Student debt advocacy
In this article:
- Learn what the AVMA is doing in Washington to combat the high levels of student debt facing veterinary professionals.
- Discover policy issues that are among AVMA's priorities when advocating for solutions to veterinary debt.
- Find out how to stay up-to-date on student debt issues that are being considered in Washington.
Combating high levels of veterinary student debt is critical to the financial success and personal wellbeing of veterinarians. The AVMA is committed to finding solutions to reduce veterinary debt, and advocates on a range of higher education priorities that support veterinary borrowers and help reduce educational debt among veterinary professionals. Among the key priorities:
- Protecting and improving Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Establishing more favorable refinancing options
- Lowering interest rates
- Eliminating origination fees
- Maintaining federal student loan borrowing limits
- Restoring graduate and professional student eligibility for subsidized loans
- Pausing repayment and interest accumulation for veterinarians pursuing advanced education and training
- Creating financial incentives for veterinary small business owners to help employees repay educational debt
- Ending taxation on the forgiven portion of student loans after the standard 20-25-year repayment terms
Were you denied loan forgiveness through PSLF?
Your story can help the AVMA lead the push for practical reforms to improve the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for veterinary borrowers who are relying on it.
Get involved
AVMA's advocacy work is powered by the combined strength of our diverse membership. From online letter-writing to in-person visits with lawmakers, volunteer advocates help drive legislative successes that protect, promote, and advance the veterinary profession. You can start with these simple actions:
- Subscribe to the AVMA Advocate newsletter for the latest advocacy news.
- Connect with the AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network (AVMA CAN) to learn about opportunities to have your voice heard by Congress.
Discover more ways to increase your impact at avma.org/GetInvolved.