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Scholarships
New Mexico scholarships: Free money for NM students
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for New Mexico
Featured
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Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 4/30/26
$2,000
1 day left!
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Sussman-Miller Educational Assistance Fund
Due: 4/3/26
|No Recommendations Required
$8,000
The Sussman-Miller Educational Assistance Fund provides assistance to students to further their education in an undergraduate program. This program provides financial assistance to address the 'gap' in financial aid packages for both students graduating from high school and those continuing their education. Students working on a second undergraduate or graduate degree will not be considered. Preference will be given to applicants with a lower Student Aid Index (SAI) as indicated on their FAFSA. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact Dominic Garcia, Scholarship and Grants Senior Associate for more information.
1 day left!
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The NMMHA and James Knott Memorial Scholarship
Due: 4/3/26
$1,000
The James Knott Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 by the New Mexico Manufactured Housing Association to provide scholarship awards to New Mexico graduating high school seniors residing in a manufactured home. Student applicant must live in a mobile or manufactured home. Proof of residency in a mobile or manufactured home with one of the following documents is required: A copy of title or rental agreement; or Retail installment contract; or County tax assessment. One reference from a teacher or counselor must also be submitted. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Albuquerque Community Foundation for more information.
Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund Scholarship
Due: 5/1/26
Varies
The Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund Scholarship will be awarded to students who must be citizens of the U.S. or Canada and residents in the Southwest Region of the United States. Prior years' award recipients will be considered. Students must be actively pursuing an education for a career in information and records management. These are restricted to Records Management or Governance, Archivist and Academic Library degrees or studies. Three letters of recommendation are required from employers, instructors or individuals qualified to attest to the applicant's character. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
UNM Transfer Scholarship
Due: 5/1/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
$2,000
The UNM Transfer Scholarship is available to transfer students with at least 30 hours of credited transfer hours. Students must have a combined cumulative transfer college GPA of 3.25 and above. This scholarship is renewable for up to two years. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
UNM Branch Campus Transfer Scholarship
Due: 5/1/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
$2,000
The UNM Branch Campus Transfer Scholarship is available to transfer students with at least 45 hours of credited transfer hours completed at UNM Branch Campuses (Gallup, Los Alamos, Taos, Valencia). Students must have a combined cumulative transfer college GPA of 3.00 and above. This scholarship is renewable for up to two years. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Youth in Foster Care Scholarship Fund
Due: 6/5/26
Varies
The Youth in Foster Care Scholarship Fund will make awards to young adults who are aging-out of foster care and want to develop marketable skills or those who want to continue their education at a post-secondary school. Applicants may be high school graduating seniors, recent graduates, those with a GED certificate, or an undergraduate in college. Students may attend a nonprofit or public educational institute in New Mexico or out-of-state and may attend school full-time or part-time. Applicants must be a New Mexico resident for a minimum of one year and have been in the New Mexico foster care system for a minimum of one year. The application must be accompanied by a recommendation from a former or current foster parent, teacher, coach, counselor, caseworker, employer or other adult who can help the committee understand why this scholarship is important to the applicant and their future. Students may apply each year they are enrolled in a program, even if they received an award in the past. Students may only receive one scholarship each calendar year. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Foundation for more information.
Daniels Scholarship Program
Due: 10/17/26
$25,000
The Daniels Scholarship Program helps make college possible for motivated and ambitious students. Daniels Scholars are selected because they embody the criteria Bill Daniels defined for the program: strength of character; leadership potential; commitment to serving their communities; academic performance or promise; well-rounded personality; and emotional maturity and stability. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior; earn a minimum SAT Math score of 490 and a minimum Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 490, or a minimum ACT score of 18 in each category (writing score not required); and meet the financial need requirements. Daniels Scholars may attend any two-year or four-year, nonprofit, accredited college or university in the United States. Scholars must intend to complete a bachelor's degree, and those starting at a two-year college must be on a path to earning a bachelor's degree. Daniels Scholarships may not be used at technical or trade schools, or for participation in certificate programs. The Daniels Scholarship, along with generous contributions from partner schools, covers the full cost of attendance (COA) at partner schools within Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Scholars that choose to attend a school outside our 4-state region receive up to $25,000 a year for qualified educational expenses. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Davis New Mexico Scholarship
Due: 10/17/26
|No min. GPA Required
Varies
Davis New Mexico Scholars are students who are successful in school, resilient, and who will do what it takes to earn their college degree in four years. Those who may apply are first-generation college-going New Mexican students enrolled in one or more of our affiliate programs. Eligible students can apply to the Davis New Mexico Scholarship during the fall of their senior year. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, either from their school counselor, if the applicant works closely with them, or from the College Access Counselor at the Affiliate Organization the applicant is working most closely with. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Scholarship
Due: 12/30/26
|No essay
$500
The ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Scholarship will be awarded to those with any active Amateur Radio License Class. Applicants may be pursuing any field of study at a fully-accredited US college or university. The scholarship is open only to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a sitting officer of an ARRL-affiliated club attesting to the applicant's regular activity on the Amateur Radio spectrum and within the Amateur Radio community. Applicants must submit transcripts which must cover the applicant's entire high school career to date and, if in college, must include all semesters for which grades have been awarded. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.
