11 Best Student Loans for Vet School
Veterinary school students should opt for federal student loan benefits and protections when taking on debt.
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Veterinarian students who take out student loans owe an average of $202,647 upon graduating, according to 2024 data from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
To keep loan payments manageable, the majority of students should choose federal student loans for vet school rather than private loans. Opt for low-cost federal health professions student loans first, if you can qualify, then turn to unsubsidized direct loans and graduate PLUS loans.
Here are our picks for the best student loans for vet school, plus what you should know about each before borrowing.
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Why trust NerdWallet
- 35+ student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 10+ years of combined experience covering higher education and student loans.
- Objective, comprehensive star-rating system assessing 43 categories and 40+ data points across student loan origination and student loan refinance.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Best Student Loans for Vet School
Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Min. credit score | Fixed APR | Variable APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.0 /5 | None | 6.39-7.94% | N/A | ||
5.0 /5 | None | 9.08-9.08% | N/A | ||
 College Ave Medical Student Loan See Offers on College Ave's website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website | 5.0 /5 | Mid-600s | 3.24-14.47% | 4.24-14.47% | See Offers on College Ave's website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website |
 Ascent Graduate and Health Professions Student Loan See Offers on Ascent's website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website | 5.0 /5 | Low-Mid 600s | 4.39-14.16% | 6.55-14.26% | See Offers on Ascent's website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website |
4.5 /5 | 680 | 2.71-7.38% | 4.32-5.56% | ||
4.0 /5 | Does not disclose | 6.69-13.89% | 8.44-11.54% | ||
4.5 /5 | 650 | 4.45-14.30% | 4.99-15.15% | ||
4.0 /5 | 680 | 3.69-14.22% | 5.00-13.97% | See Offers on Credible’s website | |
4.5 /5 | Mid to High 600s | 3.47-9.28% | 5.81-9.28% | ||
5.0 /5 | 600 | 3.39-15.00% | 4.13-15.36% | ||
 Sallie Mae Graduate School Loan for Health Professionals See Offers on Sallie Mae's website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website | 4.5 /5 | Mid-600's | 3.45-14.99% | 4.37-13.98% | See Offers on Sallie Mae's website COMPARE RATES on Credible’s website |
Our pick for
Most borrowers as a first option
If you can’t qualify for a low-cost federal health professions student loan, federal direct unsubsidized loans should be your top choice for vet school.
Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan
None
6.39-7.94%
N/A
- Key facts
Graduate students can receive only unsubsidized direct loans. They can take out up to $20,500 annually in these loans, which may not be enough to cover vet school costs.
Pros- More flexible repayment options for struggling borrowers than other lenders.
- Subsidized loans do not collect interest while in school or during deferment.
- Lower interest rates than many private lenders.
Cons- You pay an origination fee.
Qualifications- No credit check or minimum income is needed to borrow.
- Loan amounts for undergraduates: $5,500 year one, $6,500 year two, $7,500 year three and thereafter, up to a total of $31,000
- Independent students and graduate students have higher loan limits.
- Undergraduate interest rate fixed at 3.73%, while grad students get higher 5.28% rate
Available Term Lengths10 to 25 years once repayment begins, depending on the repayment plan.
Our pick for
Manageable payments after vet school
Both unsubsidized federal student loans and graduate PLUS loans qualify for income-driven repayment plans that limit payments to as little as 10% of your discretionary income.
- Key facts
Grad PLUS loans have higher interest rates and fees than unsubsidized loans but let you borrow more money.
Pros- More flexible repayment options for struggling borrowers compared with private lenders.
- All borrowers who attend a school authorized to receive federal aid can qualify.
Cons- May have higher interest rates compared with private lenders.
- You pay an origination fee.
- You can’t see if you’ll qualify without a hard credit check.
Qualifications- Grad PLUS loan borrowers must not have adverse credit history.
- Borrowers with adverse credit history can still receive a grad PLUS loan by enlisting a co-signer without adverse credit history or documenting extenuating circumstances for their credit history.
- Loan amounts: Total cost of attendance minus other financial aid.
Available Term Lengths10 to 25 years once repayment begins, depending on the repayment plan.
Our pick for
Borrowers with good credit
Vet students who have good to excellent credit, or a co-signer that does, may pay less overall by borrowing a private student loan. While private loans may have better rates and lower fees than federal loans, they lack the same repayment options and protections.
College Ave Medical Student Loan
Mid-600s
3.24-14.47%
4.24-14.47%
- Key facts
CollegeAve’s medical school loans let you defer payments for up to 36 months after school.
Pros- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- International students can qualify with a co-signer.
- You can defer payments up to an additional 48 months during fellowship after your grace period.
Cons- You must be at least halfway through your repayment term before you can request a co-signer release.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Mid-700s.
