SANTA FE – College enrollment in New Mexico has grown for the second consecutive year, with a 4.2% increase this spring compared to the same time in 2024.
More than 5,000 additional students are now pursuing degrees and certificates across the state’s higher education institutions.
This ongoing trend is attributed to New Mexico’s tuition-free college programs, such as the Opportunity and Lottery scholarships, which support recent high school graduates and returning adult learners by covering full tuition and course-specific fees at public colleges and universities throughout 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,” said 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 supports part-time and full-time students pursuing high-demand certificates in addition to all associate and bachelor’s degrees and allows summer enrollment – all with no income requirements.
The New Mexico Higher Education Department estimates over 34,000 students are receiving financial assistance through the Opportunity Scholarship and nearly 10,000 students are Lottery Scholarship recipients this spring semester.
In 2022, Gov. Lujan Grisham fully restored funding for the Lottery Scholarship, reversing the 2015 cuts that had reduced coverage to 75% of tuition per student. That same year, she also enacted the Opportunity Scholarship program, with the first awards granted in the fall 2022 semester.
Since that time, overall college enrollment has increased year over year, fall enrollment has grown by almost 9.7%. In addition, spring enrollment also increased, growing by about 15%.
For more information about the Opportunity Scholarship and Lottery Scholarship, visit ReachHigherNM.com.