Keeping tuition steady means more support for students. New Mexico’s four-year universities gained recognition for holding costs flat. Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez praised the move for helping protect student welfare and expand access to education.
Rodriguez said the university regents made the right decision not to implement tuition increase and prioritize affordability for students. She issued the statement after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a record $1.5 billion higher education budget for fiscal year 2027.
“New Mexico’s university regents from four-year universities are correct to not raise tuition. I applaud them for holding the line,” said Rodriguez.
“Given that the State of New Mexico under Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham leadership made a historic investment into our statewide higher education system this past legislative session, with record funding dedicated to support college access and affordability, it is all the more important to send a message to students, and also prospective students, that New Mexico will put those funds to good use and not saddle anyone with unnecessary debt,” she added.
Rodriguez said the state must prioritize the public good, and the regents’ decision helped advance the commitment. She also expressed that the state will continue supporting students, faculty, and staff in every way possible.
“As federal government decision-making continues to spike costs for everyone, our state can and should continue to be an example of government on both sides of the aisle working for the good of the people—and the regents’ decision has helped to reinforce that,” the higher education secretary said.
“Supporting our students is the best example we can set, and New Mexico will continue to work to help minimize costs and stress about everyday living expenses for faculty, staff and students statewide, in whatever manner we can,” she assured.
Historic Investment in Higher Education
The $1.5 billion higher education budget represents a 15.4% increase over last year. This marks the largest investment in higher education in state history.
The budget sustains and expands the state’s nation-leading tuition-free college programs while accelerating workforce development and training initiatives. It also supports students’ basic needs and provides major funding for campus infrastructure.
Rodriguez earlier said the budget represents a historic investment in the state’s public colleges and universities. It supports employment in essential fields like education and health care and helps the next generation of New Mexicans reach their career goals. She added that it will improve the quality of life for students pursuing their degrees.
As part of the allocation, the governor approved $186 million for the Opportunity Scholarship, $146 million from the general fund, and $40 million from the Higher Education Program Fund. This comes alongside a $37 million increase to the Lottery Tuition Fund, maintaining 100% tuition coverage for eligible students.
These investments preserve 100% tuition coverage for students and strengthen long-term support for free college programs. Since 2022, the Opportunity Scholarship has helped over 118,000 New Mexicans, boosting enrollment and graduation rates statewide.