Support Your Student
Scholarship Information
New Mexico's oil and gas industry helps fund education by generating revenue that the state sets aside for long-term use. Each year, hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue from oil and gas production are placed into state investment funds that support education at all levels, including programs that help make college more affordable. Over time, these funds—often called permanent and trust funds—act like savings accounts managed by the state to provide stable, long-term support for education, even when the economy changes.
One of the programs supported through these long-term investments is the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, a state program that covers tuition and required fees at New Mexico's public colleges and universities. The scholarship is available to students pursuing certificates, associate degrees, or bachelor's degrees—regardless of income—and can be used at community colleges, technical schools, and four-year institutions across the state.
In 2025, revenues generated by the oil and gas industry contributed $71 million to support the Opportunity Scholarship, helping remove financial barriers for students and families statewide.
According to the New Mexico Higher Education Department, college enrollment continues to increase as a result of the Opportunity Scholarship, as more students are able to attend school without the burden of tuition costs. Learn more about the scholarship's impact and enrollment trends here:
https://hed.nm.gov/news/college-enrollment-continues-to-rise-in-new-mexico
In addition to the Opportunity Scholarship, the New Mexico Higher Education Department offers a variety of scholarships and grants to help families plan and pay for college. A full list of available programs, eligibility requirements, and application details is available at:
https://hed.nm.gov/financial-aid/scholarships
Together, these long-term education investments help ensure New Mexico students have access to affordable education and training pathways that support career success and a strong state workforce.
School Profiles
Get information on schools across our state.
