Source: AVMA
New data from the AVMA show that while new equine Veterinarians appear to graduate with less educational debt than their peers, the financial picture is more complex. In 2025, graduates entering equine practice reported average DVM debt of $148,061 compared to $176,391 for other graduates. However, a significant reason for the lower average is that 25.2% of equine graduates reported no debt at all, versus 17.4% of other graduates.
Among those carrying debt, equine graduates still owed an average of nearly $198,000, and more than one-third reported debt exceeding $200,000. About one in six owed more than $300,000. The debt burden is especially significant because 88% of new equine Veterinarians pursued internships, earning average stipends of about $50,000—substantially lower than typical full-time Veterinary salaries. The findings highlight the importance of scholarships, loan assistance programs, and other financial support mechanisms to help new veterinarians pursue careers in equine medicine while managing substantial educational debt.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.avma.org/blog/chart-month-dvm-debt-new-equine-veterinarians