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

Biden’s announcement of federal debt relief will supplement New Mexico’s investment in college affordability

Aug 29, 2022

Up to 228,000 New Mexicans could benefit 

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Higher Education Department applauded the Biden Administration’s decision on Wednesday to provide federal student debt relief to New Mexico borrowers and extend the pause on student loan payments through Dec. 31, 2022.  

“New Mexico is home to the most expansive tuition-free college program in the country for students going to college today, but many New Mexicans in the workforce never had access to this benefit,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “The Biden Administration’s announcement will put millions of dollars back in the pockets of New Mexico families, retroactively extending affordable higher education to New Mexicans who went to school before today’s programs were available and building upon our state’s nationally leading efforts to make higher education accessible to all.”   

“Today in New Mexico, students from all walks of life can pursue tuition-free college and career training up to a bachelor’s degree with the Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, but many students who went to school years ago or continued their education are carrying burdensome debt, limiting their ability to provide for their families and contribute to our economy,” Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez said. “As we continue our investments in tuition-free college and debt forgiveness for working professionals, the Biden administration’s decision to forgive up to $20,000 in outstanding student loan debt will provide much-needed relief to working families.”   

The Biden administration announced that borrowers who received Pell Grants while in school will receive $20,000 in federal loan forgiveness and most other borrowers will receive $10,000. The forgiveness applies to individuals earning less than $125,000 annually or $250,000 for married couples and heads of household.  

Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students whose families demonstrate limited ability to pay for college. Pell Grants pay between $650 and $6,495 for eligible students during the 2022-2023 school year.  According to the National Center for Education Statistics, around one third of New Mexico students received Pell Grants last year.  

The administration also announced an income-based loan repayment program for undergraduate borrowers that allows them to cap payments at 5 percent of their monthly income. The previous repayment program capped payments at 10 percent of a borrower’s monthly income.  

The New Mexico Higher Education Department has provided millions of dollars of student debt relief under the Lujan Grisham administration for thousands of licensed teachers, nurses and other healthcare professionals through its loan repayment programs. The agency also administers loan for service programs that provide financial support for students pursuing undergraduate and professional degrees in the areas of healthcare, veterinary medicine or education and who commit to working in high-need communities in New Mexico for at least three years. These programs have seen a record number of applicants in the past few years and the Department is requesting funding increases for the coming year to meet current needs.   

A total of 228,000 New Mexico borrowers hold $7.8 billion dollars in student loan debt with the average borrower owing just over $34,000. The average loan debt owed by New Mexico borrowers is about ten percent lower than the national average.  

The U.S. Department of Education has provided more information about the program on its website and will share additional details about how borrowers can claim this relief in the coming weeks. The New Mexico Higher Education Department will also make this information available via its website and social media channels as it becomes available on hed.state.nm.us.