- Minimum income: $35,000 per year.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to the total cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths5, 8, 10, 15 or 20 yearsDisclaimerCollege Ave Student Loans products are made available through Firstrust Bank, member FDIC, First Citizens Community Bank, member FDIC, or M.Y. Safra Bank, FSB, member FDIC. All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. Program restrictions, other terms, and conditions apply. (1)All rates include the auto-pay discount. The 0.25% auto-pay interest rate reduction applies as long as a valid bank account is designated for required monthly payments. If a payment is returned, you will lose this benefit. Variable rates may increase after consummation. (2)As certified by your school and less any other financial aid you might receive. Minimum $1,000. (3)This informational repayment example uses typical loan terms for a freshman borrower who selects the Flat Repayment Option with an 8-year repayment term, has a $10,000 loan that is disbursed in one disbursement and a 7.78% fixed Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”): 54 monthly payments of $25 while in school, followed by 96 monthly payments of $176.21 while in the repayment period, for a total amount of payments of $18,266.38. Loans will never have a full principal and interest monthly payment of less than $50. Your actual rates and repayment terms may vary. Information advertised valid as of 5/29/2025. Variable interest rates may increase after consummation. Approved interest rate will depend on creditworthiness of the applicant(s), lowest advertised rates only available to the most creditworthy applicants and require selection of the Flat Repayment Option with the shortest available loan term.
Ascent Graduate and Health Professions Student Loan
Low-Mid 600s
4.39-14.16%
6.55-14.26%
- Key facts
Rating and details displayed are for Ascent's undergraduate student loan. Ascent offers a medical student loan for D.V.M. students that lets you postpone payments for 48 months after leaving school.
Pros- Forbearance of 24 months is longer than many lenders offer.
- Grace period of 9 months is longer than many lenders offer.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Cons- You must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: Not available.
- Minimum income: Not available.
- Loan amounts: up to $400,000.
Available Term Lengths7, 10, 12 or 15 yearsDisclaimer*Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent's Terms and Conditions please visit: AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 6/1/2025 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% on credit-based college student loans submitted prior to 6/1/2025, a 0.5% discount for on credit-based college student loans submitted on or after 6/1/2025 and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. Variable rates may increase after consummation.1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visit AscentFunding.com/BorrowerBenefits. Ascent applicants and borrowers that agree to the AscentUP Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, as well as students associated with an Ascent parent loan application, have access to the AscentUP platform.
PNC Private Student Loan
Does not disclose
6.69-13.89%
8.44-11.54%
- Key factsBest for students who plan to start repayment immediately.Pros
- Interest rate discount for autopay is larger than most lenders offer.
Cons- You can’t see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Did not disclose.
- Minimum income: Did not disclose.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 to $50,000.
Available Term Lengths5, 10 or 15 years.
Earnest Medical School Loan
650
4.45-14.30%
4.99-15.15%
- Key factsAn option for medical students who want flexible repayment.Pros
- Option to skip one payment every 12 months.
- No late fees.
- Nine-month grace period is longer than most lenders offer.
Cons- Loans aren't available in Nevada.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: 758.
- Minimum income: $35,000.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to your total cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10, 12 or 15 yearsDisclaimerEarnest Private Student Loans are made by One American Bank, Member FDIC, or FinWise Bank, Member FDIC. One American Bank, 515 S. Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Finwise Bank, 756 East Winchester, Suite 100, Murray, UT 84107. Earnest loans are serviced by Earnest Operations LLC, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 340, Oakland 94612. NMLS #1204917, with support from Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA) (NMLS# 1442770) One American Bank, FinWise Bank, and Earnest LLC and its subsidiaries, including Earnest Operations LLC, are not sponsored by agencies of the United States of America. © 2025 Earnest LLC. All rights reserved.
ELFI Private Student Loan
680
3.69-14.22%
5.00-13.97%
- Key factsBest for borrowers with a significant funding gap.Pros
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- You are assigned a student loan advisor.
Cons- No co-signer release available.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: Not available.
- Minimum income: $35,000.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to your total cost of attendance.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10 or 15 years.
Nelnet Bank Private Student Loan
Mid to High 600s
3.47-9.28%
5.81-9.28%
- Key factsBest for borrowers who value flexibility in repayment.Pros
- Provides rate offer with soft credit check.
Cons- Does not disclose full underwriting requirements.
- Does not allow bi-weekly payments via autopay.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Did not disclose.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 with an aggregate loan limit of $125,000 (Undergrad).
