Source: KRQE
New Mexico veterinarians willing to serve rural, frontier, and tribal communities can now apply for up to $80,000 in student loan repayment assistance through the state’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. Administered by the New Mexico Higher Education Department, the program is designed to address Veterinary shortages in underserved areas while strengthening support for the state’s agricultural industry.
To qualify, recipients must commit to providing care for food-producing livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry, in rural New Mexico for at least four years. State officials say veterinarians play a critical role in supporting agricultural producers, protecting animal health, and maintaining essential services for local communities.
The initiative aims to encourage more Veterinary professionals to practice in areas where access to animal healthcare is limited. Applications are open now, with a deadline of July 1, 2026. Officials hope the program will help attract and retain veterinarians while supporting the long-term health and sustainability of New Mexico’s livestock and agricultural sectors.