College enrollment in New Mexico has risen for the second year in a row, with a 4.2% increase this spring compared to the same period last year. More than 5,000 additional students are now attending higher education institutions across the state.
This growth is largely due to New Mexico's tuition-free college programs, such as the Opportunity and Lottery scholarships. These initiatives support recent high school graduates and returning adult learners by covering full tuition and course-specific fees at public colleges and universities in New Mexico.
"The Opportunity and Lottery scholarships are fulfilling their goal of empowering tens of thousands of New Mexicans to pursue a college education at no cost for tuition and create a more prosperous future for themselves and their families," stated Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. "As we always say, there is no wrong door to higher education in New Mexico, and we are dedicated to supporting programs that broaden opportunities for our state."
The Opportunity Scholarship caters to part-time and full-time students pursuing high-demand certificates as well as associate and bachelor’s degrees, allowing summer enrollment without income requirements.
The New Mexico Higher Education Department estimates that over 34,000 students receive financial assistance through the Opportunity Scholarship, while nearly 10,000 benefit from the Lottery Scholarship this spring semester.
In 2022, Governor Lujan Grisham fully restored funding for the Lottery Scholarship, reversing previous cuts from 2015 that had reduced coverage to 75% of tuition per student. That same year also saw the enactment of the Opportunity Scholarship program, with its first awards granted in fall 2022.
Since these measures were implemented, overall college enrollment has increased annually. Fall enrollment alone has grown by nearly 9.7%, while spring enrollment rose by about 15%.
For further details on the Opportunity Scholarship and Lottery Scholarship programs, visit ReachHigherNM.com.
