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New Mexico State University
Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Services

New Students

Click here for scholarship information for Current Students.

The Scholar Dollar$ scholarship application is open Apply Now!
This application must be completed to be considered for: President's Associates Excellence Scholarship, Transfer Achievement Scholarship, Out-of-State Competitive Scholarship and all general endowed scholarships awarded throughout the University.

Scholarships

New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship
President's Associates Excellence Scholarship
High Achiever Leadership Scholarship
Honors Excel Scholarship
Regents Success Scholarship
Opportunity Scholarship
New Mexico Scholars
NMSU National Merit Scholarship
NMSU National Merit Semi-Finalist Scholarship
NMSU National Hispanic Scholars
Legislative Lottery Scholarship
Transfer Achievement Scholarship
Legislative Endowment Scholarship
Out-of-State Competitive Scholarship

Whether you are a freshman, transfer student, New Mexico resident or from out-of-state, there are scholarship opportunities for you.  To be considered for these scholarships (with the exception of the Legislative Lottery Scholarship) you must:

  • Be admitted to NMSU-Las Cruces campus
  • Enroll full-time in classes on the Las Cruces campus (unless otherwise stated)
  • Set up your MyNMSU account and e-mail

** A student may only receive one major scholarship.
** Scholarship awards depend on availability of funds.
**All scholarships are subject to change in accordance with federal, state, and university regulations.

General Endowed Scholarships

There are many scholarships with varying criteria and renewal requirements available through colleges and departments for all incoming students. Award values vary. A scholarship application is required, with a deadline of March 1st . A FAFSA is required for scholarships requiring financial need.
The scholarship application is available on-line beginning in November. Visit our scholarship page for further information.
FRESHMEN-NM RESIDENT
Many of these scholarships require:

  • N.M. residency
  • Confirmation of graduation from an accredited New Mexico high school or a passing NM GED
  • Admission to the Las Cruces campus no later than March 1st
  • Full-time enrollment each semester at the Las Cruces campus
  • Seeking a bachelor's degree
  • Consecutive enrollment

Eligibility and renewal criteria vary and some scholarships may require an online NMSU scholarship application.  Review each scholarship for details.

New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship

The Legislative Lottery Scholarship is automatically awarded to qualified students starting the 2nd semester of their freshman year.  No application necessary; no admissions deadline.
Award: Tuition ONLY, varying amounts.  (Stated semester rates at NMSU include both tuition and required fees.)
Eligibility Requirements:

  • Enrolled in the first regular semester immediately following graduation from a NM high school or receiving a NM GED
  • NM resident
  • Seeking a Bachelor Degree
  • Minimum enrollment of 12 new credit hours
  • Completion of 12 new graded credit hours at the end of the first semester
  • 2.5 semester GPA for the first semester
  • N.M. homeschoolers must have a GED to be eligible for award. GED must be dated prior to the first day of classes of the entering semester.

Renewal Requirements:

  • Minimum enrollment of 12 new credit hours each semester
  • Completion of 12 new graded credit hours each semester
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA each semester
  • 8 semester maximum at a 4-year institution or attainment of a Bachelor Degree (graduation), whichever comes first

Note:  See further important details under Policies and Procedures

President's Associates Excellence Scholarship

NMSU scholarship application required
Award: Standard tuition and fees plus $1,625/semester. Number of awards limited.
Eligibility Requirements:

  • Enrolled in minimum of 15 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus the first regular semester immediately following graduation from a NM high school
  • NM resident
  • Admission to the Las Cruces campus no later than January 18th
  • Seeking a Bachelor Degree
  • NMSU scholarship application submitted no later than January 18th
  • 3.75 GPA & 28 ACT or 3.5 GPA & 30 ACT
  • FAFSA Submitted by March 1st

Renewal Requirements:

  • Minimum enrollment of 15 new credit hours each semester
  • 3.25 semester GPA first semester and 3.5 cumulative GPA thereafter
  • Completion of 15 new graded credit hours each semester
  • 8 semester maximum or attainment of a Bachelor Degree (graduation), whichever comes first

Note:  See further important details under Policies and Procedures

High Achiever Leadership Scholarship

Beginning in November, incoming Freshmen admitted by March 1st will automatically be considered on the basis of GPA and ACT data.
Award: Standard tuition and fees plus $1,000/semester. Number of awards limited.
Eligibility Requirements:

  • Enrolled in minimum of 15 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus the first regular semester immediately following graduation from a NM high school
  • NM resident
  • Admission to the Las Cruces campus no later than March 1st
  • Seeking a Bachelor Degree
  • 3.75 GPA & 28 ACT or 3.5 GPA & 30 ACT
  • FAFSA Submitted by March 1st