Available Term LengthsDisclaimerFixed interest rates range from 3.47% APR (with auto debit discount) to 9.28% APR (without auto debit discount). Your interest rate will depend on your (and if applicable, your cosigner’s) credit qualifications. The fixed interest rate will remain the same for the life of the loan. Variable interest rates range from 5.81% APR (with auto debit discount) to 9.28% APR (without auto debit discount). Your interest rate will depend on your (and if applicable, your cosigner’s) credit qualifications. Variable rates for Nelnet Bank Student Loans are calculated using either (a) the One-Month SOFR; (b) the 30-day Average SOFR; or (c) the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and/or The Wall Street Journal “Money Rates” table on the twenty-fifth day (or the next business day) of the immediately preceding calendar month. The variable rate may reprice and change on the first day of each month if the SOFR index changes. This may result in higher monthly payments. The current One-Month SOFR index is 4.31% as of June 1, 2025. Lowest rates listed above include an interest rate reduction for eligible applications, enrollment in auto debit, and are available only to the most creditworthy applicants. Advertised variable rates reflect the starting range of rates and may increase over the life of the loan. The lowest rate for each loan type requires automatically withdrawn (i.e., auto debit) payments. The lowest rate is available only to the most creditworthy applicants. Not all borrowers will receive the lowest rate. The interest rate and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) may be higher depending upon (1) the credit history of the borrower and, if applicable, the cosigner, (2) the repayment option and loan term selected, and (3) the loan type selected. If approved, applicants will be notified of the rate qualified for within the stated range. Interest rate reduction of .25% for automatically withdrawn payments from any designated bank account (“auto debit discount”). Auto debit discount applies when full payments (including both principal and interest) are automatically drafted from a bank account. The auto debit discount will continue to apply during periods of approved forbearance or deferment if the auto debit discount was in effect at the time of receiving the forbearance or deferment. Auto debit discount will remain on the account unless (1) the automatic deduction of payments is cancelled or (2) there are three consecutive automatic deductions returned for insufficient funds at any time during the term of the loan. Your actual savings, if any, may vary based on interest rates, balances, remaining repayment terms and other factors. Refinancing to a longer term may lower your monthly payments, but may also increase the total interest paid over the life of the loan. Refinancing to a shorter term may increase your monthly payments, but may lower the total interest paid over the life of the loan. Checking your rate results in a soft credit pull, which will not affect your credit score. If you continue with your application, Nelnet Bank will request your permission to obtain your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies. This is a hard credit pull and may affect your credit score. Nelnet Bank offers various payment assistance programs to assist you if you are currently struggling to make payments. Contact us at [email protected] or 800.446.4190 to get more information. This referral partner is not the creditor of Nelnet Bank loans and may receive compensation from Nelnet Bank for the referral of Nelnet Bank loan customers. A request for the cosigner to be released can be made by either the borrower or cosigner when each of the following conditions has been met: • The account must have been in full principal and interest repayment for at least 24 months. • Twenty-four consecutive, on-time principal and interest payments, or lump sum equivalent, must have been made. Note: A lump sum payment does not replace the requirement to have been in full principal and interest repayment for at least 24 months. Interest-only or fixed-pay payments while enrolled in school do not qualify toward the 24 consecutive on-time payments. • The loan must be current at the time of request. • The loan must not have been in deferment, hardship forbearance, or other alternative payment assistance plan within the past 24 months. • The loan must not have been permanently modified from its original terms in the credit agreement. • The primary borrower must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency in the United States. • The primary borrower must meet the age of majority requirement in their permanent state of residency. • Requirements are subject to change. • If all of these conditions have been met, an application for cosigner release may be submitted. The primary borrower is required to demonstrate they have the ability to assume sole responsibility for the loan(s) by providing proof of income, meeting debt-to-income requirements, and having a satisfactory credit history. (A credit report will be obtained during the review process).
- Key factsBest for borrowers looking for a loan with flexible repayment plans and a long grace period.Pros
- Best for borrowers looking for a loan with flexible repayment plans and a long grace period.
- Students enrolled less than half-time are eligible, a feature not offered by many other lenders.
- Offers a .05% rate reduction for every six months of consecutive payments, up to 0.25%.
- Provides In-School Default Protection for borrowers making interest or partial interest payments while enrolled.
Cons- Not available in CT, ME, NE, TX or WV.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years.
Sallie Mae Graduate School Loan for Health Professionals
Mid-600's
3.45-14.99%
4.37-13.98%
- Key factsBest for part-time students and those who want flexibility with repayment.Pros
- One of the few lenders to provide loans to part-time students.
- Non-U.S. citizens, including DACA students, can apply with a U.S. co-signer.
