Scholarships

A college education is a big investment. Scholarships are an excellent way to make your college experience more affordable. And unlike other forms of financial aid, they are gift money that never needs to be paid back.

Undergraduate

Learn about the steps you need to take to be automatically considered for undergraduate scholarships at NMSU and how you can apply for additional scholarship opportunities based on special criteria.

*GPAs will not be rounded up but acknowledged as the exact number documented in academic records.

Graduate

The main sources of graduate student scholarships are through your NMSU school, college, or department and the Graduate School. There are several scholarships for graduate students administered by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship Services that you can also explore.

NMSU Global Students 

For students who are New Mexico residents and attending NMSU Global, you may review scholarship renewal requirements and eligibility on the NMSU Global Scholarships page.

Education Abroad

There are many scholarship opportunities for students studying abroad who need additional financial assistance. We have compiled a list of useful resources to get you started.

Scholarship Resources

If you’re ready for the next step, then begin applying for additional scholarships using NMSU’s Scholar Dollars application. Students can also review and apply for outside-NMSU scholarships via our Private Scholarship page. 

Academic Index

Your Academic Index Score is calculated using your weighted High School GPA and ACT Score and is used to determine your eligibility for some scholarships below. Please keep in mind that we do not round up the GPA. 

ACT scores will range from 0-36.

Grade Point Averages will be from 0-4.0 scale. 

(ACT x 2.778) + (GPA x 25) = Academic Index Score

Academic Index Calculator 

(ACT x 2.778) + (GPA x 25) = Academic Index Score

ACT Score

High School GPA


Academic Index Score =

Scholarships for 2025-2026

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NM Freshman Scholarships

These scholarships are effective for new students entering in the fall and pursuing their first Bachelor’s degree. They are applicable to fall and spring semesters only and are renewable for three consecutive years, after the initial award year, unless otherwise stated. Students must be admitted and enrolled in 15 credit hours at NMSU’s Las Cruces campus to receive these scholarships. Scholarships have limited availability and are only awarded in the fall.

Top Scholarships 
  Eligibility Requirements Annual Award Renewal Requirements Application

President's Associates Excellence Scholarship

(Leader Scholar Program)

3.9 GPA or Academic Index of 159 and above.

New Mexico resident.

High school diploma from a NM accredited school, a NM GED, or a NM-HiSET. Students must begin attending their first regular college semester the fall immediately after graduating from high school.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

$6,000 annual stipend for up to 4 years.

$4,000 NMSU Housing Award for students who live on campus their first year.		 Complete the first semester of college with a 3.25 GPA and pass 15 new-main campus credit hours. Thereafter, maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA, pass 15 new Las Cruces campus credits every semester, and complete Leader Scholar Program requirements. Must submit a Scholar Dollar$ application and have all the required credentials on file by December 1.

Conroy Honors Scholars

 

3.9 GPA or Academic Index of 159 and above.

For high school graduates, including students that are simultaneously completing an early college degree.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

$6,000 annual stipend for up to 4 years.

Eligible to receive a $2,500 Global Citizen Award to help fund a study abroad experience with guidance from the Honors College.		 Complete the first semester of college with a 3.25 GPA and pass 15 new-main campus credit hours. Thereafter, maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA and pass 15 new Las Cruces campus credits every semester, for four years, and complete Honors College program requirements. Please review the Honors College Eligibility and Application Announcement for guidance. December 1 priority deadline!

State-funded Scholarships 

Students must be first-time enrolled degree-seeking students for the Legislative Lottery Scholarship during their first semester at NMSU. Qualifying students will begin receiving it during their second semester. The Legislative Lottery Scholarship amount is subject to change by the New Mexico Higher Education Department or the New Mexico Legislature.

The Teacher Affordability Scholarship supports students enrolled in an eligible teacher preparation program leading to licensure by the New Mexico Public Education Department. Scholarships have limited availability and are only awarded in the fall.
  Eligibility Requirements Annual Award Renewal Requirements Application
NM Lottery Scholarship

New Mexico resident. High school diploma from a NM accredited school, a NM GED, NM-HiSET or Confirmation of Registration with PED. Must enroll in college within 16 months after high school graduation or receipt of GED/HiSET. First semester college GPA of 2.5 and pass 12 credits. 

