Reach Higher New Mexico

Not sure where to begin? We can help!

To get started let's answer a few questions. Do any of these apply to you within the last 18 months?

  • I graduated from high school
  • I completed a high school equivalency credential
  • I was honorably discharged from the military

Yes No

It looks like you are considered a recent high school graduate.

The Lottery Scholarship, New Mexico’s first tuition-free college program, covers 100% of tuition for recent New Mexico high school graduates.

Click here to learn more about scholarship options for you!
Do you plan on enrolling in a for-credit certificate, two-year, or four-year program at a public college or university in New Mexico?

Yes No

New Mexico state scholarship programs can only be used at public colleges or universities in New Mexico.

New Mexico state scholarship programs can only be used toward for-credit certificate and degree programs at one of the 29 participating public colleges and universities in the state.

Click here to view participating schools.
Do any of these apply to you?
  • I have already earned a bachelor's degree
  • I have 160 credit hours or more on my transcript from previous college attendance

Yes No

The New Mexico Lottery and Opportunity Scholarships are for students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree and who have fewer than 160 credit hours on their transcript.

However, we encourage you to explore our loan-for-service and loan repayment plans:

It looks like you are considered a returning adult student.

The Opportunity Scholarship makes it possible for you to pursue a college degree or career training certificate, even if you are starting college for the first time later in life, or going back after many years.

Click here to learn more about scholarship options for you!

Reach Higher New Mexico

State encourages New Mexicans to explore college, career options with ReachHigherNM.com

May 5, 2023

The New Mexico Higher Education Department is encouraging New Mexicans to explore options for college and career training through its new and improved website at ReachHigherNM.com, a one-stop online resource for connecting students with tuition-free college through the New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.  

“With more funding for the Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships than ever before, there’s never been a better time to pursue higher education in New Mexico. Whether you’re starting out for the first time or going back to school, scholarships are available, and we are here to help any New Mexican navigate the process of applying and enrolling in college,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. 

“We want to make higher education a family tradition in New Mexico. We must ensure that New Mexicans know about the many pathways and programs available to them. Our refreshed website makes it easier for first-time college students and those who have been out of school for a while to take the next step. The student-friendly website will open doors for more first-generation students and make higher education accessible to more New Mexicans,” said Higher Education Deputy Secretary Dr. Patricia Trujillo. “You can hop on your laptop, tablet or phone right now and get started. Your future is at your fingertips.” 

The ReachHigherNM.com website clearly outlines scholarship eligibility requirements for both recent high school graduates and returning adult learners so that students have the information they need to get started. The website also features an interactive college search tool, answers to frequently asked questions, and a step-by-step guide for how to receive state scholarships.  

The Opportunity Scholarship pays up to 100 percent of tuition and course-specific fees for returning adult learners and is fully-funded this year at $146 million. The Lottery Scholarship covers up to 100 percent of tuition for recent high school graduates and has been fully-funded since 2019.  Over 46,000 New Mexicans have benefitted from the Opportunity Scholarship since it began in 2020 and more than 87,000 students have graduated with the Lottery Scholarship since its creation in 1996.  

For more information about New Mexico’s tuition-free college programs, visit ReachHigherNM.com or contact the New Mexico Higher Education Department’s Financial Aid Hotline at 1-800-279-9777 or via email at fin.aid@hed.nm.gov.