Senior Citizens Reduced Tuition
New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED); New Mexico public colleges and universities
New Mexico residents 65 and older pay $5 per credit hour (up to 10 hours a semester) at New Mexico public colleges and universities, space available.
- How much
- $5 per credit hour, for up to 10 credit hours per semester
- Who qualifies
- Age 65+ by the term's census date; NM resident for tuition purposes; space-available enrollment; pay course-specific fees.
- For adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Apply any time Each term at registration, space available.
- How to apply
- Ask your New Mexico public college for the senior citizen reduced tuition rate when you register, with proof of age
- Registration is space-available (usually after regular registration)
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (srca.nm.gov)
The details
Under the Senior Citizens Reduced Tuition Act, every public degree-granting college and university in New Mexico must reduce tuition to $5 per credit hour for up to 10 credit hours per semester for New Mexico residents who are 65 or older by the census date (third Friday of classes). Applies to credit or noncredit courses on or off campus, on a space-available basis; students must meet course prerequisites and pay course-specific fees. All grading options, including audit, are available.
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.