High schools across New Mexico are celebrating big wins after going all in for the FAFSA Face-Off 2025—an annual competition designed to boost the number of students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Organized by the New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (NMEAF), the contest challenged schools across five classifications, from 1A to 5A, to raise awareness and increase FAFSA completions. And students delivered in a big way.
What’s the FAFSA Face-Off?
The FAFSA Face-Off is more than just a competition—it’s a statewide effort to help students unlock financial aid opportunities for college, training programs, and beyond. Schools that achieved the highest FAFSA completion rates in their classification earned cash prizes. But more importantly, they made real strides in helping their seniors take that first crucial step toward higher education.
This year’s challenge wrapped up in April, with schools proudly announcing completion rates, community efforts, and creative outreach strategies. From social media campaigns to classroom support, students and staff teamed up to make sure their classmates didn’t miss out.
And the Winners Are…
Let’s take a closer look at the schools that topped their divisions and walked away with both bragging rights and prize money:
5A First Place: Albuquerque High School
Albuquerque High claimed the top spot in the 5A category, earning a $5,000 prize after reaching a 60% FAFSA completion rate. Their campaign focused on student-to-student encouragement, persistence, and strong leadership from the senior class.
5A Second Place: La Cueva High School
La Cueva secured second place and a $2,500 prize with a 53.25% completion rate. Their team proved that consistent effort and school-wide collaboration can make a major impact.
4A First Place: St. Pius X High School
With a 59% FAFSA completion rate, St. Pius X earned the $4,000 prize for their division. Their students came together with a shared purpose—supporting each other through the process and leading with school pride.
3A First Place: Academy for Technology & Classics
This school stood out with an 83% completion rate and a $3,000 prize. Their strategy blended academic readiness with strong community involvement, offering a model for other schools to follow.
2A First Place: Albuquerque Talent Development Secondary Charter School
Earning ,000 and boasting an 85% completion rate, this school succeeded through targeted outreach and meaningful student engagement. Their team inspired peers to take the FAFSA seriously—and it paid off.
1A First Place: Evangel Christian Academy
Evangel Christian Academy achieved a perfect 100% FAFSA completion rate. Their small but mighty team earned the $1,000 prize by making sure every senior completed the form. The school’s leadership and community spirit were key to their success.
What Can Schools Do With Their Prize Money?
NMEAF gives winning schools the freedom to decide how they’ll use their funds—with a few basic guidelines. Options include:
- Hosting prom or graduation events
- Installing commemorative benches or murals
- Starting scholarship funds for future seniors
As long as a class sponsor approves the plan and it follows school rules, the prize money belongs to the students—and the possibilities are wide open.
Why This Matters
Completing the FAFSA is one of the strongest predictors of whether a student will attend college. According to the National College Attainment Network, students who complete the FAFSA are 84% more likely to enroll in postsecondary education.
For many families in New Mexico, where affordability remains a major barrier to higher education, the FAFSA can unlock grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. By boosting awareness and providing support, the Face-Off helps remove those barriers—one form at a time.
Not Just the Winners—Everyone Made a Difference
Even schools that didn’t place in the top tier played a crucial role. NMEAF recognized the hard work of all participants, noting that many were just a few submissions away from victory. From organizing school-wide events to helping a friend through the application, every effort helped New Mexico move toward its goal of a college- and career-ready future.
FAFSA Support Is Still Available
Though the competition is over, the mission continues. Students and families who still have questions about FAFSA or need help completing the form can join “Money Mondays,” a free virtual support session hosted by real financial aid experts. These sessions are open every Monday from 3 to 6 p.m., offering a judgment-free space for families to get the answers they need.
FAFSA Face-Off 2025 was more than a contest—it was a movement. Across the state, students stepped up, educators rallied behind them, and entire school communities worked toward a common goal: opening doors to education. Whether they took home a check or not, every school that participated helped make a difference. And that’s a win worth celebrating.
For more information or FAFSA help, visit nmeaf.org.