New Mexico Higher Education Department

09/07/2026

🏈 A winning start to the 2026 football season! Congratulations to The University of New Mexico - UNM and New Mexico State University on their opening-game victories.

We are proud of New Mexico’s universities and student athletes for giving it their all.

Go Lobos & Aggies! 🎉

09/07/2026

In observance of Labor Day, the New Mexico Higher Education Department will be closed on Monday, September 7.
We’ll resume regular business hours on Tuesday, September 8.

We hope you have a safe and relaxing Labor Day! 🎓✨

09/06/2026

Thank you, Native Forward Scholars Fund, for inviting us to participate in the Central New Mexico Student Success Convening this August. 🎓

Deputy Secretary Trujillo and Indian Education Director Nathana Bird participated in a panel discussion highlighting the importance of addressing students’ basic needs, expanding access to higher education, and connecting students with the resources and support they need to thrive throughout their college journey.

Financial Aid Outreach Coordinator Chandler Farnsworth also shared information about New Mexico’s tuition-free college programs and the financial aid opportunities available through the state. Providing students and families with clear information about these resources is an important part of ensuring that cost does not stand in the way of pursuing a college education.

Events like this create valuable opportunities to learn from one another, share resources and strengthen the partnerships that help New Mexico students access higher education, persist through college, and prepare for successful careers.

Learn more about New Mexico’s financial aid and tuition-free college programs, and see what you may be eligible for at ReachHigherNM.com

09/05/2026

The New Mexico Higher Education Department joined higher education leaders from across the state at the 2026 New Mexico Council of University Presidents Annual Retreat in Santa Fe. 🎓

The retreat brought together New Mexico university presidents and other leaders for important conversations about higher education in our state.

Secretary Rodriguez, Deputy Secretary Trujillo and Chief of Staff Gerald Hoehne provided an update on the agency’s priorities and ongoing efforts to strengthen higher education opportunities for New Mexicans.

Thank you for bringing our state’s higher education leaders together for continued collaboration and partnership for student success.

09/04/2026

🔥 GLOOM, MEET YOUR MATCH! 🔥

This year, the New Mexico Higher Education Department is proud to be a Flare Up Sponsor for the burning of The Official Burning of Zozobra!
Before we send our gloom up in flames, check out our latest story about the Opportunity Scholarship and how it is helping New Mexicans pursue higher education and build brighter futures.

Let’s burn up the thoughts that say “I can’t do it,” “college is too hard” or “college isn’t for me.” 🎓🔥

Catch our message from 6-7 p.m. before we burn up our gloom for another year! 📺

Because in New Mexico, we’re not just burning away the gloom — we’re lighting the way to opportunity.

See you at Zozobra! 🔥

08/31/2026

: ranks among the nation’s top 10 public universities for value! 🚀

The university landed at number five on SmartAsset’s list of the 20 best-value public colleges and universities in the nation, putting a New Mexico university among the country’s best. The results speak for themselves: New Mexico Tech graduates have median earnings of $76,489 a decade after enrolling, the highest of any school on the list.

It’s a big win for New Mexico and a great reminder that students can find a high-quality, affordable education right here in our state with the Opportunity and Lottery scholarships.

Way to go, New Mexico Tech

🔗 Read more:

America’s best-value public universities in 2026 combine low attendance costs with strong graduation rates and graduate earnings.

08/22/2026

New Mexico is investing in the health and well-being of our youngest New Mexicans. The state’s $40 million investment supports the new The University of New Mexico - UNM Hospital Children’s Psychiatric Center in Albuquerque provides 36 patient beds.

The 32K square foot facility is the only center in the state that cares for minors with serious mental and emotional needs—regardless of a family’s ability to pay—helping bring this critical resource to New Mexico families.

🔗 Read more:

The University of New Mexico Hospital has opened an expanded Children’s Psychiatric Center in Albuquerque, N.M.

08/22/2026

Catch Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez on News Radio KKOB Live this morning with Terry Travis talking about the state higher education ranking moving up! 🎓

🔗

New Mexico continues to rise in national rankings for higher education, reaching No. 18 in the nation for 2026, reflecting the state’s continued investment in tuition-free college, student success initiatives and strategic efforts to strengthen higher educ

08/21/2026

Tuition-free college in right here in New Mexico! 🎓⬇️

08/21/2026

🩺 During this past legislative session, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham championed a one-time $5 million investment to be applied directly to medical school tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting more than 400 eligible students.

This investment helps reduce financial barriers for future physicians and strengthens New Mexico’s health care workforce.

Investing in our students today means a healthier New Mexico tomorrow.

🔗 Read more:

The announcement was barely finished before the room erupted in cheers. During orientation for incoming University of New Mexico medical students, School of Medicine leaders shared news that would affect not only the students in the room, but every...