New Mexico residents can now access free college tuition after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 140, also known as the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship Act.

The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship Act will cover New Mexico public colleges and universities tuition and fees, including part-time and full-time students, according to a CNN news report. Tribal colleges and community colleges are also covered in the newly signed bill.

Lujan Grisham said in a statement said that a "fully funded Opportunity Scholarship" provides opportunities for every New Mexican to reach higher, while also strengthening the economy, families, and communities.

The New Mexico governor added that the signing of the legislation signifies that the state believes in its residents and the contributions they will make for their families and the future of the state.

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New Mexico Free College

Residents do not need to apply for the scholarship. If you are an eligible student in any New Mexico public college or university, the financial aid office at your respective higher education institution will work with you to award the scholarship.

The Opportunity Scholarship can also be used to cover up to 100 percent of tuition and required fees at any New Mexico public college or university, according to New Mexico Higher Education Department site.

New Mexico residents with a plan to enroll in at least six credit hours at a public college or university in the state toward a training certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree may qualify.

Meanwhile, students are also required to maintain a 2.5 grade-point average. The initial budget for the law is $75 million, with it covering tuition and fees for undergraduate students at two- or four-year higher education institutions.

The budget could support up to 35,000 students this fall alone and allow part-time students and adult learners to be part of the free college tuition program, as well.

Lujan Grisham said in her speech before signing the bill that "college is too damn expensive," according to an LCSUN-News report.

The New Mexico governor also touted more vocational and academic training to the workforce and economic development.

Lujan Grisham said that they need 100,000 workers right now, adding that there is "no wrong door" to any career and opportunity in the state.

She first proposed the New Mexico free tuition fee legislation in 2019, which was her first year in office.

Free College Tuition

CNN reported Republican state Sen. David Gallegos expressed doubts on the law, saying that he does not support the plan as it was not "sustainable."

In 2019, he said that he does not know where the state will take the money from. Gallegos also votes against the bill in February during the Senate vote.

California has also introduced its own version of free college tuition in the state through the California Promise program.

It covers California residents who are pursuing two-year and four-year degrees in California public schools, according to a Forbes report.

The California Promise program is for students who can prove financial need while also being able to stick with an education plan and complete 30 credit units per academic year to receive the assistance.

Oregon also offers its residents financial assistance for its residents, covering community college tuition costs. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, earn 30 credits per year or more, and enroll every semester for two years.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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