About The New Mexico Opportunity(nm) Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students without the need for a separate application. Here are the details and guidelines for this scholarship:
Scholarship Coverage:
- - The Opportunity Scholarship covers up to 100% of tuition and required fees.
- - It also provides up to $50 per credit hour for course-specific fees.
No Separate Application Required:
- - There is no need for a separate application for the Opportunity Scholarship.
- - If you meet the eligibility criteria outlined below, the scholarship team will work with you to award the scholarship.
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| Nm Opportunities Scholarship |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- - Be a resident of New Mexico.
- - Be a first-time degree-seeking student, meaning you must not hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree.
- - While not required, completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is encouraged.
- - Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Credit Hour Limits:
- - The scholarship covers up to 90 attempted credit hours for an associate's degree and 160 attempted credit hours for a bachelor’s degree.
- - Non-credit programs are not eligible for this scholarship.
For Recent High School Graduates:
- - You must be a full-time student during the fall and spring semesters, typically 15 credit hours at the main campus or 12 credit hours at a branch campus.
- - Graduation from a public or accredited private New Mexico high school, or receiving a high school equivalency credential while maintaining residency in New Mexico, is required.
- - During the 16 months after high school graduation, you can attend a public post-secondary educational institution or tribal college less than full-time, as long as you maintain a 2.5 GPA.
- - Once you enroll and attend full-time during this 16-month period, you must meet initial semester eligibility requirements.
For Returning College Learners:
- - Enrollment in at least 6 credit hours but not more than 18 credit hours in the fall or spring semester is required.
- - You must be 18 years of age or older and not classified as a recent graduate learner.
- - Possession of a high school diploma or high school equivalency credential is necessary.
- - Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale at an eligible institution.
Summer Aid
- Summer aid may be available for qualified students who enroll in no less than three credit hours but not more than nine credit hours in the summer semester. However, funding is limited, and there is no guarantee of summer scholarship aid.
Renewal
- - Renewal of the Opportunity Scholarship is determined on a semester basis.
- - To be eligible for renewal, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and meet consecutive enrollment requirements.
- - For recent high school graduates, you must complete 15 credit hours at the main campus (or 12 credit hours at a community college) while not exceeding 18 credit hours in the fall or spring semester.
- - Returning students must enroll and complete at least 6 credit hours but not more than 18 credit hours in the fall or spring semester.
- - You should not exceed the allowable credit hour limit of 90 for an associate's degree or 160 for a bachelor's degree.
Appeal Process
- - If you don't meet the renewal requirements due to exceptional mitigating circumstances, you have the right to appeal.
- - If your appeal is approved, you will be put on probation for the following semester, during which you must meet renewal criteria to reinstate Opportunity aid.
- - If your appeal is denied, you will lose eligibility for the scholarship.
- - Reinstatement of the scholarship may be possible after a specific period, depending on your situation.
To submit an appeal, complete the Financial Aid Appeal Form and provide a typed document explaining the circumstances and supporting documentation. Follow all instructions on the form for correct submission.
For more information and to access the Financial Aid Appeal Form, please refer to the official website of the scholarship program