SANTA FE — New Mexico’s continued investment in tuition-free college through the Opportunity Scholarship has put the state at No. 20 in the nation for higher education, ranking high for affordability, accessibility and support for the community.
The New Mexico Higher Education Department is closing out 2025 by highlighting major achievements made possible through sustained funding for higher education and strategic new investments that expand access, improve completion and strengthen high-demand career pipelines.
“Looking back on this year, we are proud to see another year of impact being made to expanding opportunity and delivering real results for New Mexicans,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “From record enrollment growth to expanded adult education and nationally recognized tuition-free college program, New Mexico is proving that when we invest in people, our communities and workforce thrive. Our goal remains simple: to ensure every New Mexican has the opportunity to reach higher.”
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. Since 2021, total enrollment has increased by 13.6 percent. In addition, more than 12,000 New Mexicans enrolled in higher education for the first time this year as full-time students.
Enrollment has risen statewide for four consecutive years, placing New Mexico among only two states nationwide to see sustained enrollment gains since 2020. Graduation rates have also steadily increased, signaling long-term progress across the state’s higher education system.
Over a 10-year period, 70 percent of New Mexico college graduates achieve a positive return on investment, underscoring the economic value of postsecondary education in the state.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s fiscal year 2027 executive budget recommendation maintains funding for the Opportunity Scholarship while adding targeted investments in adult education, loan repayment for teachers and health professionals, and other systems that support student success.
During the 2024-25 academic 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 continues to receive national recognition, including the College Promise National Impact Award, highlighting New Mexico’s leadership in expanding access to tuition-free college and improving student outcomes.
Adult Education programs have demonstrated their growing role in New Mexico’s workforce ranking at #26 in the nation for its development system particularly through Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs — an innovative model that combines basic education with workforce training.
With increased state investment:
- Student enrollment in IET programs increased by nearly 50 percent in one year, serving nearly 800 adults.
- The number of industry-recognized certificates earned by IET students increased by nearly 45 percent, with 487 certificates attained in one year.
In addition, the department has invested $1.25 million to cover high school equivalency testing fees statewide, removing a critical financial barrier for adults seeking to complete their high school credential.
Approximately 400 teachers and health professionals are currently benefiting from the Teacher Loan Repayment Program and the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program, helping retain talent in communities across New Mexico and strengthen essential public services.
For more information about the New Mexico Higher Education Department and its programs, visit hed.nm.gov. To learn more about tuition-free college opportunities through the Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, visit ReachHigherNM.com or call the Financial Aid Help Line at (800) 279-9777.