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
Higher Education Department celebrates banner year of progress in education
2022 marked by historic advancements in college access, affordability, and student success As 2022 comes to a close, the New Mexico Higher Education Department is highlighting the many achievements made throughout the year under...
Opportunity Scholarship grows New Mexico college enrollment by over 4% in first increase since 2010
econd-highest enrollment increase in the country; Thousands more New Mexicans pursuing college and career training. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the state Higher Education Department announced on Thursday that New Mexico college enrollment has increased for the...
Biden’s announcement of federal debt relief will supplement New Mexico’s investment in college affordability
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...
New Mexico Higher Education Department addresses questions on tuition-free college
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Higher Education Department is working to ensure that all New Mexicans receive accurate information on tuition-free college via the New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships as classes begin at colleges and universities statewide...
State helps New Mexicans navigate tuition-free college with new website
ReachHigherNM.com helps students explore scholarships, apply for college, and more Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Higher Education Department have launched a new tool to help all New Mexico students and families access tuition-free...