Cons- You can't see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
QualificationsAvailable Term Lengths10 to 20 yearsDisclaimerLowest rates shown include the auto debit discount. Advertised APRs for Graduate School Loan, MBA Loans, and Graduate School Loan for Health Professions assume a $10,000 loan with a 2-year in-school period. Interest rates for variable rate loans may increase or decrease over the life of the loan based on changes to the 30-day Average Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) rounded up to the nearest one-eighth of one percent. Advertised variable rates are the starting range of rates and may vary outside of that range over the life of the loan. Interest is charged starting when funds are sent to the school. With the Fixed and Deferred Repayment Options, the interest rate is higher than with the Interest Repayment Option and Unpaid Interest is added to the loan’s Current Principal at the end of the grace/separation period. To receive a 0.25 percentage point interest rate discount, the borrower or cosigner must enroll in auto debit through Sallie Mae. The discount applies only during active repayment for as long as the Current Amount Due or Designated Amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. It may be suspended during forbearance or deferment. Advertised APRs are valid as of 6/03/2025.
Our pick for
Borrowers from Texas
Brazos Private Student Loan
680
2.71-7.38%
4.32-5.56%
- Key factsBrazos private student loans are best for borrowers from Texas and students attending school in Texas who are from qualifying states.Pros
- May offer lower rates for graduate students than what are available through the federal government.
- Applies extra payments to the loan principal by default.
- Offers five loan terms, which is more than most lenders.
Cons- Not available to borrowers enrolled in two year programs at community colleges.
- Biweekly payments via autopay is not available.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 years
Types of student loans for vet school
You may be able to pay for vet school with multiple types of student loans:
Federal health professions student loans
Vet students may be able to take out Health Professions Student Loans and Loans for Disadvantaged Students. These loans are funded by the federal government, but not the Department of Education. That means they have some key differences — both good and bad — from federal direct and PLUS loans:
Lower costs. HPSL and LDS have fixed interest rates of 5% and no origination fees. Unsubsidized loans and PLUS loans have fees of roughly 1% and 4%, respectively. Health professions loans also don’t accrue interest while you’re in school.
Longer grace periods. Federal health professions student loans don’t enter repayment until 12 months after you graduate — that’s twice as long as other federal loans.
Limited availability and funding. HPSL and LDS are available only to students with financial need or from disadvantaged backgrounds at participating vet schools. The amount you’ll receive is up to your school’s discretion and available funding.
Fewer repayment options. Your school will determine your repayment term for these loans. Because HPSL and LDS don’t come from the Department of Education, they aren’t eligible for programs such as income-driven repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. You can consolidate HPSL and LDS into the federal student loan program to access these benefits. This is different from private loans, which can’t be transferred to the federal program.
You can apply for HPSL and LDS by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. You may need to include your parents’ financial information on this form to qualify.
Federal unsubsidized and PLUS student loans
Veterinary students may be eligible for two types of federal student loans: unsubsidized direct loans and graduate PLUS loans.
Unsubsidized loans have lower interest rates and fees than PLUS loans, but also a smaller borrowing maximum for graduate students — $20,500 per year. Take that max in unsubsidized loans, then use PLUS loans to cover up to the rest of your cost of attendance.
You can apply for federal student loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Private student loans for vet school
You may be able to get a private loan for vet school with a lower interest rate and smaller fees than federal loans have, depending on your or a co-signer’s credit score and financial history.
Many private lenders offer specific student loans for health professionals, including those studying for a D.V.M., as well as loans available to all graduate students. You can use either to pay for veterinary school, so compare all your options to get the best deal possible.
Some states offer forgivable private loans, but you typically must commit to working in a shortage area to qualify. For example, Missouri provides $30,000 in loans per academic year to eligible students who attend the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation, the program forgives $30,000 each year a graduate practices large animal veterinary medicine in an area of need within the state.
» MORE: How much is vet school?
Which student loan for vet school is right for you?
Most likely, federal student loans will be your best bet for vet school. When paying off vet school loans, many vets may need the income-driven repayment plans that only federal student loans offer.
If you’ll borrow less — perhaps much less — than your projected starting salary, you may pay less by qualifying for a lower interest rate with a private student loan. But federal loan protections better minimize your risk. If you don’t need those protections once you’re practicing, refinancing vet school loans with a private lender could lower your interest rate and save you money.
Last updated on May 5, 2025
NerdWallet's Best Student Loans for Vet School
- Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan: Best for Most borrowers as a first option
- Federal Grad PLUS Loan: Best for Manageable payments after vet school
- College Ave Medical Student Loan: Best for Borrowers with good credit
- Ascent Graduate and Health Professions Student Loan: Best for Borrowers with good credit
- Brazos Private Student Loan: Best for Borrowers from Texas
- PNC Private Student Loan: Best for Borrowers with good credit
- Earnest Medical School Loan: Best for Borrowers with good credit
- ELFI Private Student Loan: Best for Borrowers with good credit
- Nelnet Bank Private Student Loan: Best for Borrowers with good credit
- Abe: Best for Borrowers with good credit
- Sallie Mae Graduate School Loan for Health Professionals: Best for Borrowers with good credit