Renewal Requirements:

  • Minimum enrollment of 15 new credit hours each semester
  • 3.25 semester GPA first semester and 3.5 cumulative GPA thereafter
  • Completion of 15 new graded credit hours each semester
  • 8 semester maximum or attainment of a Bachelor Degree (graduation), whichever comes first

Note:  See further important details under Policies and Procedures

Honors Excel Scholarship

Beginning in November, incoming Freshmen admitted by March 1st will automatically be considered on the basis of GPA and ACT data.
Award: Standard tuition and fees plus $500/semester. Number of awards limited.
Eligibility Requirements:

  • Enrolled in minimum of 15 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus the first regular semester immediately following graduation from a NM high school
  • NM resident
  • Admission to the Las Cruces campus no later than March 1st
  • Seeking a Bachelor Degree
  • 3.75 GPA & 24 ACT or 26 ACT
  • FAFSA Submitted by March 1st

Renewal Requirements:

  • Minimum enrollment of 15 new credit hours each semester
  • 3.25 semester GPA first semester and 3.5 cumulative GPA thereafter
  • Completion of 15 new graded credit hours each semester
  • 8 semester maximum or attainment of a Bachelor Degree (graduation), whichever comes first

Note:  See further important details under Policies and Procedures

Regents Success Scholarship

Beginning in November, incoming Freshmen admitted by March 1st will automatically be considered on the basis of GPA and ACT data.
Award: Standard tuition and fees
Eligibility Requirements:

  • Enrolled in minimum of 15 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus the first regular semester immediately following graduation from a NM high school
  • NM resident
  • Admission to the Las Cruces campus no later than March 1st
  • Seeking a Bachelor Degree
  • 3.5 GPA & 23 ACT or 3.75 GPA
  • FAFSA Submitted by March 1st

Renewal Requirements:

  • Minimum enrollment of 15 new credit hours each semester
  • 3.0 semester GPA first semester and 3.0 cumulative GPA thereafter
  • completion of 15 new graded credit hours each semester
  • 8 semester maximum or attainment of a Bachelor Degree (graduation), whichever comes first

Note:  See further important details under Policies and Procedures

Opportunity Scholarship

Beginning in November, incoming Freshmen admitted by March 1st will automatically be considered on the basis of GPA and ACT data.
Award: $1,000 First Semester Only
Eligibility Requirements:

  • Enrolled in minimum of 12 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus the first regular semester immediately following graduation from a NM high school
  • NM resident
  • Admission to the Las Cruces campus no later than March 1st
  • Seeking a Bachelor Degree
  • 3.0 GPA or 21 ACT
  • Enrolled in 12 new credit hours
  • FAFSA Submitted by March 1st

ADDITIONAL FRESHMEN SCHOLARSHIPS

New Mexico Scholars

Students under the age of 22 who have never attended college.

Award: Exact tuition and standard fees; book allowance

Eligibility Requirements:

  • N.M. resident
  • N.M. high school graduate
  • Enrolled by age 21
  • Admitted to Las Cruces campus
  • Enrolled in 12 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus
  • 25 ACT or 1160 SAT or top 5 percent high school graduating class
  • Adjusted gross income $30,000 for one student in college, $40,000 for two in college
  • FAFSA recommended, otherwise income tax return required
  • Seeking a Bachelor Degree

Renewal Requirements:

  • Enroll in 12 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus each semester
  • Earn 24 new credit hours each academic year (fall/spring) at Las Cruces campus
  • 3.5 cumulative NMSU GPA
  • 8 semester maximum or attainment of a Bachelor Degree (graduation), whichever comes first

NMSU National Merit Scholarship

National Merit Finalist selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corp. Number of awards limited.

Award: Tuition and fees waived, $1,500 stipend/semester, laptop computer, room and board allowance; $1,000 one time study abroad stipend.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Admitted to Las Cruces campus
  • Enrolled in 15 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus
  • Seeking a Bachelor Degree
  • U.S. citizenship
  • National Merit Finalist selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corp.

Renewal Requirements:

  • Minimum enrollment of 15 new credit hours each semester
  • 3.5 semester GPA first semester and 3.5 cumulative GPA thereafter
  • Completion of 15 new graded credit hours each semester
  • 8 semester maximum or attainment of a Bachelor Degree (graduation), whichever comes first

NMSU National Merit Semi-Finalist Scholarship

National Merit Semi-Finalist selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corp. Number of awards limited.

Award: Tuition and fees waived, $1,000 stipend/semester

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Admitted to Las Cruces campus
  • Enrolled in 15 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus
  • Seeking a Bachelor Degree
  • U.S. citizenship
  • National Merit Semi-Finalist selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corp.

