From the desk of Renay Scott
April 1, 2022

Every person interested in higher education in the state of New Mexico should help spread the good news: In the next academic year, the Opportunity Scholarship, created for New Mexico residents, will help more students pay tuition and fees at public institutions of higher education in the state. In addition, it allows funds from federal Pell Grants to apply to other costs that students face in attending college. The Opportunity Scholarship represents one of the most meaningful ways to support college attendance for all students and should be particularly beneficial to lower-income students who are eligible for federal Pell Grants, which will provide up to an additional $6,895 for the 2022-2023 academic year.
 
On March 4, 2022, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed changes to the Opportunity Scholarship into law. Here are some of the effects of those changes:

• This scholarship will be available to a broader range of students. Students newly eligible for the Opportunity Scholarship include those seeking career training certificates and students who started college but did not finish. Part-time students registered for as few as six credits may also be eligible.
• The Opportunity Scholarship can apply to courses taken during summer terms.
• The cost of college includes tuition and fees, but also things like books, housing, food, transportation, supplies and other expenses. The Opportunity Scholarship will pay for tuition and most fees, leaving federal aid like Pell Grants and private scholarships to pay for college costs beyond tuition and fees.

Similar to the Lottery Scholarship, no application is needed, and all New Mexico residents are eligible for this scholarship, which can be used at two- and four-year public colleges and universities in the state. Financial aid offices at eligible institutions award the scholarship automatically. Interested students should still complete a FAFSA, since that can help establish eligibility for federal Pell Grants and other scholarships.
 
New Mexico State University has always provided excellent value for a college degree, and the Opportunity Scholarship makes an NMSU degree even more affordable. In addition, increased aid for undergraduate degrees means reduced debt for students and families. In turn, NMSU graduates are more able to finance graduate degrees, support their family, start a business, or make other post-graduate plans.
 
This scholarship is an important commitment the state has made to the future of New Mexico. You can learn more at the Higher Education Department and at our office of University Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.

  Take care, Aggies!