Legislative Lottery Scholarships

Since 1996, more than 82,600 students from across the state have attended New Mexico public colleges, universities and technical colleges with the help of Legislative Lottery Scholarships.

Part of every dollar spent on Lottery tickets benefits New Mexico's future. It opens the door to new generations of New Mexicans to obtain a college education which otherwise might not have been possible. That helps make New Mexico a better place to live.

Program Features

  • Pays 100% of tuition for eight consecutive semesters of eligibility beginning with the second semester of college enrollment
  • No application required, although some colleges may require the completion of FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
  • May be used at 25 public colleges, junior colleges or universities in New Mexico.
  • Students who transfer to another eligible college keep the scholarship - even if tuition increases.

Need More Information?

For more information, contact your high school guidance counselor, college financial aid office or the New Mexico Higher Education Department at 1-800-279-9777

Measuring Success in Degrees®

100% of net proceeds benefit education

More than $560 Million raised for education in New Mexico

More than 82,600 Legislative Lottery Scholarship recipients

More than 34,000 Legislative Lottery Scholarship graduates

How to Qualify

Legislative Lottery Scholarships help provide tuition to New Mexico residents who want to attend a New Mexico public college or university. As of May 2010, the minimum requirements are:

  • Be a New Mexico Resident;
  • Graduate from a New Mexico public high school, an accredited private high school recognized by the Public Education Department, or obtain a New Mexico GED;
  • Enroll full-time at an eligible New Mexico public college or university in the first regular semester immediately following high school graduation or obtaining a GED; military veterans who meet all other scholarship eligibility requirements have one year to enroll in college following an honorable or medical discharge;
  • Obtain and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA.

For more information, contact the New Mexico Higher Education Department.