What to know about New Mexico scholarships
- New Mexico scholarships can lower your college bill by a lot. Between statewide tuition programs, campus aid, and private awards, many students can reduce what they pay for tuition, books, and other costs.
- You're not limited to one type of aid. You may be able to combine New Mexico scholarships, grants, institutional aid, and private awards to build a stronger funding plan.
- Some of the best options are tied to residency. If you live in New Mexico, you may qualify for programs designed specifically for in-state students at public colleges and universities.
- FAFSA® still matters even when a program sounds automatic. Many state and school-based awards look at your info from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine need, eligibility, or award amounts.
- Local scholarships can be worth your time. Community foundations and regional organizations often offer awards with smaller applicant pools than national scholarships.
Paying for college can feel overwhelming. That’s why maximizing free money you don’t have to pay back, like scholarships and grants, should be part of your plan. If you’re searching for scholarships for New Mexico students, look at statewide programs and local opportunities side by side.
The time you spend applying can pay off. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. In New Mexico, that can include state-supported tuition programs, community foundation awards, and school-specific aid at places like the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and Central New Mexico Community College.
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What are New Mexico scholarships?
New Mexico scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for college, career training, or graduate study. They can come from the state, colleges and universities, community foundations, employers, Tribal entities, and private donors.
Unlike student loans, scholarship funds are free money and do not need to be repaid. While some awards focus on grades, many others look at your financial need, major, community involvement, background, or where you live.
- State residency
- Financial need
- Academic performance
- Enrollment at a public college, university, or tribal college
- Intended major or career path
- Community service or leadership
- Local or regional ties
What scholarships are available for New Mexico students?
You'll find includes statewide tuition programs, community-based scholarships, and institutional awards. Many students do best when they apply to several kinds of aid at once instead of relying on just one program.
Use search tools like Scholly Scholarships to hep build your list of scholarships to apply for. It can help you find top New Mexico scholarships and smaller private awards you might otherwise miss.
New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship
The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship is one of the state’s best-known tuition support programs. It is part of New Mexico’s broader free-college approach and is aimed at eligible New Mexico residents attending public colleges and universities in the state.
New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship
The New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship is another major state program tied to tuition support for eligible students. It has long been one of the most recognizable sources of college funding for New Mexico residents attending public institutions.
Albuquerque Community Foundation Scholarships
The Albuquerque Community Foundation offers a variety of scholarship and student aid programs for New Mexico residents. Its scholarship system includes different donor-funded opportunities, and requirements vary by program. This can be a strong option if you want local scholarships with a more targeted applicant pool.
University-specific scholarships
Many New Mexico colleges offer their own scholarships, either automatically through admissions review or through separate applications. That can include merit awards, need-based aid, departmental scholarships, and foundation-funded support.
For example, you may find institutional scholarships at the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and Central New Mexico Community College. Each school has its own deadlines and process, so it’s worth checking the financial aid page for every college on your list.
Local and community scholarships
Local scholarships can be especially useful because they often draw from a smaller pool of applicants than national programs. In New Mexico, these awards may come from community foundations, local employers, civic groups, and regional nonprofits.
