Higher Education Scholarships & Enrollment

The Legislative Lottery Scholarship (LLSS) provides up to 100% of tuition support for eligible students was fully funded for FY24. The LLSS is offered to NM high school graduates who enroll at a NM institution of higher education within 18 months after high school graduation and who complete 15 credit hours at a university or 12 credit hours at community college or branch campus, with at least a 2.5 grade point average in their first semester. Beginning with their second semester these students are awarded the LLSS, which covers up to 100% of tuition. 

Started in FY23, the Legislature funds the Opportunity Scholarship, which covers the full cost of tuition and fees for eligible students. Recent high school graduates on a lottery scholarship track can be awarded the Opportunity Scholarship, after other institutional aid is awarded, in their first semester to cover tuition and fees. After earning the LLSS, the Opportunity Scholarship covers any unfunded tuition and fees. Returning adult students are also eligible for the Opportunity Scholarship if they are New Mexico residents, enroll for at least 6 credit hours in a program that leads to a job of high need in New Mexico, and maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average.

The Opportunity Scholarship is projected to support more than 40,000 New Mexicans this fall, the majority of whom come from traditionally underserved communities.