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 Percentage of tuition. 2.5 cumulative GPA,
Enroll in, &  pass 12-18 credit hours per semester,
Enroll in & pass 30 credit hours per academic year,
For a maximum of seven semesters total.		 No application is required. 
NM Opportunity Scholarship

New Mexico resident. High school diploma from a NM accredited school, a NM GED, NM-HiSET, or Confirmation of Registration with PED. Must enroll in college within 16 months after high school graduation or receipt of GED/HiSET. Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and enroll in 12 credit hours. 

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Tuition and required fees. If the student qualifies for another tuition-based award or has received other state aid, the Opportunity Scholarship will cover the remaining amount. Tuition-based awards and state aid include, but are not limited to, the NM Lottery Scholarship, Teacher Preparation Affordability grant, the New Mexico Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Grant (LEAP) grant, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Lottery Track:

2.5 cumulative GPA,
Enroll in, &  pass 12-18 credit hours per semester,
Enroll in & pass 30 credit hours per academic year,
For up to a maximum of 160 credit hours total.

Returning Learner:

2.5 cumulative GPA,
Enroll in, &  pass 6-18 credit hours per semester,
For up to a maximum of 160 credit hours total.		 No application is required.

Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship Program

New Mexico resident or eligible for the nondiscrimination waiver. May enroll less than half-time. Must be enrolled in a teacher preparation program at an eligible institution within 120 days of high school graduation or receipt of a state-recognized high school equivalency credential. Program must lead to licensure by the New Mexico Public Education Department. Must not have earned teacher licensure credentials. Must demonstrate financial need as determined by the institution.

Annual Award of up to $6,000, determined by financial need.

Must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress,
Continued enrollment in an eligible teacher preparation program,
For a maximum of 10 semesters total.

Student must complete FAFSA Application each aid year.

Institutional Scholarships

The following scholarships will be awarded in addition to the Legislative Lottery Scholarship. A student may qualify for only one Institutional Scholarship. These scholarships are test-optional and allow students to submit test scores to see if they qualify for a higher scholarship. Please be advised, students may have to submit criteria by a specific deadline. Scholarships have limited availability and are only awarded in the fall.
  Eligibility Requirements Annual Award Renewal Requirements Application

Hadley Honors Scholarship

 

3.9 GPA or Academic Index of 159 and above. New Mexico resident. High school diploma from a NM accredited school, a NM GED, or a NM-HiSET.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 $4,000 per academic year. 3.3 cumulative GPA and pass 30 new credits per academic year. Must enroll in, and attempt, 15 new Las Cruces campus credits per semester. Must be admitted with ACT/SAT scores on file (if applicable) by December 1st.

Crimson Success Scholarship

 

3.7-3.89 GPA or Academic Index of 145-158.99. New Mexico resident. High school diploma from a NM accredited school, a NM GED, or a NM-HiSET.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 $3,000 per academic year.  3.0 cumulative GPA and pass 30 new credits per academic year. Must enroll in, and attempt, 15 new Las Cruces campus credits per semester. Must be admitted with ACT/SAT scores on file (if applicable) by December 1st.

1888 Leadership Scholarship

 

3.5-3.69 GPA or Academic Index of 133 – 144.99. New Mexico resident. High school diploma from a NM accredited school, a NM GED, or a NM-HiSET. 

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 $2,000 per academic year.  2.7 cumulative GPA and pass 30 new credits per academic year. Must enroll in, and attempt, 15 new Las Cruces campus credits per semester No application is required. 

 It is understood that any item on this page is subject to modification at any time by proper administrative procedure.

Freshman Out-of-State

These scholarships are effective for new students entering in the fall and pursuing their first Bachelor’s degree. They are applicable to fall and spring semesters only. Students must be admitted to the NMSU Las Cruces campus to receive these scholarships. 

