Also keep in mind that the average veterinary graduate will interview at 4 places and get 3 offers. So it's definitely a hiring market. To a degree you can pursue the practice style, compensation, benefits, etc that you want.
The AVMA publishes numbers every year on the previous graduating class's salaries, job areas, etc which is really helpful. The average starting salary in most practice types are around $65K, with equine being more like $50K.
Keep in mind as well that it's not all about that single number. I know that that's the number out of which you will pay back your student loans, but most practices will also pay for your CE, AVMA membership, health insurance, vacation etc. There is a limit (due to taxation - I think the rule is something like your total compensation - salary plus all benefits - can't surpass more than like 25-28% of your gross) on the overall percentage that your employer will be able to compensate you on. So if you find a job with a higher starting salary, say $80K, it may be that they are providing fewer other benefits. A lower starting salary might be providing really fabulous benefits. So there is a lot to keep in mind.
Also, there are several different methods of compensation, the 4 I know of - straight salary, straight commission, "Pro-Sal" (guaranteed base salary + some commission), and base salary OR commission (in other words, you are guaranteed a certain salary, say $65K, OR say 18% of your gross - which is a great method as a new grad. You are guaranteed a certain salary starting out but have incentive to work hard and bring in a lot of money because eventually you will benefit from that when 18% of your gross surpasses your base salary amount - this is how NVA compensates their veterinarians).
So between benefits, different types of compensation, the hiring market - you really do have control of your financial destiny so don't let straight numbers intimidate you, there's a lot more going on below the surface.
