Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship
New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED)
Need-based scholarship of up to $6,000 a year for New Mexico students in teacher preparation programs (and licensed teachers in education graduate programs) at New Mexico public or tribal colleges.
- How much
- Up to $6,000 per academic year (based on need)
- Who qualifies
- Enrolled in a PED-approved teacher preparation program at a NM public or tribal college (more than 120 days after HS/HSE), or a licensed teacher in a related graduate program; financial need.
- For undergrads, transfer students, adults going back to school, grad students
- For education, teacher preparation students
- Not required: New Mexico residency or eligibility for New Mexico's nondiscrimination waiver
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Check dates Set by each college's teacher preparation program.
- How to apply
- Apply directly to the teacher preparation program at your New Mexico public college or tribal college
- It provides the application and instructions
- File the FAFSA for the need determination
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026, against the official page (hed.nm.gov) and page 2
The details
Helps pay tuition, fees, books, course supplies and living expenses for students in a PED-approved teacher preparation program (education major or alternative licensure) at a New Mexico public college or tribal college, starting more than 120 days after high school graduation/HSE, and for licensed teachers in graduate education programs or degrees related to their teaching specialty. Awards are based on financial need, made by the college's teacher preparation program, with priority for English learners whose first or heritage language was not English, historically underrepresented groups in New Mexico teaching, and others named in the rule. Up to $6,000 per academic year, renewable with satisfactory academic progress for up to five academic years. No teaching-service requirement is stated on HED's page or the rule.
More money from New Mexico
- 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)
- 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.