can provide you with approximate salary ranges to use as a guide for pay negotiations, budgeting and financial planning.

Money Management

Congratulations on securing your first job as a veterinarian! Get the most from your new income by upping your financial knowledge and starting good financial habits.

Financial Literacy

Don’t overlook your financial wellbeing! Check out veterinarian and attorney Dr. Lance Roasa’s 20-minute video to learn ways to improve your financial know-how. 

Business 101 for Non-Economists

Check out the 20-minute video from Dr. Jess Trichel of Live Oak Bank to learn all you need to know about running a successful business—from owning a practice to managing your individual career! 

Financial Planning Resources

Is it better to rent or buy a home? Lease or buy a car? How quickly can you pay off your credit card? Check out these tools to organize your finance plan to meet your goals.

Insurance Options

Have you explored your veterinary insurance options recently? Let the AVMA insurance trusts help you protect what matters most.