Out-of-State Scholarships

The following Out-of-State Scholarships may be awarded in addition to an Out-of-State Tuition Discount listed below. Out-of-State Scholarships are renewable for three consecutive years, after the initial award year, unless otherwise stated. Students must be admitted and enrolled in 15 credit hours at NMSU’s Main campus. Scholarships have limited availability and are only awarded in the fall. These scholarships are test-optional and allow students to submit test scores to see if they qualify for a higher scholarship. Please be advised, students may have to submit criteria by a specific deadline. Scholarships have limited availability and are only awarded in the fall.
  Eligibility Requirements Annual Award Renewal Requirements Application

Conroy Honors Scholars

3.9 GPA or Academic Index of 159 and above.

For high school graduates, including students that are simultaneously completing an early college degree. 

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

$6,000 annual stipend for up to 4 years

Eligible to receive a $2,500 Global Citizen Award to help fund a study abroad experience with guidance from the Honors College.		 Complete the first semester of college with a 3.25 GPA and pass 15 new-main campus credit hours. Thereafter, maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA and pass 15 new Las Cruces campus credits every semester, for four years, and complete Honors College program requirements. Please review the Honors College Eligibility and Application Announcement for guidance. December 1 priority deadline!

Hadley Honors Out-of-State Scholarship

 

3.9 GPA or Academic Index of 159 and above.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 $4,000 per academic year. 3.3 cumulative GPA and pass 30 new credit hours per academic year. Must enroll in, and attempt, 15 new Las Cruces campus credits per semester. Must be admitted with ACT/SAT scores on file (if applicable) by December 1st.

Crimson Success Out-of-State Scholarship

 

3.7 – 3.89 GPA or Academic Index of 145-158.99.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident. 

 $3,000 per academic year.  3.0 cumulative GPA and pass 30 new credit hours per academic year. Must enroll in, and attempt, 15 new Las Cruces campus credits per semester. Must be admitted with ACT/SAT scores on file (if applicable) by December 1st.

1888 Leadership Out-of-State Scholarship

 

3.5-3.69 GPA or Academic Index of 133 – 144.99.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident. 

 $2,000 per academic year.  2.7 cumulative GPA and pass 30 new credit hours per academic year. Must enroll in, and attempt, 15 new Las Cruces campus credits per semester.  No application is required. 

 It is understood that any item on this page is subject to modification at any time by the proper administrative procedures.

Out-of-State Tuition Discounts

The following Out-of-State Tuition Discounts may be awarded in addition to an Out-of-State Scholarship listed above.
  Eligibility Requirements Annual Discount Renewal Requirements Application

Out-of-State Competitive Tuition Discount

 

3.5 GPA and 23 ACT or 3.0 GPA and 26 ACT or 3.5 cumulative college GPA.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident

 Up to $18,326 per academic year toward reducing non-resident tuition. Limited number available.  3.5 cumulative GPA and pass 30 new credits per academic year. Must enroll in, and attempt, 15 new Las Cruces campus credits per semester. No application is required.
Colorado / Arizona Out-of-State Tuition Discount

Colorado and Arizona residents.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 Up to $18,326 per academic year toward reducing non-resident tuition (assumes enrollment of 15 credit hours at NMSU Las Cruces campus). Should enroll in 15 Las Cruces campus credits per semester. No application is required.
135 Mile Out-of-State Tuition Discount

Texas resident, within 135 miles of the NMSU Las Cruces campus. 

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 Up to $17,653 per academic year toward reducing non-resident tuition (assumes enrollment of 15 credit hours at NMSU Las Cruces campus). Should enroll in 15 Las Cruces campus credits per semester. No application is required.
Descubre Out-of-State Tuition Discount Mexican citizenship. Up to $14,962 per academic year toward reducing non-resident tuition (assumes enrollment of 15 credit hours at NMSU Las Cruces campus). Should enroll in 15 Las Cruces campus credits per semester. No application is required.
Western Regional Undergraduate Out-of-State Tuition Discount

Residents from participating states (AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, ND, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY, Guam and the US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 Up to $14,962 per academic year toward reducing non-resident tuition (assumes enrollment of 15 credit hours at NMSU Las Cruces campus). Should enroll in 15 Las Cruces campus credits per semester. No application required.
New Mexico Tribal Member Out-of-State Tuition Discount

Tribal-enrolled members of the 24 American Indian Nations, Pueblos or Tribes, located wholly or partially in NM who are out-of-state residents. 

