New Mexico Competitive Scholarship
New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) via New Mexico public universities
For high-achieving out-of-state students: a competitive scholarship of at least $100 a semester that also unlocks in-state tuition at New Mexico public universities.
- How much
- A scholarship of at least $100 per semester plus in-state tuition and fee rates
- Who qualifies
- Out-of-state (non-resident) student; GPA + ACT/SAT combinations by university size (see details); full-time undergraduate; signs a declaration of residency.
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- US citizen (non-citizens only where the university has a commission-approved proposal)
- When to apply
- Check dates Set by each participating university (usually with admission/scholarship priority dates).
- How to apply
- Submit the scholarship application to the New Mexico public university you want to attend, with official high school and/or college transcripts and ACT/SAT scores on file with its admissions office
- What you'll need
- state application + transcript + test scores
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026, against the official page (srca.nm.gov) and page 2
The details
Meant to attract high-achieving out-of-state undergraduates. Out-of-state undergraduates granted a competitive scholarship of at least $100 per semester are charged in-state tuition and fees. Academic minimums: at small universities, a 3.5 high school GPA with ACT 20 (SAT 950 equivalent) or a 3.0 GPA with ACT 23 (SAT 1070); at large universities, 3.5 with ACT 23 or 3.0 with ACT 26 (SAT 1180); transfer students may qualify with a 3.5 transfer college GPA. Must sign a declaration of residency and enroll full time. Renewable annually for up to four years with the credits and GPA the school requires of other academic scholarships.
More money from New Mexico
- Teacher Preparation Affordability ScholarshipUp to $6,000 per academic year (based on need)
- New Mexico Student Incentive Grant (NMSIG)$200 - $2,500 per year
- New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship100% of tuition
- New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship100% of tuition and course-specific fees up to $50 per credit hour (at New Mexico public colleges and universities)
- New Mexico ScholarsTuition, books and fees
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.