If you’ve been reading headlines about student loans lately and feeling confused, stressed, or even a little panicked, you are not alone.

Between legal challenges to the SAVE plan, talk of the Department of Education being gutted, recertification deadlines shifting, and a confusing pause-unpause-refile rollercoaster, it’s no wonder so many veterinarians feel like they’re flying blind with their loans right now.

But here’s the good news: Even in the chaos, you still have options—and some important things you can control. 

Here are 4 ways you can navigate student loan uncertainty as a veterinarian.

1. Yes, the SAVE Plan Is in Legal Trouble—but Not Gone (Yet)

A recent court decision blocked parts of the SAVE plan from being implemented, especially some of the more generous forgiveness provisions. But that doesn’t mean the plan is gone entirely.

• If you’re already on SAVE, you don’t need to do anything right now.
• If you are on SAVE but want to switch to another repayment plan, you can do so. While the Dept of Education has opened up IDR applications, they are currently not processing any of them.

The Department of Education has said it will comply with the court’s decision, but many experts believe this will be a long legal process. So for now, assume your current repayment plan is sticking around until you hear otherwise from your loan servicer (or me!).

2. Recertification Dates Extended—But Stay Proactive

If you’re enrolled in an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan, you might be wondering about your recertification deadline. Here’s the latest:

• Automatic Extensions: The Department of Education has extended recertification dates for borrowers with deadlines on or after February 21, 2025, by one year. For example, if your recertification was originally due on March 15, 2025, it’s now extended to March 15, 2026. ​
• No Immediate Action Required: Your loan servicer should notify you before your new recertification date. However, it’s a good practice to verify your specific deadline by logging into your account on StudentAid.gov. 
  • Pro Tip: If your servicer sent you a letter saying you are required to recertify your income immediately, give them a call. Reference the information from this link. Make sure they confirm this information with you.
• Update Income Only If It’s Lower: If you’ve experienced a significant reduction in income compared to when you last had to recertify your income in 2020, you can submit updated information before your recertification date to potentially adjust your monthly payment.​

While these extensions provide some breathing room, staying informed and proactive will help ensure you’re prepared when it’s time to recertify.​

3. The Department of Education Is Facing Internal Turmoil—but Your Loans Aren’t Disappearing

Another unsettling headline: layoffs at the Department of Education and talk of the agency being “dismantled.” While that’s concerning from a policy and service perspective, your loans aren’t going anywhere—and your forgiveness timeline isn’t likely to evaporate overnight.

Think of it this way: this is a government process, and those don’t tend to move fast. If changes happen, there will likely be advance notice—and time to make adjustments.

4. So What Can You Do Right Now?

In times of uncertainty, focus on what you can control:

• Check your recertification date and mark your calendar.
• Make sure your contact info is up-to-date with your servicer and on StudentAid.gov.
• Run updated repayment scenarios (especially if you’re considering switching plans).
• Hold off on consolidation or switching plans unless necessary, especially while the legal landscape shakes out.

And most importantly: Don’t make decisions based on fear. The student loan world is messy right now, but the foundation of your long-term financial plan is still solid.

Final Thought:

You became a veterinarian to help animals and people—not to be an expert in shifting federal loan policies. That’s where I come in. If you’re unsure how these changes apply to your situation, or just want a second set of eyes on your repayment strategy, let’s talk.

You don’t have to navigate all this student loan uncertainty alone.