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 Up to $18,326 per academic year toward reducing non-resident tuition. Should enroll in 15 credits per semester. For more information, contact the American Indian Programs at 575-646-4207 or visit aip.nmsu.edu.

 It is understood that any item on this page is subject to modification at any time by the proper administrative procedures. 

Transfer Students

These scholarships are effective for new students entering in the Fall and pursuing their first Bachelor’s degree. Transfer Scholarships are renewable for one consecutive year, after the initial award year, unless otherwise stated. They are applicable to fall and spring semesters only. Students must be admitted and enrolled in 15 credit hours at NMSU’s Main campus to receive these scholarships. Scholarships have limited availability and are only awarded in the fall.
  Eligibility Requirements Annual Award Renewal Requirements Application

Hadley Honors Transfer Scholarship

 

Cumulative transfer GPA 3.75 – 4.0 with a maximum of 90 transferable credit hours, including any in-progress credit hours.

NM Resident, U.S. Citizen, or Permanent Resident. 

 $3,000 per academic year 3.5 cumulative GPA and pass 30 new credit hours per academic year. Must enroll in, and attempt, 15 new Las Cruces campus credits per semester. No application is required.

1888 Leadership Transfer Scholarship

 

Cumulative transfer GPA 3.5 – 3.74 with a maximum of 90 transferable credit hours, including any in-progress credit hours.

NM Resident, U.S. Citizen, or Permanent Resident. 

 $2,500 per academic year.  3.25 cumulative GPA and pass 30 new credit hours per academic year. Must enroll in, and attempt, 15 new Las Cruces campus credits per semester. No application is required.

‘A’ Mountain Merit Transfer Scholarship

Cumulative transfer GPA 3.25 – 3.49 with a maximum of 90 transferable credit hours, including any in-progress credit hours.

NM Resident, U.S. Citizen, or Permanent Resident. 

 $2,000 per academic year.  3.0 cumulative GPA and pass 30 new credit hours per academic year. Must enroll in, and attempt, 15 new Las Cruces campus credits per semester. No application is required.

Pete’s Opportunity Transfer Scholarship

Cumulative transfer GPA 3.0 – 3.24 with a maximum of 90 transferable credit hours, including any in-progress credit hours.

NM Resident, U.S. Citizen, or Permanent Resident. 

 $1,500 per academic year 2.75 cumulative GPA and pass 30 new credit hours per academic year. Must enroll in, and attempt, 15 new Las Cruces campus credits per semester. No application is required.
Phi Theta Kappa

Must be a certified member of PTK with a 3.5 cumulative college GPA.

NM Resident, U.S. Citizen, or Permanent Resident. 

 $500 per academic year.  3.0 cumulative GPA and pass 30 new credit hours per academic year. Must enroll in, and attempt, 15 new Las Cruces campus credits per semester. No application is required.

State-funded Scholarships 

New Mexico resident transfer students can continue to receive their Legislative Lottery Scholarship award for the remaining semesters as indicated by previous institutions, if eligible. The Legislative Lottery Scholarship amount is subject to change by the New Mexico Higher Education Department or the New Mexico Legislature. Scholarships have limited availability and are only awarded in the fall.
  Eligibility Requirements Annual Award Renewal Requirements Application
NM Lottery Scholarship

Must request Legislative Lottery Scholarship Transfer Transcript from a previous institution. 

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 Percentage of tuition.  2.5 cumulative GPA,
Enroll in, &  pass 12-18 credit hours per semester,
Enroll in & pass 30 credit hours per academic year,
For a maximum of seven semesters total.		 No application is required.
NM Opportunity Scholarship

Must request Legislative Lottery Scholarship Transfer Transcript from a previous institution.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 Tuition and required fees. If the student already qualifies for a tuition-based award, for example, the NM Lottery Scholarship, the Opportunity Scholarship covers the remaining amount after those awards disburse.

