New Mexico Scholars

Scholarship Sponsored by New Mexico Higher Education Department

If you’re a New Mexico high school student planning to go to college in-state, the New Mexico Scholars Scholarship is worth your attention. It’s designed to encourage recent NM grads to enroll full‑time in an undergraduate program at an eligible New Mexico public or private non‑profit institution. Below is a clear breakdown of what the scholarship requires and how to apply.

Overview
- Purpose: Help New Mexico high school graduates pay for college by covering tuition, books and fees.
- Who must apply: Students enrolling full‑time in an undergraduate program at an eligible New Mexico public or private non‑profit postsecondary institution.
- Timing requirement: You must enroll in college before your 21st birthday.

Eligibility (you must meet all of these)
- New Mexico residency.
- A graduate of a New Mexico high school.
- Academic qualifier: Graduated in the top 5% of your class OR scored at least a 25 on the ACT OR at least 1140 on the SAT.
- Enroll as a full‑time undergraduate student at an eligible institution in New Mexico.
- Family income limit: Combined family income must not exceed $60,000 per year.

What the award covers
- Tuition, books and fees.

Duration and renewal
- Each award covers one academic year.
- The scholarship may be renewed each year until you have received four annual awards or until you graduate from a four‑year institution, whichever comes first.

How and where to apply
- Apply at the eligible institution you plan to attend — the college or university handles the application.
- Contact that institution’s financial aid office for exact application instructions and deadlines.
- Ask the financial aid office about the institution’s eligibility period and any documents you’ll need to submit.

Quick checklist before you contact the college
- Proof of New Mexico residency and high school graduation.
- Official class rank or test scores (top 5% rank, ACT 25, or SAT 1140).
- Be ready to verify combined family income (the college will tell you what documentation is required).

If you want, tell me which New Mexico schools you’re considering and I can help you find the right financial aid office contact and any school-specific deadlines.