Today, Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez issued the following statement urging public colleges and universities in New Mexico to forgo tuition increases for the coming semester:
“Access and affordability remain key components of our mission in New Mexico to enhance the educational opportunities of more and more residents each year. In light of some colleges and universities making a decision to increase tuition and fees, I urge other public higher education institutions to refrain from shifting more costs onto their respective student bodies and the state in this manner. I understand all too well that colleges and universities must make difficult decisions regarding resource allocation and investment priorities. However, in this period of significant financial uncertainty students and prospective students should not feel any additional squeeze when those dollars might be found elsewhere. Due to New Mexico’s record investments in higher education under this administration — including the Higher Education Trust Fund — we have worked hand in hand with the Legislature to increase available resources dedicated to operational funding and capital projects for colleges and universities across the board. Tuition-free education in this state remains our North Star, and New Mexicans should never feel there is any impediment to a high-quality higher education experience in our state.”