Lottery Track:

2.5 cumulative GPA,
Enroll in, &  pass 12-18 credit hours per semester,
Enroll in & pass 30 credit hours per academic year,
For up to a maximum of 160 credit hours total.

Returning Learner:

2.5 cumulative GPA,
Enroll in, &  pass 6-18 credit hours per semester,
For up to a maximum of 160 credit hours total.		 No application is required.
Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship Program

 New Mexico resident or eligible for the nondiscrimination waiver. May enroll less than half-time. Must be enrolled in a teacher preparation program at an eligible institution within 120 days of high school graduation or receipt of a state-recognized high school equivalency credential. Program must lead to licensure by the New Mexico Public Education Department. Must not have earned teacher licensure credentials. Must demonstrate financial need as determined by the institution.

 Annual Award of up to $6,000, determined by financial need.

Must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress,
Continued enrollment in an eligible teacher preparation program,
For a maximum of 10 semesters total.

 Student must complete FAFSA Application each aid year.

Transfer Tuition Discounts

The following Transfer Tuition Discounts may be awarded in addition to a Transfer Scholarship listed above (a student can qualify for only one scholarship and one tuition discount).
  Eligibility Requirements Annual Discount Renewal Requirements Application

Out-of-State Competitive Tuition Discount

 

3.5 cumulative college GPA with a maximum of 90 transferable credit hours, including any in-progress credit hours.

U.S. Citizen, or Permanent Resident. 

 Up to $18,326  per academic year toward reducing non-resident tuition. Limited number available.  3.5 cumulative GPA and pass 30 new credits per academic year. Must enroll in, and attempt, 15 new Las Cruces campus credits per semester.  No application is required.

Colorado / Arizona Out-of-State Tuition Discount 

Colorado and Arizona residents.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 Up to $18,326 per academic year toward reducing non-resident tuition (assumes enrollment of 15 credit hours at NMSU Las Cruces campus).  Should enroll in 15 Las Cruces campus credits per semester.  No application is required.
135 Mile Out-of-State Tuition Discount

Texas resident, within 135 miles of the NMSU Las Cruces campus.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident. 

 Up to $17,653 per academic year toward reducing non-resident tuition (assumes enrollment of 15 credit hours at NMSU Las Cruces campus).  Should enroll in 15 Las Cruces campus credits per semester.  No application is required.
Descubre Out-of-State Tuition Discount Mexican citizenship.  Up to $14,962 per academic year toward reducing non-resident tuition (assumes enrollment of 15 credit hours at NMSU Las Cruces campus). Should enroll in 15 Las Cruces campus credits per semester. No application is required.
Western Regional Undergraduate Out-of-State Tuition Discount 

Residents from participating states (AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, ND, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY, Guam and the US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 Up to $14,962 per academic year toward reducing non-resident tuition (assumes enrollment of 15 credit hours at NMSU Las Cruces campus).  Should enroll in 15 Las Cruces campus credits per semester. No application is required.

 It is understood that any item on this page is subject to modification at any time by the proper administrative procedures. 

Graduate Out-of-State

Graduate Tuition Discounts
  Eligibility Requirements Annual Discount Renewal Requirements Application
Colorado / Arizona Out-of-State Tuition Discount 

Colorado and Arizona residents. US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Must be admitted to the NMSU Las Cruces campus. 

 Comparable to In-State tuition.

No application is required.
Western Regional Graduate Tuition Discount

Residents from participating states (AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, ND, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY, Guam and the US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).

US Citizen or Permanent Resident.

 Comparable to In-State tuition. Maintain a 3.0 semester GPA and pass 5 or more credit hours per semester. Renewable for a maximum of 6 semesters. 

No application is required.
135 Mile Out-of-State Tuition Discount

Texas resident, within 135 miles of the NMSU Las Cruces campus.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident. 

 Comparable to 110% of In-state tuition.

No application is required.
Descubre Out-of-State Tuition Discount Mexican citizenship. Comparable to 150% of In-state tuition.

No application is required.