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!

Tuition-free college for New Mexicans.

With the Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, there are options for New Mexicans to pursue college and career training without worrying about the cost of tuition and fees.

Tuition-free college for New Mexicans.

With the New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, there are options for New Mexicans to pursue college and career training without worrying about the cost of tuition and fees.

What is tuition-free higher education?

With the Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, New Mexico is home to the most generous and inclusive tuition-free college program in the United States! 

New Mexico is increasing access to college degrees and career training programs, limiting or eliminating student debt, and promoting family and economic prosperity to strengthen our communities and state.

History

New Mexico was the first state in the nation to implement a tuition-free college program in 1996 with the Lottery Scholarship, which provides tuition-free college to recent high school graduates. 

New Mexico was the first state in the nation to implement a tuition-free college program in 1996 with the Lottery Scholarship, which provides tuition-free college to recent high school graduates.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham expanded tuition-free college to more New Mexicans with the Opportunity Scholarship, which was created as a budget item in 2020 and made the program permanent by law in 2022.

The Opportunity Scholarship led to the first enrollment increase in New Mexico in more than a decade, with statewide enrollment increasing by nearly ten percent. New Mexico ranked second for enrollment increases nationwide in Fall of 2022, countering a national trend of declining college enrollment.

Over 46,000 scholarships have been awarded in every region of the state to students pursuing career training certificates, two-year degrees and four-year degrees.

The Opportunity Scholarship is fully funded and ready to help tens of thousands of students pursue their college and career.

“For over a quarter of a century, New Mexico has been a national leader in providing free college to its residents. A fully funded Opportunity Scholarship opens the door for every New Mexican to reach higher, strengthening our economy, our families and our communities. Signing this legislation sends a clear message to New Mexicans that we believe in them and the contributions they will make for their families and the future of our great state.” – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham

In the News

Our View: Farmington: New brain-drain hub?

Source: The Durango Herald Free college tuition for Native students means more educated, skilled labor landing in NM Ute Mountain Utes, Southern Utes and Navajo on reservations bordering New Mexico are eligible for free college tuition and fees in New Mexico under...

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New Mexico implements free college education statewide

Source: The Washington Examiner New Mexico passed a law to ensure that its public university students will receive tuition free of charge, effective July 1. Residents who enroll in at least six credits can work toward their certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's...

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New Mexico Raises the Bar

Source: Inside Higher ED Free community college done right. I’m a little late to this story, but it’s worth it. The state of New Mexico has announced the most comprehensive free community college program in the country. It’s better than I had dared to hope...

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Simplicity Matters For Free College

Source: Forbes The free college movement continues to move forward even as it has been left out of the President’s budget request for 2023, much to the disappointment of advocates who want to see a robust federal-state partnership supporting access to public higher...

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Female College Student