Skip to content

Home
Departments & Agencies
Higher Education Department

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

State expands food security support for college students statewide

Sep 11, 2026

Twenty-eight public and tribal colleges and universities across New Mexico are expanding food pantries, emergency meals and other basic needs support for students, backed by $586,000 in new funding from the New Mexico Higher Education Department.

New Mexico launches Workforce Pell application for colleges

Sep 2, 2026

New Mexico has launched its application process for colleges and universities to register short-term workforce programs for Workforce Pell funding, giving students pursuing short-term career training a new financial aid option.

New Mexico ranks No. 18 nationally for higher education

Aug 17, 2026

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

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!

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

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!

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.

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.

Leadership: Stephanie Rodriguez

Stephanie Rodriguez is the Secretary for the New Mexico Higher Education Department. She previously served as Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Lujan Grisham, focused on policies and issues surrounding education, military affairs, and the national laboratories. Prior to joining state government, Rodriguez worked for then-Representative Lujan Grisham in the United States Congress, where she reviewed the impacts of federal policies on New Mexico communities and spearheaded local and statewide outreach efforts. She also previously served as the liaison for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus on state initiatives surrounding equity and inclusion.

As the first college graduate of her siblings, Rodriguez understands the importance of supporting student success and expanding access to education for all New Mexicans. She is committed to ensuring that students are empowered to pursue education and career opportunities right here at home. Rodriguez earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of New Mexico’s School of Architecture and Planning, where she is a former provost fellow and guest lecturer.

Contact Information

Physical Address
2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4
Santa Fe, NM 87505-2100

Phone
505-476-8400

Most Popular Pages