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Higher Education Department

About the Department

If you are looking to explore educational opportunities beyond high school, find money for school, prepare for college and careers, attain a High School Equivalency Credential, or build your literacy skills, the New Mexico Higher Education Department is here to help. The New Mexico Higher Education Department oversees the state's public colleges, universities and special schools, funds adult education and literacy programs statewide, and administers scholarships and financial aid programs.

Latest News

HED opens application for higher education capital funding
Jul 13, 2026
The New Mexico Higher Education Department is now accepting applications for the Higher Education Major Projects Fund, which supports capital improvements at New Mexico’s public colleges and universities.
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PRESS RELEASE: Campus child care centers awarded $10 million for upgrades
Jun 18, 2026
N.M. Higher Education Department grants support universal child care
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PRESS RELEASE: Applications for Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program now open
Jun 11, 2026
SANTA FE – New Mexico veterinarians who commit to serving rural, frontier and tribal communities can now apply for up to $80,000 in student loan repayment assistance through the state's Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program.
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Most Popular Services

Scholarships & Financial Aid Programs
Education • Higher Education Department
With the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship, and more than 25 scholarships, grants, and college financial aid programs available, there are options for every New Mexican to pursue higher education without having to worry about the cost of tuition and fees. Explore below to learn more!
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Find a College or University
Education • Higher Education Department
Find information on: - NM College Guide -- All Public & Tribal Schools (flipbook) - NM Four-Year Public Colleges and Universities - NM Two-Year Public Community Colleges - NM Tribal Schools and Universities - NM Special Schools - Map of Public New Mexico Colleges & Universities - NM Private Colleges
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Adult Education and Literacy Programs
Education • Higher Education Department
The Adult Education Division at the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) exists to support adults to strengthen their core academic skills and meet their personal, educational, and career goals. We offer adults a range of opportunities, and all of them are free!
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GEAR UP College Readiness Program
Education • Higher Education Department
Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) New Mexico is a seven-year initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
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Closed School Transcript Requests
Education • Higher Education Department
The Private Post-Secondary Schools Division at the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) maintains custodianship of transcripts from certain closed private post-secondary institutions who have operated a physical site in New Mexico.
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