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
Tuition-free college movement gains momentum, despite Biden’s stalled plan
Source: The Washington Post College Promise programs, as tuition-free initiatives are commonly known, enjoy widespread support across the political spectrum. Forty-seven states and D.C. have at least one such program at the college, city or state level. There are 33...
Governor signs bill expanding New Mexico free college program
Source: The Santa Fe New Mexican The phone calls Greg Romero began receiving about Senate Bill 140 made him realize its potential. The legislation essentially would offer free college tuition to New Mexico students at in-state schools. Romero, president of the...
Higher Education Department breaks down Opportunity Scholarship
Source: KRQE News SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico is making history once again, all New Mexicans can go to college for free. Lawmakers approved $75-Million for the Opportunity Scholarship. “New Mexico made history back in 1996, by being the first state in the...
NM set to expand free college program to most adults
Source: Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE – New Mexico is expected to expand one of the country’s most generous free college programs for nearly all adults. Last week Democratic majorities in the Legislature approved one-time funding of $75 million for a yearlong program...
New Mexico to Fund Free College for More Students This Fall | New Mexico News | US News
Source: U.S. News SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is expected to expand one of the country’s most generous free college programs for nearly all adults. This week Democratic majorities in the Legislature approved one-time funding of $75 million for a year-long program...
