Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program

The purpose of the New Mexico Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) is to increase the number of veterinarians in rural parts of the state by providing repayment for outstanding student loans.

As part of the program requirements, veterinarians must commit to a four-year full-time service agreement in designated rural shortage areas in New Mexico. The VMLRP is competitive, and submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

Eligibility

• A citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States;
• A resident of New Mexico;
• Licensed as a veterinarian in New Mexico;
• Employed full time in a private practice providing food-animal veterinary medical services in a designated underserved area.

When To Apply

The VMLRP application will open every year on October 1st. Electronic applications must be completed in full and submitted online by 11:59 PM on November 1, 2025. Applications with any documents or information missing will not be reviewed for funding.

Where To Apply

The electronic application link will be available below starting on October 1, 2025. The electronic application portal link will be removed promptly on the closing date of November 1, 2025.

Awards

• The award shall not exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for each of the first two years.
• For each of the following two years, the amount may reach up to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).
• The total award amount may not exceed eighty thousand dollars ($80,000).

Obligation

Must serve at least four years, with quarterly reporting. Payments go directly to debtors.