As the “Land of Enchantment,” New Mexico is a state of natural beauty, diverse culture, and fascinating history. The state is home to over 25 colleges and universities, and if you plan to attend one of them, or are a resident of New Mexico, check out a few of these scholarships.
The Pedro and Mateo SandovalStrong Memorial Scholarship Fund
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: TBD for 2021
The Pedro and Mateo SandovalStrong Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to Pedro “Pete” and Mateo Sandoval. The scholarship awards one student every year from Moriarty High School in New Mexico.
To be eligible, students must: attend Moriarity High School, be a New Mexico resident, have at least a 3.5 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. Additionally, students must submit an application, their transcript, two references, and a personal essay.
New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
A renewable scholarship is always desirable, especially when it’s renewable per semester. This program offers up to 7 semesters of aid (at a 4-year school–up to 3 semesters at a 2-year school) to students who have a New Mexico high school diploma–or equivalent credential.
To be eligible, students must: be a resident of NM, enroll in/complete 15 semester hours for a 4-year or 12 hours for a 2-year NM public college/university, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
New Mexico State Student Incentive Grants
Amount: $200 – $2,500 (renewable)
Deadline: Varies
For NM undergraduate students in financial need, these grants help pay for college tuition. The grants are renewable annually or until graduation.
Eligible students must: be an NM resident, enroll as either part-time or full-time student, file the FAFSA, and demonstrate financial need.
Sussman-Miller Educational Assistance Award Program
Amount: $500 – $2,000
Deadline: June 24, 2020
This program is designed to fill the gap of financial aid packages to assist New Mexico students in pursuing a higher education. The deadline depends on if the applicant is a graduating high school senior or a current undergraduate.
To be eligible, students must: be a federal financial aid recipient, be (or plan to be) a full-time student, complete a minimum of 15 credit hours (in conjuncture with the Legislative Lottery Scholarship).
Charlie and Kathy Barnhart and Ken Haynes, Jr. Manufactured Housing Association Scholarship Fund
Amount: Up to $1,000
Deadline: April 2, 2020
For students living in manufactured/mobile homes, this scholarship provides aid towards higher education for graduating high school seniors.
Eligible students must: be living in a manufactured/mobile home, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, attend a 2- or 4-year NM public college/university full-time, write an essay about career goals.
Albuquerque Ecologist Open Space Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: December 31, 2020
This is a truly unique opportunity in which students participate in or lead an environmental stewardship program for the benefit of lands managed by the Open Space Division. By registering, uploading photos of the project, and writing an essay, students can be rewarded for their good work. Previous projects include: removing/recycling trash, promoting conservation of endangered species, or removing non-native vegetation.
To be eligible, students must: demonstrate personal leadership, initiative, and environmental awareness, participate in an environmental stewardship project, and complete the registration.
New Mexico Scholars Program
Amount: Varies (renewable)
Deadline: Varies
Created to encourage NM students to attend post-secondary schooling, this scholarship program encourages academic excellence.
To qualify, students must: be NM residents, graduate from an NM high school in the top 5% of their class or score a 25 or higher on the ACT/ 1140 or higher on the SAT, enroll full-time at an undergraduate public or approved private university, adhere to specific income regulations (as provided on their site).
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
|
|
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