- Community foundations
- Local nonprofits
- Employer-sponsored awards
- Civic and service organizations
- Regional donor-funded scholarships
Additional financial aid resources
New Mexico Student Incentive Grant
The New Mexico Student Incentive Grant is for resident undergraduate students with substantial financial need who attend a New Mexico public college or university or tribal college. Students generally work through their institution’s financial aid office for application instructions, so this is a program to ask about directly after you complete the FAFSA®.
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How to apply for New Mexico scholarships
- Pull together key documents early, such as your transcript, activity list, resume, and a basic personal statement.
- Make a list of scholarships that fit your background, major, and goals, focusing on both statewide and local programs.
- Work through a few applications at a time so the process stays consistent but not overwhelming.
- Submit the FAFSA® so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and other aid. Check our FAFSA® guide for step-by-step help.
- Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist to keep track of application requirements and deadlines.
- Read instructions carefully and double-check your application before you hit submit.
If you want a faster way to get started, Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships can help you apply to multiple scholarships with one application.
What are the eligibility requirements for NM scholarships?
Eligibility rules vary by award, but many New Mexico scholarships look at the same core factors:
- New Mexico residency
- Enrollment or planned enrollment in an eligible program
- Undergraduate or certificate status
- Financial need
- Academic standing or GPA
- Half-time or full-time enrollment
- Program-specific or local criteria
How do I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?
- Apply to statewide and local awards. A balanced list gives you more chances than relying only on the biggest state programs.
- Complete the FAFSA® early. Many need-based awards depend on aid information from your FAFSA®.
- Keep your materials reusable. A strong resume and personal statement draft can make future applications much easier.
- Check school portals often. Institutional scholarship deadlines can arrive earlier than you expect.
- Use specific examples in essays. Clear stories about impact, goals, and persistence usually land better than generic statements.
More scholarship resources
New Mexico can use these resources to find scholarships that align with their major, experiences, and long-term plans.
- Scholarships by major
See scholarship options connected to your intended field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Ideal if you are planning for college during your senior year of high school. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarship opportunities continue after freshman year — explore options for current undergraduates. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you are the first in your family to attend college, these awards are designed with you in mind. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find support if you are going back to school later in life or finishing a degree. - Scholarships for women
Explore scholarships that support women across a variety of majors and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Discover scholarships that support students who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are allies. - STEM scholarships
Funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help reduce the cost of master’s, PhD, or professional programs. - Scholarships for minority students
Scholarship programs supporting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
Your next steps
New Mexico has a strong mix of state support, local scholarship options, and college-based aid. If you build a list that includes the state programs, local foundation awards, and institutional scholarships, you’ll give yourself more ways to reduce what you pay.
To keep moving, look for scholarships that fit who you are through Scholly Scholarships, Check out quick-apply options like Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships and the Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship . That gives you a solid mix of higher-effort and lower-effort applications while you continue searching for New Mexico scholarships.
FAQs about New Mexico scholarships
What scholarships are available for New Mexico students?
New Mexico students can look at statewide options like the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship and Legislative Lottery Scholarship, local awards through the Albuquerque Community Foundation, and institutional scholarships from colleges across the state.
What is the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship?
It is a major state tuition-support program for eligible New Mexico residents attending public colleges and universities in the state.
What are the eligibility requirements for the New Mexico Student Incentive Grant?
The program is for resident undergraduate students with substantial financial need who attend a New Mexico public college, university, or tribal college.
What local scholarship opportunities exist through the Albuquerque Community Foundation?
The foundation manages a variety of donor-funded scholarship and student aid programs for New Mexico residents, with different eligibility rules depending on the fund.
Do New Mexico scholarships require FAFSA®?
Many do, especially need-based state and institutional programs. Filing the FAFSA® is one of the best first steps you can take.
Do New Mexico colleges offer their own scholarships?
Yes. Schools such as the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and Central New Mexico Community College may offer institutional scholarships.
Are there easy or no-essay scholarships for New Mexico students?
Yes. You can add easy-apply and no-essay options to your broader scholarship list while still applying for state and school-based aid.
Can community college students get New Mexico scholarships?
Yes. Community college students may qualify for state tuition programs, campus aid, and local scholarships.
Are there scholarships for returning adult students in New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico’s tuition-support landscape includes options that can also help returning adults, especially at public institutions.
Can New Mexico scholarships be used with institutional aid?
Sometimes, yes. Whether awards stack depends on the college and the type of aid involved.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
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