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
U.S. Department of Education officials praise New Mexico’s leading work in higher education during state visit
New Mexico recognized as a leader in college affordability and student equity. U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary James Kvaal and Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education Amy...
Higher Education Department launches statewide college recruitment campaign
New Mexicans encouraged to “Reach Higher” with tuition-free college & career training The New Mexico Higher Education Department is encouraging New Mexico residents to explore their college and career training options this summer with a new campaign leading up to...
State encourages New Mexicans to explore college, career options with ReachHigherNM.com
The New Mexico Higher Education Department is encouraging New Mexicans to explore options for college and career training through its new and improved website at ReachHigherNM.com, a one-stop online resource for connecting students with tuition-free college...
Governor approves record investments for higher education in 2023
Tuition-free college fully-funded for second year Fully-funded tuition-free college through the Opportunity Scholarship and increased funding for workforce education programs are included in the $1.21 billion higher education budget approved by...
New Mexico breaks another enrollment record thanks to the Opportunity Scholarship
Spring college, university enrollment up 6 percent over last year Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today that spring enrollment at New Mexico’s public colleges and universities is up by 6 percent compared to last spring, continuing an upward trend following...
