Free high school equivalency testing, expanded loan relief for teachers and health professionals
New Mexico’s higher education budget sustains tuition-free college programs driving statewide enrollment growth while adding new investments in adult education and loan repayment for teachers and health professionals.
The New Mexico Higher Education Department budget recommendation maintains funding for the Opportunity Scholarship and introduces initiatives to help more New Mexicans complete their education and enter high-demand careers. Among the new investments is $1.25 million to cover testing fees for high school equivalency tests, removing a financial barrier for adults seeking their high school equivalency credential.
“This year’s budget strengthens New Mexico’s commitment to expanding higher education opportunities — from increasing college enrollment to enhancing adult education and loan repayment programs,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “In New Mexico, we believe in investing in our communities and building pathways to family-sustaining careers. We’re ensuring that students of all ages not only have access to college and career training, but also the support they need to reach graduation day. Our goal is to give every New Mexican a chance to reach higher.”
New special appropriation requests include:
- $25 million for the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program.
- $5 million for the Teacher Loan Repayment Program.
- $5 million for adult education programs.
- $3 million for New Mexico Longitudinal Data System.
- $1.25 million for free access to high school equivalency testing fees statewide.
Approximately 400 teachers and health professionals are currently benefiting from the Teacher Loan Repayment Program and the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program. These programs help strengthen New Mexico’s workforce by supporting high-demand fields essential to the state’s growth and well-being.
This fall nearly 114,000 New Mexicans are pursuing career training certificates and associate, bachelor’s and graduate degrees at public colleges and universities statewide — a 3.6 percent increase over last year. More than 12,000 New Mexicans enrolled this year in higher education for the first time as full-time students. Enrollment has risen statewide for four consecutive years, and graduation rates have also steadily increased, signaling sustained progress in New Mexico’s higher education landscape.
New Mexico is one of only two states in the nation to see sustained enrollment gains since 2020.
This past year, 42,479 New Mexicans benefited from the Opportunity Scholarship and 15,962 received the Lottery Scholarship. Since its launch, 22,939 New Mexicans have completed undergraduate credentials — from certificates to bachelor's degrees — with Opportunity Scholarship support. The Opportunity Scholarship received national recognition from College Promise, a nonprofit advocacy group that promotes college accessibility. New Mexico now ranks 21st nationally for state higher education systems, up from more than 40th six years ago.
For more information about the New Mexico Higher Education Department and its programs, visit hed.nm.gov. To learn more about New Mexico’s tuition-free college programs like the Opportunity and Lottery scholarships, visit reachhighernm.com or call the Financial Aid Help Line at (800) 279-9777.