
Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Posted
Roughly 50% of 2017 to 2018 graduating seniors in New Mexico had debt averaging about $21,800, according to College Insight. But you can combat the costs of higher education with grants, scholarships and loan-service programs.
The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship was announced in 2019 and is one of the first of its kind. As a New Mexico state resident you can have your tuition and fees for a two-year program covered at any of New Mexico’s public or tribal colleges and universities.
The New Mexico state government does a lot to help state residents attend college. If you live in New Mexico, check out some of these state funded scholarships.
This scholarship was created in 1996 to support college-bound high school seniors regardless of their immigration status. You can earn up to the cost of attendance until you complete your undergraduate degree.
There's no application process. You simply need to contact the financial aid office of the college you enroll in. Eligibility may vary between colleges, but as a rule it's best if you complete the FAFSA.
Administered by the Higher Education Department in Santa Fe, this scholarship is awarded to top-achieving freshmen. This scholarship can cover most of your college expenses. However, there are some specific requirements — so make sure you confirm your eligibility before applying.
To apply, you'll need to complete the FAFSA to document your family's income and determine your financial need. Applications are submitted through the college you're attending, so check with your financial aid office.
Unlike most scholarships, this one is available to graduate students. Although it's not a strict requirement, priority is given to students of underrepresented minority groups who have significant financial need. You'll also need to complete the FAFSA to help determine financial need.
Students are only eligible for one scholarship a year, with a lifetime limit of two for a master's degree. Contact your school's financial aid office for more information on when and how to apply.
Grants are another form of debt-free funding. You may be familiar with federal grants, like the Pell Grant, but New Mexico has its own state specific grants as well.
To apply for this grant, you'll need to work with the financial aid office at your college. They will ensure you have the correct documentation on file and that you can prove financial need.
If you qualify for the grant, it's active for one year at a time. However, you can renew it each year that you're an undergrad.
If you're frustrated because you don’t qualify for other scholarships and grants, consider applying for the College Affordability Grant. It was created by the state of New Mexico to assist students who have financial need, but don't qualify for other forms of funding.
The grant can be renewed annually while you're an undergrad. And it's easy enough to apply — fill out the FAFSA and contact your college's financial aid office.
The grants and scholarships listed are only available to New Mexico state residents who are also attending postsecondary school in the state. If you're planning on attending an out-of-state college, you may need to search for federal grants and scholarships.
New Mexico state doesn't offer traditional student loans. It does, however, have a set of loan-for-service programs that offer amounts up to $25,000 and are open to a wide range of students who have financial need.
These programs are designed to assist students willing to work in underserved fields and areas. If the service requirements for the loan is fulfilled, it's 100% forgiven.
These programs are designed to assist students willing to work in underserved fields and areas. If the service requirements for the loan is fulfilled, it's 100% forgiven.
There are many different ways to fund your college education. If you don’t qualify for state grants and scholarships, or just need a little more dough, check out these additional financial aid options.
In addition to state-specific grants and scholarships that are available, the federal government offers their own. These can be general grants like the Pell Grant or major-specific like the TEACH Grant. You can read our student grants page for more information.
Additionally, the college that you attend likely offers grants and scholarships. Reach out to your school’s financial aid office to see if you qualify.
If you exhaust all your debt-free funding options, start considering student loans. Start with federal loan funds since they typically have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than private student loans. If you have to turn to private loans, compare loan rates and terms on our guide to private student loans.
Take a look at lenders that could help you fill the gap where financial aid and federal loans fall short.
If you’re a New Mexico state resident there are tons of ways to fund your education. Even if you are not a New Mexico state resident, you may qualify for federal or college specific funding.
If I am an out-of-state student, how do I declare New Mexico state residency?
There are multiple requirements that must be met to be considered a New Mexico state resident. However, the most important step is to reside in New Mexico for 12 consecutive months. For all the state residency requirements, check out the New Mexico state website.
Can the student loan-service program be used for out-of-state colleges?
Yes. There's an option for using the loan service program out of state.
The Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education (WICHE) Loan-For-Service Program allows students pursuing medical or dentistry degrees to attend participating colleges in Arizona, California, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. You can review specific eligibility requirements on the state website.
Should I apply for federal, state and institution based funding?
Yes. If you apply for debt-free funding like grants and scholarships from all possible sources, it increases your odds of not needing to take out debt-heavy options like student loans. You may even qualify for enough funding to cover additional expenses like housing and transportation.
An alternative to high-cost students loans for STEM majors at qualifying HBCUs.
Find out who’s getting checks, unemployment benefits, student loan relief and more.
Loans of up to $50,000 available from this well-established lender.
Here’s how the ECRA could affect small business owners — if it’s passed.
Ways to protect your assets and what you need to know about marital debt.
An award-winning advocate for ethical financial planning, Cheng has been helping Americans meet their life goals for over 20 years.
This Southside Virginia institution offers financing basics to startups and other small businesses.
An award-winning Puget Sound that offers high-tech options to businesses and individuals.
A local Wisconsin bank with only two locations — but that has many loan options.
This Chanute-based lender serves farmers and other business owners in Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.