New Mexico Lottery Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by New Mexico Higher Education Department
Overview
The Lottery Scholarship pays tuition for qualifying New Mexico residents who attend a New Mexico public college or university full time and maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
Who is eligible
You may be eligible if you meet these conditions:
- You are a New Mexico resident.
- You enroll full time at a New Mexico public college or university within 16 months of high school graduation, or within 16 months after earning a high school equivalency or completing a home school certificate.
- You keep a 2.5 GPA while enrolled.
- You remain enrolled full time during each fall and spring semester.
Full-time enrollment defined
- Four-year universities: 15 credit hours per semester.
- Community colleges: 12 credit hours per semester.
Note: Students with disabilities may qualify for a lower credit-hour standard and extra semesters of scholarship eligibility under disability accommodations.
How to apply / award process
There is no separate Lottery Scholarship application. New Mexico public colleges and universities automatically apply the scholarship for students who meet eligibility once they enroll and register for classes. It’s a good idea to notify your financial aid advisor during your first semester that you intend to establish Lottery Scholarship eligibility so they can guide you.
What the scholarship covers
The Lottery Scholarship covers 100% of tuition. Students who receive lottery-funded tuition may also receive additional help from the Opportunity Scholarship to cover course-specific fees.
In short, if you are a New Mexico resident, enroll full time within the required timeframe, and maintain a 2.5 GPA while staying enrolled full time in fall and spring, you will receive the Lottery Scholarship.