Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Number One in Nation in Student Debt to Income
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) was recently identified as the number one veterinary college in the nation in terms of lower student debt compared to income. Texas A&M’s veterinary students enjoy the second lowest student debt in the nation among veterinary colleges. The CVM offers a valuable and affordable veterinary medical education in Texas.
The CVM ranking occurs in concert with Texas A&M recently being ranked among the top universities in the country in Money magazine’s 2016 “Best Colleges For Your Money” report. According to the magazine, Texas A&M moved up two places on the list since last year, placing fourth among public institutions. Among all U.S. colleges-private and public-Texas A&M; now ranks 13th in the nation, moving up seven spots since last year. Universities were ranked based on factors such as graduation rates, affordability, and alumni success.
“Clearly, the students at the CVM get a tremendous education,” said Dr. Kenita Rogers, executive associate dean at the CVM. “What is often overlooked is how the college has focused on providing an extremely cost effective professional education for the students. Texas A&M; veterinary students have the second lowest mean debt load in the country while still receiving a world class, experiential education.”
“Student debt and the cost of veterinary medical education are a high priority for the veterinary profession,” said Dr. Eleanor Green, the Carl B. King dean of veterinary medicine at Texas A&M; and the president of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). “All facets of the veterinary profession, including colleges, students, and employers, accept the complex nature of student debt and are seeking viable, shared solutions to ensure that the cost a veterinary education is affordable and enticing to those seeking careers in veterinary medicine.”
Veterinary professionals across the nation will continue to meet and discuss ways to raise awareness among all stakeholders about student debt and its impact on the profession. A shared understanding of the issues, including the cost of education, debt management, and starting salaries, are important steps in working across the board to control student debt.
“Although we have the second lowest mean debt load in the country, we are continually working to keeping our educational costs low and to better prepare our students to manage the debt they accumulate,” said Dr. Karen Cornell, associate dean for professional programs. “This year we are partnering with experts on the Texas A&M; campus to provide education regarding personal and professional financial literacy that begins during orientation to veterinary school.”
“Here at Texas A&M; University, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to offering the best veterinary education and graduating the best, career-ready veterinarians, while maintaining our number one ranking in student debt to income,” Green said. “In doing so, we will help Texas A&M; continue climbing as one of the best universities for your money.”
Read more about the CVM’s low debt burden in Dr. Mike Dick’s article in DVM360.
