Eligibility to Benefit
No student will be denied financial assistance on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We’re here to help you navigate the process. For a students to qualify for federal financial aid, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Be a United States citizen or an Eligible Non-Citizen.
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or pass an independently administered test (approved by the U.S. Department of Education).
- Be a degree-seeking student pursuing their first Bachelor’s degree.
- Be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Financial need must be clearly established for need-based aid.
- Be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours for undergraduate Pell Grant, 6 credits for undergraduate loans and work-study, and 5 credit hours for graduate loans and work-study.
- Students with criminal convictions may have limited eligibility.
- Complete a Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) form.
Ready to apply? Begin your 2026–2027 FAFSA to be considered for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Students who are not eligible for federal aid may still have funding options available. Explore alternative scholarship and aid opportunities here.
Private Scholarships are funded by organizations beyond NMSU. We carefully review trusted scholarship opportunities to help you find additional ways to fund your education.
