Financial Aid Concerns

Learn what to do if you have concerns about your financial aid or you owe CNM.

CNM Financial Aid is available by phone at (505) 224-3090 or by email. Please submit all documentation to financialaid@cnm.edu.

If You've Lost Your Financial Aid

If you've lost your Financial Aid, we want you to know that there are options and we can help. Below, you will find information about what next steps to take.

1. Set Up a Payment Plan

Doing this will make sure your current classes will not be dropped. Payment plans need your signature so this can only be done through your myCNM account under the Cashier tab, or in person at a Cashier's Office. 

Learn more about setting up a payment plan.

2. Learn Why Your Financial Aid was Suspended

It was likely due to one of three reasons:

  1. Your overall GPA for all the terms you attended at CNM was less than 2.0.
  2. Your average course completion rate was lower than 66.67%.
  3. You have reached the 150% maximum number of credit hours that are allowed for your current major.

Learn more about the requirements of satisfactory academic progress (SAP).

3. Submit an Appeal

If you had unusual circumstances, you can submit an appeal to keep your financial aid. If you are approved, you will have time to work on improving your situation. Follow these steps to complete the Financial Aid appeal form:

  1. Watch this presentation. Answer the questions at the end and attach them to your appeal form.
  2. Write a letter to Financial Aid stating what your degree is, what your goals are, that you understand why your aid was suspended (including a few sentences about why you received any grades of “F”, “W”, “INC”, no credit and/or audit) and what you’ll do to prevent it from happening again. 
  3. Include a copy of your CNM unofficial transcripts. You can find them in your myCNM account or by stopping at the Records office.
  4. Include any doctor’s notes or letters that speak on your behalf as evidence of difficult situations you have had to work through to go to school.
  5. Please scan our documents and email them to financialaid@cnm.edu.

It takes up to 10 business days to have it reviewed by your Financial Aid advisor and the committee. The decision will be posted on your myCNM account on the Financial Aid tab.

Learn more about the appeal process.

4. Earn Your Aid Back

If you choose not to appeal, or your appeal is denied, you can still attend. In fact, students who lose their Financial Aid due to GPA or completion rate alone (or in combination) can earn their aid back by taking courses on their own and completing them until their cumulative GPAs are brought up.

If You're Worried About Aid or Paying for College

CNM knows that you have many responsibilities and financial concerns facing you right now. We’re here to help. There are many different opportunities for financial help from CNM.

Funding for Emergencies or Unexpected Issues

Rust Opportunity Scholarship

Rust Opportunity Assistance Scholarship is for current students who are facing unexpected financial issues. Please contact an advisor to start and submit your application. You can get a letter of recommendation for this scholarship from Eric-Christopher Garcia or Sharon Gurule.

  • Applications reviewed daily
  • Awards made within 5-7 business days
  • Not related to grades or need
Students Experiencing Job Loss or Reduced Hours

Declaring a Change in Income or “FAFSA Income Adjustment”

If you or your family member lost your job or your hours were cut due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for different Federal Student funding (FAFSA).

You’ll need to complete an income adjustment with the Financial Aid office. Reach out to financialaid@cnm.edu to see if you qualify and to get the process started.

Scholarships Only Available to CNM Students

CNM Foundation Scholarships

CNM offers many scholarships by CNM and the CNM Foundation. We have one online application to apply for over 50 scholarships. Fill out the online form today to see all the scholarships available to you.

  • Scholarships can range from $400 to $2,500.
  • You can qualify by your program, GPA, financial need and other factors
  • If you need a letter of recommendation, we can help you! Contact an advisor for a letter.
Students Who Don't Qualify for Financial Aid or Other Funding

CNM Connect Advantage Tuition Scholarship and Book Scholarship

Students who do not qualify for Financial Aid or other types of funding might also apply for the Connect Advantage and Book Scholarship.

The Connect Advantage Scholarship covers a portion of tuition and registration fees and can be renewed every semester.

  • Must be a current student
  • Talk to an advisor before September 4 to apply

The Book Scholarship covers a portion of book costs

  • Must be a current student
  • Talk to an advisor before August 21 to apply

You’ll get an email with the result of your scholarship application. Schedule your appointment with an advisor online today to apply!

If You Owe CNM

If you are currently receiving financial aid at Central New Mexico Community College and owe CNM a prior balance, you may be eligible to use your financial aid to pay all, or a portion, of that balance. You may authorize CNM to pay up to $200 on a prior year balance if you have enough financial aid to cover the current year's charges and the balance owed.

Contact us for more information and to see how we can help.