New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship

The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship lets state residents of any age attend a New Mexico public college or university without paying tuition and required fees. It can cover up to 100 percent of those charges at the 29 participating two-year and four-year institutions for students pursuing a credit-bearing career certificate, associate degree or bachelor's degree. Students must be established New Mexico residents under the department's residency rules and enroll in at least six credit hours. Adults who started college but did not finish may qualify if they have fewer than 90 credits toward an associate degree or fewer than 160 toward a bachelor's degree. Students who lost the Lottery Scholarship may also qualify by enrolling in six or more credits and keeping a 2.5 cumulative GPA. There is no separate application; the college's financial aid office awards it. The department still encourages filing the FAFSA, because Pell Grant money can then be used for books, housing, food, transportation and other costs.