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Higher Education Department

Higher Education Department

About the Department

If you are looking to explore educational opportunities beyond high school, find money for school, prepare for college and careers, attain a High School Equivalency Credential, or build your literacy skills, the New Mexico Higher Education Department is here to help. The New Mexico Higher Education Department oversees the state’s public colleges, universities and special schools, funds adult education and literacy programs statewide, and administers scholarships and financial aid programs.

Latest News

Applications for Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program now open

6/11/2026

New Mexico veterinarians who commit to serving rural, frontier and tribal communities can now apply for up to $80,000 in student loan repayment assistance through the state's Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program.

N.M. launches Native American Tuition Scholarship Program

5/30/2026

Applications are now open for the Native American Tuition Scholarship, a new program administered by the New Mexico Higher Education Department to provide full in-state tuition coverage to Native American students pursuing higher education

New Mexico posts one of nation’s largest FAFSA completion gains

5/26/2026

New Mexico achieved one of the largest year-over-year FAFSA completion increases in the country this year, joining just three other states to hit a 20% gain as national completion rates reached an all-time high.

Most Popular Services

Scholarships & Financial Aid Programs

Education • Higher Education Department

With the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship, and more than 25 scholarships, grants, and college financial aid programs available, there are options for every New Mexican to pursue higher education without having to worry about the cost of tuition and fees. Explore below to learn more!

Find a College or University

Education • Higher Education Department

Find information on: - NM College Guide -- All Public & Tribal Schools (flipbook) - NM Four-Year Public Colleges and Universities - NM Two-Year Public Community Colleges - NM Tribal Schools and Universities - NM Special Schools - Map of Public New Mexico Colleges & Universities - NM Private Colleges

Adult Education and Literacy Programs

Education • Higher Education Department

The Adult Education Division at the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) exists to support adults to strengthen their core academic skills and meet their personal, educational, and career goals. We offer adults a range of opportunities, and all of them are free!

GEAR UP College Readiness Program

Education • Higher Education Department

Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) New Mexico is a seven-year initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Closed School Transcript Requests

Education • Higher Education Department

The Private Post-Secondary Schools Division at the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) maintains custodianship of transcripts from certain closed private post-secondary institutions who have operated a physical site in New Mexico.