15 Best New Mexico Scholarships
Updated October 18, 2022 ยท 5 Min Read
Scholarships for New Mexico
Storing enough financial resources to afford sharp tuition increases in the "Cactus State" is easier with succulent scholarships for New Mexico. Bordering the Mexican state of Chihuahua, New Mexico became the United States' fifth largest state in 1912. Inhabited by over 2.08 million people, New Mexico is a cultural melting pot with the most Hispanics and second-most Native Americans nationwide. College students could be attracted to New Mexico's desert stargazing, flavorful cuisine, annual fiestas, diverse job market, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Carlsbad Caverns. New Mexico also has 17 public and 15 public schools that offer online degrees along with 12 private institutions to attend. Noteworthy options include Southern Methodist University, Carrington College, Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and New Mexico State University. In fact, the U.S. News ranked the University of New Mexico as the 93rd top public school. Spice up the financial aid package at your chosen college with the following 15 best New Mexico scholarships.
1. Legislative Lottery Scholarship Program
The New Mexico Higher Education Department (HED) started the Legislative Lottery Scholarship Program in 1996 to support college-bound high school seniors regardless of their immigration status. Each Fall and Spring semester, recipients earn a percentage of tuition up to $2,465 until their bachelor's degree is completed. Although there's no application, students should submit the FAFSA form before June 30th.
Eligibility:
- Have earned a diploma of excellence or GED in New Mexico
- Matriculate for 12+ credits at a junior or senior public college in-state
- Maintain consecutive enrollment with a minimum 2.5 GPA
2. Vietnam Veterans' Scholarship
Another HED funding opportunity, the Vietnam Veterans' Scholarship, is sponsored by the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services to cover tuition and fees up to $4,000. It's intended for U.S. citizens who courageously served in the Vietnam War and wish to finish an undergraduate or master's degree. Paper applications obtained from institutions' financial aid offices are accepted year-round with certified DD214 forms.
Eligibility:
- Reside in New Mexico for 10 years or more
- Been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces
- Have received the Vietnam Campaign medal for services from 1964-75
- Register at an accredited, nonprofit college in-state
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3. Aggie Achiever Scholarship
At New Mexico State University, the Aggie Achiever Scholarship is one of 11 merit-based funds available for incoming New Mexico residents at the Las Cruces campus. Funding is renewable for $6,500 per year or $26,000 total if high-achieving undergraduates maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. One application due March 1st could qualify students for the Conroy Merit Scholarship and Hadley Honors Scholarship too.
Eligibility:
- Hold a New Mexico high school diploma, GED, or NM-HiSET
- Attempt at least 15 credits per semester as full-time freshmen
- Display academic excellence with a 3.75 GPA or higher
- Present a composite SAT score above 1310 or ACT score over 28
4. New Mexico Scholars Program
The New Mexico Scholars Program is administered by the Higher Education Department (HED) in Santa Fe to cover tuition, fees, and textbooks for state undergrads. Top-achieving freshmen with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency must enroll in higher education before their 21st birthday to qualify. Application deadlines vary, so please contact your financial aid office for further details.
Eligibility:
- Graduate from New Mexico high schools in the top 5 percentile
- Achieve a minimum ACT score of 25 or SAT score of 1140
- Matriculate full-time at participating public or private colleges
- Have financial need with an annual family income below $60,000
5. Green and Silver Presidential Scholarship
Valued at nearly $8,000, the Green and Silver Presidential Scholarship at Eastern New Mexico University pays off tuition, mandatory fees, and residential charges while gifting a $1,000 stipend each year. Residential undergrads must live in Curry, Eddy, or Guadalupe Hall. Funds are renewable for eight semesters with a minimum "B" average. Scholarship applications are due on March 3rd.
Eligibility:
- Be New Mexico high school graduates entering ENMU
- Successfully complete 15+ credit hours per semester
- Maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better from grades 9-12
- Present a minimum SAT score of 1200 or ACT score of 25
6. UNM Regents Scholarship
The University of New Mexico offers 10 in-state funding opportunities for Lobos who are full-time freshmen, including the Regents Scholarship. For four years, scholars are bestowed $18,337 for $73,348 total in their baccalaureate pursuit. Keeping a 3.3 GPA with a 15-credit courseload per semester is expected. Please apply before December 1st for consideration.
Eligibility:
- Be New Mexico high school graduates or GED recipients
- Excel academically with a secondary GPA of 3.9-4.0
- Score at least 31 on the ACT or 1420 on the New SAT
- Study full-time and live in Hokona Hall's Scholars Wing
7. Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque Scholarship Program
The Albuquerque Community Foundation (ACF) manages 16 New Mexico scholarships, such as the $1,000 Kiwanis Club of Albuquerque Scholarship. It's designed for graduating high school seniors from Bernalillo, Sandoval Valencia, and Torrance counties with a strong track record of community service. Before March 16th, applications must arrive with a transcript, resume, 500-word personal essay, and two recommendations.
Eligibility:
- Gain admission at a nonprofit New Mexico college
- Plan careers in early childhood development or teaching
- Possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Score at least 23 on the ACT or an SAT equivalent
8. Cory Sufrin Memorial Scholarship
Launched in 2009, the Cory Sufrin Memorial Scholarship grants $250 from the New Mexico Society for Respiratory Care to honor the devoted therapist who lost his battle with brain cancer. Recent recipients attend San Juan College, Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque, Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell, Dona Ana Community College, and more. Aspiring respiratory therapists must apply before August 1st and the NMSRC Conference.
