New Mexico Foster Youth Tuition and Fee Waiver
New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), under state law (NMSA 21-1-4.7)
Free tuition and fees at New Mexico public colleges, universities and community colleges for young people who were in CYFD or tribal custody on or after age 14 and enroll before age 25.
- How much
- Free college tuition and fees at any New Mexico public university or community college
- Who qualifies
- current or former foster youth (in CYFD or tribal custody on or after age 14)
- Enroll in higher education before age 25; NM public institutions only.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, transfer students
- When to apply
- Apply any time No deadline; must first enroll before age 25.
- How to apply
- Ask your CYFD Fostering Connections / Youth Transition specialist (or your tribe) for a tuition and fee waiver verification letter, then give it to your college's financial aid or business office
- What you'll need
- See how to apply
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (cyfd.nm.gov) and page 2
The details
Young people who were in the legal custody of CYFD (tribal youth are also eligible) on or after their 14th birthday and who enroll in a school of higher education before their 25th birthday can attend any publicly funded, accredited New Mexico state college or university (or branch), community college, or technical/vocational institute free of tuition and fees. CYFD's Fostering Connections Education and Vocation Specialist verifies eligibility and provides a tuition and fee waiver verification letter to give to the college.
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 Competitive ScholarshipA scholarship of at least $100 per semester plus in-state tuition and fee rates
- 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)
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.