Serve rural communities and get student loan relief? Eight veterinarians in New Mexico are doing just that.
The New Mexico Higher Education Department has awarded thousands of dollars in student debt relief to eight rural veterinarians. The aid comes through the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program .
Lawmakers established the initiative during the 2025 legislative session. It provides up to $80,000 in financial assistance to veterinarians who commit to rural practice and food animal care for four years.
The loan repayment program awards veterinarians $15,000 for the first two years of service in the state. It offers up to an additional $25,000 for each of the following two years.
The program aims to address the critical shortage of food animal veterinarians in New Mexico. It supports the care of livestock raised for food, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry. The effort protects the state’s agricultural industry and directly supports New Mexico’s rural, frontier and tribal communities.
Helping Address Veterinary Care Shortages
Many rural and frontier areas in New Mexico face significant challenges with access to veterinary care. These challenges 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,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “This program will strengthen food animal health, protect our food systems and support rural economies statewide while reducing student debt for those who chose to serve the state.”
Jovani Armendariz, Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program awardee, said he applied for the program because rural eastern New Mexico urgently needs accessible food-animal veterinary care. He said building a mobile mixed-animal practice in such an underserved region requires significant personal investment.
“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,” Armendariz said.
Dr. Samantha Holeck, New Mexico State Veterinarian, earlier said the program is a great first step in supporting the rural veterinary community. “Veterinarians are crucial to the health of our animals and the security of our food supply. This program will support the recruitment and retention of veterinarians in areas of dire need.”
The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program accepted applications from October 1 to November 1 of last year.
New Mexico offers a variety of loan repayment programs, scholarships, and other higher education opportunities to support the community. The state also recruits and retains highly trained professionals in critical fields to provide support to under-served areas.