Starting July 1, 2025, New Mexico will offer free tuition and fee coverage for eligible graduate students at public colleges and universities, following the signing of House Bill 89 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. This expansion of the state’s tuition-free education initiative aims to address workforce shortages and promote educational equity.
What you need to know about the Graduation Scholarship Program:
Full Tuition and Fee Coverage: The scholarship now covers 100% of tuition and required fees for eligible graduate students, an increase from the previous cap of $7,200 per year.
Extended Eligibility: The program removes the U.S. citizenship requirement, focusing instead on New Mexico residency. Additionally, the previous mandate for students to hold assistantships has been replaced; maintaining a 3.0 GPA now suffices for eligibility.
Duration of Support: Eligible students can receive funding for up to eight semesters, accommodating both master’s and doctoral programs.
Who can apply?
Prospective graduate students should contact the financial aid office at their chosen New Mexico public institution to apply. The scholarship is awarded for one academic year and can be renewed for a second year for master’s students who remain in good academic standing.
What’s the purpose of this program?
This graduate scholarship complements New Mexico’s existing Opportunity Scholarship, which provides tuition-free education for undergraduate students pursuing certificates, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees at public institutions. The Opportunity Scholarship covers up to 100% of tuition and required fees for eligible students.
To ensure the sustainability of these programs, the state has established a $959 million trust fund dedicated to underwriting tuition-free college education for New Mexico residents.
What to expect?
State officials anticipate that the expanded graduate scholarship will help retain talent within New Mexico, particularly in underserved and rural areas facing professional shortages. By reducing financial barriers to advanced education, the program aims to foster a more equitable and skilled workforce.