Reach Higher New Mexico
Introducing tuition-FREE higher education for every New Mexican.
With the New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, there are options for every New Mexican to pursue higher education without having to worry about the cost of tuition and fees*.
*The Opportunity Scholarship covers course-specific fees required as part of a student’s program of study.
Introducing tuition-FREE higher education for every New Mexican.
With the New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, there are options for every New Mexican to pursue higher education without having to worry about the cost of tuition and fees.
What is FREE higher education?
With the New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, there are options for New Mexico residents of all ages to pursue college and career training tuition-free.
Overview of Tuition-Free Higher Education
Full Tuition & Fees* are covered
Scholarship funds will cover the full tuition and course-specific fees at New Mexico public colleges and universities.
Part-Time & Full-Time Students
Students must plan to enroll in at least 6 credit hours in order to obtain the scholarship.
Career Training Certificates, Associate Degrees, Bachelor's Degrees
Scholarships will support students pursuing credit-bearing career training certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees
Available to all New Mexico Residents
Scholarships are available if you are an established New Mexico resident*.
(*Per residency standards set by the New Mexico Higher Education Department.)
“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
How it Works
There is no separate application for the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship or New Mexico Lottery Scholarship, it’s as easy as 1-2-3:
Step 1: Apply
Step 3: Enroll
Enroll in a participating college of your choice and register part time or full time. Click here to get in touch with a financial aid office!
How does it work?
The process is pretty simple. Apply, Fill out your FASFA, and enroll.
Step 1: Apply
Apply to a New Mexico public college or university in New Mexico.
Step 2: Complete the FASFA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and contact the financial aid office at your college or university of interest to learn more about scholarships. Click here to get started.
Step 3: Enroll
Enroll in the New Mexico public college or university of your choice and register for classes.
Participating Schools
You may plan to enroll in a public college or university in NM toward a training certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree.
Participating Schools
You may plan to enroll in a public college or university in NM toward a training certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree.
Participating Schools
You may plan to enroll in a public college or university in New Mexico toward a training certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tuition-free college promotes access to higher education programs, limits or eliminates student loan debt, and promotes economic prosperity. Here is some helpful information on tuition-free college in New Mexico.
I heard I may qualify to attend college tuition free, but I don’t know where to start. What should I do first?
With the New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, there are options for New Mexico residents of all ages to pursue college and career training tuition-free. After reviewing the eligibility criteria, your first step is to apply to a New Mexico public college and university and enroll in at least six credit hours toward a credit-bearing career training certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. You should also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible to see if you are eligible to receive federal grants that can help with other college costs, such as books, materials, housing, and transportation.
Do I Qualify for the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship?
If you are an established New Mexico resident & plan to enroll in at least 6 credit hours at a public college or university in NM toward a training certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree, you may qualify.
Do I qualify for the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship?
If you are a recent high school graduate from a New Mexico public or private school, or a recent honorably discharged veteran & plan to enroll within 16 months of graduating or leaving the service, you may qualify if you enroll fulltime in 12 credit hours at a community college or 15 hours at a university.
What does the Opportunity Scholarship pay for?
The Opportunity Scholarship can be used to cover up to 100% of tuition and course-specific fees at any New Mexico public college or university.
What does the Lottery Scholarship pay for?
The Lottery Scholarship can be used to cover 100% of tuition at any New Mexico public college or university. The Opportunity Scholarship may cover a student’s required fees.
I am a Lottery Scholarship student starting my first semester. Can I receive the Opportunity Scholarship while establishing Lottery eligibility?
Students establishing eligibility for the Lottery Scholarship can have their tution covered by Bridge Scholarships provided by their school during their qualifying semester. If the Bridge Scholarship does not cover the full cost of tuition, the Opportunity Scholarship may be used to cover any remaining tuition gap. The Opportunity Scholarship can also be used to cover required fees for students receiving the Lottery Scholarship.
Should I still complete my FAFSA if I am receiving the Opportunity Scholarship or Lottery Scholarship?
Yes! If you qualify to receive federal aid such as a Pell Grant, you can put this money toward other college costs like books, housing, meal plans, transportation, etc. You can complete the FAFSA by clicking this link.
What if I am not eligible to complete a FAFSA?
Contact your school about their alternative financial aid application to access other scholarships you may also qualify for.
I am a member of a federally-recognized Tribe with presence in New Mexico, but I live out of state. Can I receive the Lottery or Opportunity Scholarship?
Yes, members of federally-recognized Tribes that are partially or wholly present in New Mexico qualify for state scholarship programs, even if they are living outside of New Mexico.
Which colleges and universities can I apply to and receive the Opportunity Scholarship or the Lottery Scholarship?
There are 29 participating two-year and four-year colleges for this program. You can see a full list on our website by clicking here.
I started college but did not finish. Can I use the Opportunity Scholarship to go back and finish my degree?
Yes! If you have less than 90 credit hours on your transcript toward an associate degree or less than 160 toward a bachelor’s degree, you may qualify.
I used to receive the Lottery Scholarship but lost it. Could I be eligible for the Opportunity Scholarship?
No, but you may petition for reinstatement of the Lottery Scholarship. If you are not granted a probationary semester and lose the Lottery Scholarship, you may qualify to receive the Opportunity Scholarship no sooner than two years following the end of the semester when the Lottery Scholarship was lost.
