Financial Aid and Scholarships

UNM-Valencia makes available a variety of Federal, State and Institutional financial aid to students in need of assistance in meeting the costs of their college education. Applications and information regarding grants, loans, college work-study programs, and scholarships are accessible through the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Aid Deadlines and Resources

Students seeking Federal and/or State financial assistance should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application by the priority deadline date for fall attendance. Students must reapply for assistance prior to each academic year on October 1st. Students are required to complete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov. (Students not eligible to complete a FAFSA may submit a State Aid Application.  For assistance contact the Financial Aid Office at 505.925.8590.

Federal Pell Grant

This is a federal grant designed to provide financial assistance to those who demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. The amount is determined on the basis of the student’s family’s financial resources.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). This program is for those students who demonstrate exceptional financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must meet the priority deadline date, which is the first Friday in January, to be considered for a SEOG. A SEOG does not have to be repaid.

New Mexico Supplemental Student Incentive Grant (NMSSIG). The NMSSIG is awarded from state funds for those students with exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA. In addition to financial need, the student must be a New Mexico resident, enrolled as a halftime student, and meet the priority deadline date. A NMSSIG does not have to be repaid.

New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship. The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship provides tuition and fee assistance for students enrolled in credit-bearing certificate or associate degree programs in a public institution of higher education or Tribal College in New Mexico. Students must be New Mexico residents enrolled in at least 6 credit hours and maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Bridge to Success Scholarship. The Bridge to Success Scholarship is offered to first-time Freshman their first semester while in the process of qualifying for the Legislative Lottery Scholarship.

New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship. Students must have graduated from a public or accredited private New Mexico 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. Student must be a New Mexico resident. Further information on the New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship can be found at www.hed.state.nm.us.

William D. Ford Direct Loan Program

The William D. Ford Direct loan program is funded and serviced through the US Department of Education, allowing students to borrow money to assist in meeting their educational costs. Both need based and non-need based loan monies are available. Students must attend at least halftime (six credit hours) to be eligible. See the Financial Aid Office for information on interest rates and repayment.

College Student Work-Study

The college work-study program is both a state and federally-funded program designed to provide income and work experience to those students who wish to work part-time and who are deemed eligible. Jobs on campus range from the very general to those requiring highly technical skills. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered.

Scholarships

UNM-Valencia offers scholarships to students based on academic achievement and/or financial need. Student are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)/State Aid Application to qualify for need based scholarships.  Awards are made on both an academic year basis and a semester basis. Students who are enrolled full-time, three-quarter-time, or halftime are eligible for these scholarships. Specialty scholarships may be awarded if funding is available.

The Valencia Campus Scholarship Committee determines scholarship deadlines. The Financial Aid Office has information concerning UNM-Valencia scholarships and applications. To apply visit: https://unmvalencia.awardspring.com

Satisfactory Academic Progress Guidelines

Students receiving financial aid from Federal, State or Institutional resources must be making satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in order to continue to receive aid. Academic progress is measured by three components: 1) completion of a degree within the maximum time frame, 2) 2.0 cumulative grade point average, and 3) earning credit for 67 percent of courses attempted.

Veterans
Educational programs at UNM Valencia have been approved for persons eligible for VA benefits. Further information concerning the GI Bill® Educational Training and Veterans Affairs may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://benefits.va.gov/gibill. Applications for the various VA programs can be obtained from the VA School Certifying Official. If a veteran has any doubt of his or her eligibility for any of the programs, additional information can be obtained by calling the VA Regional Office at 1.888.442.4551.

In accordance with the Title 38 US Code 3679 (e), Section 103 of Public Law (PL) 115-408, ‘Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018,’ individuals using veterans benefits under chapter 31 or 33 will be allowed to attend or participate in courses, while pending VA payment.  UNM-Valencia will not: 

  • Prevent the student’s enrollment;
  • Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
  • Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
  • Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

To qualify for this provision, such students may be required to submit the following to the School Certifying Official:

  • A VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class; or
  • A written request to be certified (VA Schedule Approval Form).

Vocational Rehabilitation

UNM-Valencia also helps individuals receiving funds from the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Using state and federal monies, the DVR funds education for people who have been determined eligible and who require re-education or retraining to find employment. Applicants must demonstrate the presence of a disability and that disability must be linked to their employability. Any New Mexico resident of employable age who is considered disabled but employable is eligible for the program. Students who feel they may be eligible for this program should contact their local DVR office.

Financial Aid Disbursement and Refund Policies

Financial aid disbursements are done by direct deposit or they are mailed through the UNM Bursar’s office. Any questions concerning financial aid checks should be directed to the Financial Aid Office.

Any student who receives Federal financial aid and subsequently withdraws from school may be required to repay that financial aid. This can affect future financial aid eligibility.

Detailed instructions concerning financial aid disbursement and refund policy can be found in the current schedule of classes or at the Financial Aid Office.