Governor signs bill expanding tuition-free college

Higher education will soon be tuition free for more New Mexicans.

The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship Act, signed into law by Gov. Michele Lujan Grisham on Friday, is described as “the most wide-reaching tuition-free scholarship program in the United States,” according to a news release from the governor’s staff.

“New Mexico has been a national leader in providing free college to its residents,” Lujan Grisham said.  “A fully funded Opportunity Scholarship opens the door for every New Mexican to reach higher, strengthening our economy, our families and our communities.”

“Signing this legislation sends a clear message to New Mexicans that we believe in them and the contributions they will make for their families and the future of our great state.”

Eastern New Mexico University Chancellor Patrice Caldwell described the act as “transformative for higher education. It’s wonderful,” she said.

“It’s an opportunity for returning adults, part-time and full-time students and recent high school graduates,” Caldwell said. “It covers full tuition and fees and that’s a big commitment.”

But State Sen. Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, warned caution should be exercised.

“Must be careful with this,” Ingle said. “When we start programs like this it’s easy for universities to continue to raise tuition.”

Opponents of the act have raised the prospect of unintended consequences, including public colleges raising their tuition with the understanding that the state will cover the cost for students.

Legislative analysts estimate the program might cost taxpayers about $115 million a year when fully ramped up.

Lujan Grisham said her administration will be “tough” on any institution that attempts to game the system.

Ingle also said it’s important to remember oil and gas revenues the state relies on heavily will be depleted as the nation turns to fuel alternatives.

According to the news release from the governor’s staff the program is the only state-funded scholarship program in the nation to include both recent high school graduates and returning adult learners.  The program also accommodates part-time students, allows career training certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and summer courses.

Recent high school graduates are already covered under New Mexico’s long-standing lottery scholarship.

Opportunity Scholarships cover full tuition and fees at New Mexico public colleges and universities.

Stacking of other funding such as Pell Grants, local scholarships and private scholarships is allowed to cover books, materials, housing, food, transportation, child care and other college costs.

$75 million will be going into the Opportunity Scholarship program which could support an estimated 35,000 students this fall, about half of all undergraduate students in New Mexico according to the governor’s staff.

More information is available at the website http://www.freecollegenm.org

The Albuquerque Journal contributed to this report.