What Abolishing the Department of Education Means for Veterinarians and How We Can Stop It
In a shocking move, executive order has been signed today aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education (DoE). If implemented, this decision will drastically affect students, educators, and professionals—including veterinary students, veterinarians, and clinic owners.
With the cost of veterinary school already at an all-time high and student loan debt overwhelming the profession, the elimination of the DoE could make veterinary education even more inaccessible. The question is: Who will be able to afford veterinary school? And how long will current veterinarians continue to pay off their loans? How can clinics afford to pay veterinarians who need high salaries to pay their loans and make ends meet? Even more crucial: What can we do to stop this?
What Does This Mean for Veterinary Students and Professionals?
Uncertainty in Student Loan Programs
Most (more than 80%) veterinary students rely on student loans to afford tuition and other expenses. If the DoE is dismantled, the administration of federal loans could be transferred to another agency—or worse, privatized.
If loans are sold to private lenders, the protections and benefits that borrowers depend on—such as income-driven repayment plans, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), and fixed interest rates—could disappear.
For veterinarians, who graduate now with an average debt of $183,302, privatization could mean:
Higher interest rates – Private lenders operate on market conditions, so rates could soar.
Loss of forgiveness programs – PSLF and similar programs might vanish.
Fewer repayment options – Income-based repayment plans and deferment could be restricted.
With these changes, many veterinarians could be burdened with debt for a lifetime.
Who Will Be Able to Afford Vet School?
Veterinary school tuition ranges from $78,479 to $285,367, depending on residency status. Without federal aid, fewer middle- and lower-income students would be able to pursue veterinary medicine.
If access to student loans becomes limited:
Diversity in veterinary medicine could decrease as lower-income students are priced out and only those from affluent families could afford to pay tuition.
The veterinarian and speciality veterinary shortage could worsen as fewer students join the profession because of the high student loan debt.
Clinic owners may struggle to find qualified staff, impacting veterinary services.
Impact on Veterinary Clinic Owners
Clinic owners are already facing rising costs and staffing shortages. If fewer students can afford veterinary education and those that do complete the program demand higher salaries to pay the loans, it could lead to:
Increased hiring challenges, particularly in rural areas.
Higher salary demands and increased cost of veterinary care for pets, as the pool of veterinarians shrinks.
More burnout among existing staff, further straining an already overworked profession.
What Can We Do to Stop This?
If you’re concerned about the impact of this decision on veterinary education and the profession, now is the time to act. Here's what you can do:
1. Contact Your Representatives
Reach out to your state and federal representatives to express opposition to the abolition of the DoE. Call, email, or write letters to explain how this will negatively impact students, professionals, and clinic owners. Find your representatives here.
2. Support Legal Action
Several states, including New York and Connecticut, are already suing to prevent this executive order. Support these efforts by:
Signing petitions (MoveOn Petition)
Donating to legal defense funds
Raising awareness on social media
3. Join Advocacy Groups
Organizations like the National Education Association (NEA) are working to protect education funding. By joining or supporting these groups, you can stay informed and engage in advocacy efforts.
4. Raise Awareness
Help others understand how this could impact the future of education and veterinary medicine.
Use hashtags like #SaveStudentLoans #VetMedMatters on social media.
Share your personal story if you’re affected by student loans in veterinary medicine.
Encourage others to get involved.
5. Support Pro-Education Candidates
In the 2025 elections, support candidates who champion student loan protections, federal education funding, and affordable higher education.
Final Thoughts
The potential abolition of the Department of Education could have devastating effects on future veterinarians, current students, and veterinary clinics. From rising student loan debt to workforce shortages, the fallout could last for decades.
However, we don’t have to accept this outcome. Through collective action, legal challenges, and public pressure, we can stop this executive order. The veterinary community—students, professionals, and business owners—must stand united to protect accessible education and ensure a strong future for our field.
Will you join the fight?
