New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship

The New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship covers a portion of tuition for high school graduates and equivalency.

The New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship encourages New Mexico high school graduates and New Mexico high school equivalency credential recipients to enroll full time and complete a two-year degree within four terms or a four year degree within eight terms. The Lottery covers a portion of tuition up to the maximum award which is determined by the New Mexico State Legislature. Lottery is awarded in Fall and Spring terms only.

The Legislative Lottery Scholarship will be awarded starting in the second term of attendance to students who have met all Eligibility and Qualifying Term requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

New Mexico residents who have established residency and attended a New Mexico secondary educational institution for at least one year, regardless of immigration status, and meet all below listed criteria are eligible.

  • Receive a diploma from a New Mexico public or accredited private high school, completed requirements as a home-schooled student registered with the New Mexico Public Education Department, or received a high school equivalency credential recognized by the state of New Mexico while maintaining residency in New Mexico.
  • Be admitted to CNM as a New Mexico Resident with an accurate graduation date recorded.
  • Declare a financial aid eligible major.
  • Have not earned an associate’s degree or have another scholarship that pays 100% of tuition.

Qualifying Term

The first regular term of attendance following high school graduation or receipt of a high school equivalency credential requirements is the Qualifying Term. Graduates or high school equivalency recipients will have up to sixteen months from the date they receive their high school credential to begin their post-secondary education and complete their Qualifying Term. 

  • Complete at least twelve credit hours in the Qualifying Term at CNM. Total credits completed include college level courses of 1000 or higher, and developmental classes of 0970 or higher.
  • Earn a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5 in the Qualifying Term. Students must complete at least one traditional letter grade class to establish their GPA in the Qualifying Term. GPA is calculated on grades earned in all classes 1000 or higher with traditional letter grades. Credits completed with a grade of CR will be counted only in the total number of credit hours earned and will not establish or affect GPA.

Continuing Eligibility

Eligibility can be maintained for up to three terms at CNM by completing at least twelve credit hours each term while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. Cumulative GPA is the average of all traditional letter grades, A, B, C, D, and F. Credits completed with a grade of CR will be counted only in the total number of credit hours earned and will not establish or affect GPA. Grades of F, NC, I, W, and AU do not count towards total credit hours completed.

Duration of Eligibility

At CNM, a recipient may be awarded Lottery until they receive three terms or an associate’s degree whichever comes first. Students who maintain eligibility can transfer the Lottery to a four year institution and may be eligible for a total of up to seven terms.

Students with Disabilities

Students with a qualified disability who are registered with Accessibility Services may be approved to attend and complete a reduced number of credits (6-11 credits) for up to seven terms at CNM, one additional term for each term that a Full Time Waiver is used. If a reduced number of credits is determined appropriate, a new waiver is required each term and must be on file prior to the start of classes. All other Lottery requirements remain the same.

Probationary Status

You can apply for probationary status if you can’t meet Lottery requirements because of an exceptional mitigating circumstance beyond your control or have been on Active Military Duty. Fill out the Request for Probationary Status form, attach the required documentation, then submit to Scholarship Services for review. Please contact Scholarship Services for more information.

Financial need is not a consideration for the Lottery. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required but is recommended by CNM.

Transferring the Lottery Scholarship

The Legislative Lottery Scholarship can be transferred to other New Mexico state institutions. To transfer your scholarship you will need to follow the steps below and complete a New Mexico Scholarship Transfer Transcript request and submit it to CNM Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.

Steps to submit a New Mexico Scholarship Transfer Transcript

  1. Login to your myCNM.
  2. Click 'Financial Aid' on navigation bar on the left side of the page.
  3. Under 'Financial Aid Resources' to your right, click on 'NM Scholarship Transfer Transcript - Lottery.'
  4. Complete NM Scholarship Transfer Transcript and click 'Submit.'
  5. Please allow 24-48 hours to complete after grades for current semester post.

Please click on Lottery Questions and Answers (Q&A) for additional information regarding the New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship. 

Calculate Your Qualifying Term

New Mexico high school graduates or New Mexico high school equivalency recipients will have up to sixteen months from the date you receive your high school credential to begin your post-secondary education and complete your Qualifying Term.

Calculate your qualifying term

Note:  Qualifying term can be completed in Fall or Spring only.