Is the debt manageable?

[livestockdream]

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How did you decide to go to vet school?

I would LOVE to be a food animal/large animal veterinarian. I have worked with horses, cows and sheep before and I am drawn to being a veterinarian. The problem is that information regarding salaries often contradicts and the cost of vet school is very high. I am a single mother and I know I can do the academic part but I am not sure I can afford it. I know there are loan forgiveness programs but I have heard stories where they were unable to find a job. I do not plan on getting rich but I need enough to pay off loans and support my son.


More info- I'm looking at UMN which I would first get my residency so that would be 36k a year (144k) in addition to my undergrad debt leaves me with around 200k debt. I am eligible for FASFA and I know I can live for free if I am enrolled in vet school.

 

[goldengirl90]

How did you decide to go to vet school?

I would LOVE to be a food animal/large animal veterinarian. I have worked with horses, cows and sheep before and I am drawn to being a veterinarian. The problem is that information regarding salaries often contradicts and the cost of vet school is very high. I am a single mother and I know I can do the academic part but I am not sure I can afford it. I know there are loan forgiveness programs but I have heard stories where they were unable to find a job. I do not plan on getting rich but I need enough to pay off loans and support my son.


More info- I'm looking at UMN which I would first get my residency so that would be 36k a year (144k) in addition to my undergrad debt leaves me with around 200k debt. I am eligible for FASFA and I know I can live for free if I am enrolled in vet school.

Have you spent time shadowing a food animal vet? It's one thing to like being around horses and cows, but actually seeing what LA/FA vets do might affect whether you really want to make a career out of it. Just something to think about!

As for the debt load, I would check out the thread on here about the recent NYT article regarding the abysmal debt-to-income ratio for vets and the mounting prices of tuition/competition for jobs. The economy is not exactly in favor of vets at the moment, unfortunately 🙁

Ultimately, only you can decide whether the debt, and risk, are worth it. Good luck with whatever you decide 🙂