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!

Expanded college opportunity benefits entire state

Source: The Santa Fe New Mexican The decision to make college virtually tuition-free for most New Mexicans will pay dividends for the state for years. That is, so long as the state can keep paying tuition and fees while also reining in the urge of college and...

New Mexico’s governor just signed a bill to make college tuition-free

Source: CNN (CNN)For most New Mexico residents, college will now be officially tuition-free. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed on Friday Senate Bill 140, otherwise known as the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship Act. First introduced in 2019, the plan will...

Free college is now a reality in nearly 30 states

Source: CNBC “I didn’t want to give up, but it could have come to the point that I couldn’t afford school,” said Carla Osborn, 31, from Portales, New Mexico. Osborn is studying nursing at Clovis Community College, located in a very small town near New Mexico’s border...

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...