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

Secretary Rodriguez to participate in White House panels on free college tuition

Nov 12, 2024

SANTA FE — On Wednesday, New Mexico Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez will participate in education panels at the White House and U.S. Department of Education as part of the Biden Administration’s Classroom to Career Summit.

At the White House, Secretary Rodriguez will join White House officials including President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Later, the secretary will participate in a panel at the U.S. Department of Education on expanding free college tuition for community colleges to build a future workforce. Other panel participants include C.E.O. Martha Kanter of College Promise, Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Ariz., and City Council President Shannon Hardin of Columbus, Ohio. 

The Department of Education panel, scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Mountain Time, will be viewable by registering here. 

“I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made in New Mexico in expanding access to tuition-free college,” said Secretary Rodriguez. “And national recognition and inclusion in these conversations is incredibly rewarding — New Mexico can continue to be a leader in building career pathways for more and more people from all different types of backgrounds.” 

The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship has provided free college tuition to tens of thousands of New Mexicans, the majority of which are from traditionally under-represented communities. 

Enrollment has increased at New Mexico colleges and universities for three consecutive academic years, and first-time freshman enrollment for the fall 2024 semester has increased almost 10 percent over last year.

Secretary Rodriguez has participated in past White House events highlighting New Mexico’s efforts to deliver tuition-free college to more residents, in particular first-generation students and students from traditionally under-represented groups.