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

‘Pathway to College & Career Day’ set for Wednesday at New Mexico State Fair

Sep 9, 2024

Department is excited to announce the annual Pathway to College and Career Day at the New Mexico State Fair will take place Wednesday, Sept. 11, in the Main Street area of the Expo New Mexico fairgrounds. 

Pathway to College and Career Day is a day-long opportunity for New Mexico students of all ages to explore the offerings of the different institutions of higher education spread throughout our state. Students can learn about various financial aid opportunities — including the Opportunity and Lottery scholarships, which provide for tuition-free higher education for nearly all New Mexicans — and discuss career pathways with peers and college representatives. 

Wednesday, Sept. 11, is dollar admission day at the New Mexico State Fair. The New Mexico Higher Education Department expects roughly 8,000 prospective students to visit the Pathway to College & Career Day installation. 

“Every year, we are thrilled to take part in this excellent opportunity to spread the good word about the incredible higher education opportunities in our state,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “Tuition-free college will continue to make fulfilling careers right here in New Mexico more achievable than ever before.”

24 colleges and universities will be in attendance as well as 19 educational organizations.

For more information about the New Mexico Higher Education Department and its programs, visit hed.nm.gov. To learn more about New Mexico’s tuition-free college programs like the Opportunity and Lottery scholarships, visit reachhighernm.com or call the Financial Aid Help Line at (800) 279-9777.