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

College enrollment continues to rise in New Mexico

May 27, 2025

SANTA FE – College enrollment in New Mexico has grown for the second consecutive year, with a 4.2% increase this spring compared to the same time in 2024.  

More than 5,000 additional students are now pursuing degrees and certificates across the state’s higher education institutions.  

This ongoing trend is attributed to New Mexico’s tuition-free college programs, such as the Opportunity and Lottery scholarships, which support recent high school graduates and returning adult learners by covering full tuition and course-specific fees at public colleges and universities throughout New Mexico. 

“The Opportunity and Lottery scholarships are fulfilling their goal of empowering tens of thousands of New Mexicans to pursue a college education at no cost for tuition and create a more prosperous future for themselves and their families,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “As we always say, there is no wrong door to higher education in New Mexico, and we are dedicated to supporting programs that broaden opportunities for our state.” 

The Opportunity Scholarship supports part-time and full-time students pursuing high-demand certificates in addition to all associate and bachelor’s degrees and allows summer enrollment – all with no income requirements.

The New Mexico Higher Education Department estimates over 34,000 students are receiving financial assistance through the Opportunity Scholarship and nearly 10,000 students are Lottery Scholarship recipients this spring semester. 

In 2022, Gov. Lujan Grisham fully restored funding for the Lottery Scholarship, reversing the 2015 cuts that had reduced coverage to 75% of tuition per student. That same year, she also enacted the Opportunity Scholarship program, with the first awards granted in the fall 2022 semester. 

Since that time, overall college enrollment has increased year over year, fall enrollment has grown by almost 9.7%. In addition, spring enrollment also increased, growing by about 15%. 

For more information about the Opportunity Scholarship and Lottery Scholarship, visit ReachHigherNM.com.