New Mexico is known as “the Land of Enchantment,” and you’re sure to be enchanted by these scholarship opportunities! New Mexico students have access to a variety of scholarships to help fund their post-secondary education. These scholarships are for different areas of New Mexico and different areas of study. Continue reading to learn more about the Top New Mexico scholarships!
How to win New Mexico scholarships
New Mexico is a unique state in terms of the cultural diversity, beautiful mountainous terrain, and vast desert landscapes. So, it is no surprise that you’re interested in pursuing your future education in New Mexico!
In order to win New Mexico scholarships, you should detail your passions while simultaneously emphasizing your fascination with New Mexico as a state. Meaning, in your scholarship applications, you should emphasize how your passions align with these unique characteristics. By embracing your individuality and connecting it to New Mexico, you can make a compelling case for why you are deserving of New Mexico scholarships!
Writing resources for acing New Mexico scholarship essays
Many New Mexico scholarships may require you to write an essay about yourself which can range anywhere from a 250 word essay to a 500 word essay. Therefore, read over our Scholarships360 guide to finding and winning scholarships. Additionally, check out how to start and how to end a scholarship essay to ensure your scholarship essay will be perfect from beginning to end!
Don’t miss: Scholarships360’s free scholarships search tool
New Mexico student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, in total, New Mexico residents owe $7.8 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $34,211 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 44.3% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for!
Keep on reading to learn more about merit scholarships from top colleges and universities in New Mexico!
Merit scholarships at New Mexico colleges and universities
The University of New Mexico
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen who demonstrate high academic achievement as awards are competitive
- Amount: $4,000 up to full tuition
- Deadline: Admission to the University of New Mexico
New Mexico State University
- Eligibility: New students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree who have a strong high school GPA and ACT/SAT score
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to New Mexico State University
Eastern New Mexico University
- Eligibility: First year students based on ACT or SAT scores as well as residency status
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: August 1
New Mexico Highlands University
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen who have a strong high school GPA and enroll in at least 15 credit hours
- Amount: $1,000 up to $5,700
- Deadline: Admission to New Mexico Highlands University
Western New Mexico University
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen who have a strong high school GPA and enroll in at least 15 credit hours
- Amount: Up to the full cost of tuition
- Deadline: December 1
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.
Here are a few well-known New Mexico universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
- In-state tuition: $8,409
- Out-of-state tuition: $26,735
- In-state tuition: $11,126
- Out-of-state tuition: $34,045
How do you get in-state tuition?
As you can see, in-state tuition significantly reduces the cost of New Mexico colleges and universities. In order to become a New Mexico resident for tuition purposes, you must physically reside in New Mexico for at least 12 consecutive months preceding the term for which you want in-state tuition rates. Additionally, you will need to provide evidence that you intend to remain in New Mexico. Some examples of evidence include obtaining a New Mexico driver’s license, registering your vehicle in New Mexico, and having proof of payment for New Mexico state income tax for the previous year.
Does New Mexico offer tuition reciprocity?
Yes, New Mexico is a member state of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) which is a limited tuition reciprocity agreement among select Western States.
New Mexico scholarship spotlight
New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship
- Eligibility: NM residents pursuing two-year degree or certificate programs at a public or Tribal college in New Mexico who are at least 18 years old
- Amount: Up to full tuition and fees
- Deadline: Varies
New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship
- Eligibility: New Mexico residents who graduated from a NM high school, completed requirements as a home-schooled student registered with the New Mexico Public Education Department, or received a high school equivalency credential recognized by the state
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies
Davis-Kozoll Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students in northwest New Mexico pursuing a degree in science and/or human service disciplines
- Amount: $1,000 up to $5,000
- Deadline: April 6
William M. Olson / Warren E. Taylor and Daniel D. Koleske Science and Engineering Scholarships
- Eligibility: Applicants must have completed at least one science elective in high school, and planning to major in a physical science or engineering field in college
- Amount: $3,000
- Deadline: April 15
Andrew Piech Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Current or past residents of New Mexico who are graduating high school OR new/returning college students pursuing certificates/degrees in automotive or technical vocational studies
- Amount: $2,200
- Deadline: June 1
The American Advertising Federation-New Mexico (AAF-NM) Scholarship Fund
- Eligibility: New Mexico residents who are full-time students in their junior or senior of college or graduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA, attending a New Mexico nonprofit institution in one of the following disciplines: Business with a marketing emphasis, Journalism with an advertising emphasis, Strategic communications, Advertising and marketing, Graphic design, Fine art, Photography, or Illustration while maintaining a career focus in advertising or public relations
- Amount: $1,400
- Deadline: June 1
Rae Lee Siporin Scholarship for Women
- Eligibility: Female New Mexico residents entering their senior year as full-time or part-time students. Applicants must have taken a break during their educational careers and plan to graduate within three semesters (explain in essay)
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: June 1
Additional New Mexico resources
New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship Act
In March 2022, the governor of New Mexico signed into law an act which waives tuition for residents attending in-state public college, including community college. As long as the student is enrolled with a minimum of six credit hours and maintains a 2.5 GPA, they will not have to pay any tuition.
This is a huge opportunity for residents of the state, and makes in-state college significantly more affordable. Keep in mind, even under this act, you’ll still have to pay for expenses such as room and board. But, with the help of some of the scholarships on this list, as well as financial aid, you might be able to cover those and graduate debt-free.
New Mexico Higher Education Department
Created by the New Mexico Higher Education Department, this platform is a true “one-stop shopping” experience. Learn about vetted scholarships, financial aid, and resources for higher education. Bookmark this one–it is an excellent resource for both students and their parents!
New Mexico Junior College Foundation Scholarship
The New Mexico Junior College Foundation offers a number of scholarships specifically for students attending/planning to attend New Mexico Junior College.
State Bar of New Mexico Law Student Scholarships
The State Bar of New Mexico Law and the University of New Mexico School of Law teamed up to offer scholarships for higher education. UNMSOL handles all applications and disperses the scholarship awards.
New Mexico Activities Association Scholarships
The New Mexico Activities Association Foundation supports high school students who participate in athletic and activities programs throughout New Mexico.
Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico Scholarships
As an important community resource, the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico connects “donors to needs.” The Foundation supports various organizations in their charitable work. The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico is home to 35 scholarships and three annual grant cycles.
Albuquerque Community Foundation Scholarships
The Albuquerque Community Foundation offers several scholarships for residents of specific counties and specific areas of study for current college students and graduating high schoolers.
FAFSA guide
On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. New Mexico students should complete the FAFSA to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.
Frequently asked questions about New Mexico scholarships
How do you qualify for the Opportunity Scholarship in New Mexico?
Does New Mexico have free college?
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