Renewal Requirements:

  • Minimum enrollment of 15 new credit hours each semester
  • 3.5 semester GPA first semester and 3.5 cumulative GPA thereafter
  • completion of 15 new graded credit hours each semester
  • 8 semester maximum or attainment of a Bachelor Degree (graduation), whichever comes first

NMSU National Hispanic Scholars

National Hispanic Scholar Finalist selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corp. Number of awards limited.

Award: Tuition and fees waived, $500 stipend/semester

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Admitted to Las Cruces campus
  • Enrolled in 15 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus
  • Seeking a Bachelor Degree
  • U.S. citizenship
  • National Hispanic Scholar Finalist selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corp.

Renewal Requirements:

  • Minimum enrollment of 15 new credit hours each semester
  • 3.5 semester GPA first semester and 3.5 cumulative GPA thereafter
  • completion of 15 new graded credit hours each semester
  • 8 semester maximum or attainment of a Bachelor Degree (graduation), whichever comes first

 

RETURNING, TRANSFER AND OUT OF STATE

Legislative Lottery Scholarship

If initial eligibility has already been established at a prior New Mexico institution the Legislative Lottery Scholarship can be transferred to NMSU. To have your lottery scholarship transferred the NMSU-Las Cruces (LC) scholarship department must receive a Scholarship Transfer Transcript (STT) from the school that you are transferring from. (Note: this is different from the academic transcript that must be sent to the Office of Admissions.)

  1. Contact the scholarship department at your current school after the grades have been posted for your last semester attending.
  2. Request they fax a Scholarship Transfer Transcript to (575) 646-4383.
  3. Follow up with the scholarship department at NMSU-LC campus to confirm receipt of the STT. (575) 646-4597.

Once the transcript is received the scholarship department will evaluate your eligibility. Based on the information provided by the previous school you may be awarded the Legislative Lottery Scholarship, placed on probation, or denied. To assure receiving the lottery scholarship in time to pay your tuition the STT must be received no later than one week prior to the beginning of the semester entering NMSU.

You are encouraged to visit with the scholarship department at your current school to understand the process prior to requesting the STT.

If you are attending a NMSU campus other than Las Cruces you will need to have the transcript sent to that campus.

Transfer Achievement Scholarship

Students transferring from a NMSU community college or 2-year N.M. community or junior college. NMSU general scholarship application required.

Award: Standard tuition and fees (if Lottery eligible, only standard fees paid)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • N.M. resident
  • Admitted to Las Cruces campus by March 1st
  • Enrolled in 15 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus
  • 30 to 90 total attempted credit hours at all institutions
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater
  • Seeking a Bachelor Degree
  • scholarship application submitted by March 1st

Renewal Requirements:

  • Enroll in 15 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus each semester
  • Earn 15 new credit hours each semester at Las Cruces campus
  • 3.5 cumulative NMSU GPA
  • Maximum of four semesters or attainment of a Bachelor Degree (graduation), whichever comes first.

The Scholar Dollar$ scholarship application is open Apply Now!

Legislative Endowment Scholarship

Returning student or transfer from a NMSU community college or two-year N.M. junior college.

Award: Up to $2,500/year

Eligibility Requirements:

  • N.M. resident
  • U.S. citizen
  • Admitted to Las Cruces campus by March 1st
  • Enrolled in a minimum of 6 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus
  • Seeking a Bachelor Degree

Renewal Requirements:

  • Earn all new credit hours attempted each semester
  • Enroll in a minimum of 6 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus each semester
  • 2.5 cumulative NMSU GPA

Out-of-State Competitive Scholarship

NMSU general scholarship application required. Number of awards limited.

Award: Tuition reduced to N.M. residency rate; $100 stipend/semester

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Non-N.M. resident
  • Admitted to Las Cruces campus by March 1st
  • Enrolled in 15 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus
  • Seeking a Bachelor Degree
  • Freshman: 3.5 GPA & 23 ACT or 3.0 GPA & 26 ACT

Transfer: 3.5 cumulative GPA or have freshman criteria

  • Scholarship application submitted by March 1st

Renewal Requirements:

  • Enroll in 15 new credit hours at the Las Cruces campus each semester
  • Earn 30 new credit hours each academic year (fall/spring) at Las Cruces campus
  • 3.5 cumulative NMSU GPA

8 semester maximum or attainment of a Bachelor Degree (graduation), whichever comes first * Transfer - semester maximum includes all transfer semesters from previous institution(s)
Note: If you participate in this scholarship program you are ineligible for New Mexico residency. If you wish to establish NM residency you may not begin the application process until after having discontinued the scholarship program for one full year.

The Scholar Dollar$ scholarship application is open Apply Now!