Eligibility:
- Reside in New Mexico for at least one year
- Enter a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program
- Display scholastic achievement with a 2.5 GPA or greater
- Exemplify the character for exceptional patient care
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9. New Mexico Graduate Scholarship
The New Mexico Graduate Scholarship presents up to $7,200 per year from the HED for advanced students obtaining a master's or specialist degree. Priority is given to students of underrepresented minority groups with significant financial need. Each institution's financial aid office has different application instructions, but a FAFSA form must be filed by June 30th.
Eligibility:
- Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents in New Mexico
- Already possess an accredited bachelor's degree
- Enter an accredited in-state graduate school full-time
- Agree to a 10-hour unpaid internship at a government agency
10. Marion Dorroh Memorial Scholarship
Named after the Kirtland Air Force Base librarian who served as President from 1953-54, the Marion Dorroh Memorial Scholarship awards $1,500 to $3,000 from the New Mexico Library Association annually. Preference is given to NMLA members with a bachelor's degree who have library experience. Until May 1st, applicants can submit a resume, official transcript, professional goals statement, and three references.
Eligibility:
- Attend an ALA-accredited college full- or part-time
- Pursue master's or doctoral degrees in library science
- Have good academic standing with a "B" average or better
- Intend to promote librarianship in New Mexico communities
11. Pam Schneider Memorial Scholarships
Each Summer, the American Advertising Federation of New Mexico (AAF-NM) presents two Pam Schneider Memorial Scholarships for $1,400. Undergrads who are studying marketing, journalism, business, public relations, strategic communications, or related fields should consider applying. Apply before June 9th through the Albuquerque Community Foundation with a reference letter, transcript, resume, and personal essay.
Eligibility:
- Be full-time juniors or seniors at New Mexico four-year colleges
- Have at least one semester or quarter remaining (9+ credits)
- Show outstanding academic records with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Exhibit genuine commitment to advertising career objectives
12. New Mexico P.E.O. Sisterhood Scholarships
Located in Santa Fe, the New Mexico P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter offers four distinct, merit-based scholarships for at least $2,600 apiece. Female state residents can apply for the Delilah Williams Scholarship or Francine Neff Scholarship as freshmen and sophomores. Ladies pursuing the New Mexico State P.E.O. Scholarship or Jean Boswell Foundation Scholarship need junior and senior status. Applications are due on March 1st with a two-page personal essay.
Eligibility:
- Attend Cottey College or any New Mexico institution full-time
- Participate actively in school and community activities
- Demonstrate scholastic ability for success in college
13. Toby Wright Scholarship Fund
The Workers' Compensation Association of New Mexico in Albuquerque established the Toby Wright Scholarship Fund to give tuition assistance based on financial need. It's intended to replace family income loss for the dependents of victims of on-the-job accidents. Students can apply anytime by sending an application, FAFSA Student Aid Report, and estimated budget.
Eligibility:
- Be New Mexico residents between 16 and 25 years old
- Had a parent who was permanently injured or killed at work
- Pursue a degree or professional certification at in-state colleges
- Maintain 12+ credits per term with a 2.5 GPA or higher
14. HSF/NM Alliance College Scholarships
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (NSF) partners with the New Mexico Alliance for Hispanic Education to present multiple College Scholarships for $1,000 to $2,500 each. Interested Latinos/as from the "Land of Enchantment" must be attending any college in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, or Guam this Fall. Scholarship applications remain open until April 6th.
Eligibility:
- Be U.S. citizens, legal residents, or DACA recipients in New Mexico
- Pursue an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree full-time
- Qualify for federal financial aid on the FAFSA form
- Show scholastic aptitude with a cumulative GPA above 3.0
15. New Mexico Baptist Foundation Scholarships
Founded in 1947 as an ECFA member, the New Mexico Baptist Foundation provides several scholarships to charitably generate funds for God's stewards. For example, the Edwin R. and Lucinda L. Hamilton Memorial Scholarship gifts $500 yearly to international mission volunteers. The Gladys Eickhoff Memorial Scholarship offers $250 each semester to New Mexicans considering a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program. Most applications are due March 15th or April 15th.
Eligibility:
- Attend an accredited two- or four-year New Mexico college
- Carry at least 12 credits with a 2.5 GPA of better
- Practice faithfully at a cooperating Southern Baptist Church
- Demonstrate unmet need for financial assistance
Paying tuition bills is perhaps the least pleasant part of the "Land of Enchantment." On average, New Mexico schools charge $2,967 for in-state and $9,758 for out-of-state residents yearly. Although the Southwest is more affordable than many U.S. regions, prices can still rise exponentially higher. For example, St. John's College in Santa Fe bills undergrads a whopping $51,200 per academic year before aid. Financial assistance offers vital funding to protect your budget from holes bigger than Frijoles Canyon. Along with these 15 best New Mexico scholarships, check out the NM Student Incentive Grant and Allied Health Loan for Service Program.
Know of a scholarship available specifically for New Mexico students that we missed? Contact us.
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