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Lottery Scholarship

The New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship

The New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship is automatically awarded to qualified students beginning the second semester of their freshman year. No application is necessary; however, we strongly recommend that you complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Qualification

  • New Mexico resident.
  • Effective for new students incoming Fall 2018, due to new legislation, students must enroll at NMSU within 16 months following:
    • Graduation from a New Mexico high school
    • Earning a New Mexico certificate of completion
    • Receiving a New Mexico high school equivalency credential. (Home-school students must have a high school equivalency credential dated prior to the entering semester.)
  • First-time enrolled degree-seeking student
  • Pass 15 graded credit hours by the end of the first semester (12 credit hours at a 2-year institution).
  • Earn a 2.5 GPA or greater for the first semester.

Renewal

  • Complete 15 graded credit hours each semester (12 credit hours at a 2-year institution)
  • Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA or greater
  • Maintain consecutive enrollment

This scholarship is valid for seven semesters total (three at a 2-year institution and transferable to a 4-year university) or until you earn a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.

The scholarship amount for all students is the same. The amount of the Lottery Scholarship is set annually by June 1st by the New Mexico Higher Education Department and can only be applied to tuition. Students are responsible for unpaid tuition and fees, unless other scholarships or grants cover these costs.