FAQs

Learn more on the Child Care page: Steps to Finding Child Care

Learn more on the Childcare page: Step 2 Options to Pay for Child Care.

It’s important that student parents take advantage of available assistance programs to help with household expenses while balancing school priorities. Women Infants and Children (WIC) helps with nutrition and food benefits. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps) can help you get food for your household. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides monthly cash benefits for housing, utilities, and clothing. Child Care Assistance helps pay for the costs of early childhood education and child care for children up to age 12. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households pay for heating and cooling costs/utilities. There are also programs that help with tuition assistance, utility assistance, and Medicaid. Your college may also have student-specific financial supports available or be able to help you apply to state benefits programs. To find out more, look for student services at your school. These kinds of resources may be under the umbrella of a Student Resource Center or a Family Resource Center. There is more information on these resources here.

Learn more on the Family Support & Resources page

See details on the Preparing for College page “Step 3: Paying for College.”

If you applied for financial aid in the past and were denied, don’t be discouraged. In some cases, you can appeal the decision. Once you are admitted (or re-admitted) to a college and register for classes, reach out to the financial aid office or a student resource navigator at the college you’re considering for help navigating an appeals process. Financial aid challenges do not need to be a barrier to enrolling or re-enrolling in school.

• Reapply for Federal Aid: If your financial circumstances have changed, consider submitting a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you’re now eligible for federal aid. The FAFSA form can be accessed here:
  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) – If you need to reapply, correct errors, or check your eligibility again:
    Link: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
  • New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) Financial Aid – If you want to explore state-based aid or appeal a denial:
    Link: https://www.hed.nm.gov/financial-aid
• Seek Guidance from Financial Aid Advisors: Contact the financial aid office at your institution to discuss your situation. They can provide personalized advice and inform you about any institution-specific aid or scholarships you might qualify for.

Learn more on the Preparing for College page

There are–First Born® and More–Home Visiting programs that offer parenting support for first-time parents and their young children. These programs offer one-on-one support for first-time parents as they learn the parenting ropes for the first three years of their child’s life. It’s a parenting coach for free! The enrollment period for most programs is anytime during pregnancy up until your baby turns two months old. Don’t delay; sign up now!

Find answers on the Preparing for College page.

You may qualify for in-state tuition. Some colleges have lower tuition rates for students who go to college in the state they live. This could be a tuition discount of up to $10,000 per year. Talk to your prospective college’s financial aid office about in-state tuition at your school.

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) – State Financial Aid Programs: This resource provides an overview of financial aid programs available in different states, which can help students identify state-specific benefits.
https://www.nasfaa.org/State_Financial_Aid_Programs

If you are a not a U.S. citizen, including if you were granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, there are many options to pay for school. You might not be eligible for the Pell Grant but may still be eligible for scholarships from the State of New Mexico or your college. Go to your college’s financial aid office for an alternate financial aid application for non-citizens and for help navigating this process.

If you attended high school in New Mexico and received a high school diploma or equivalency (GED, HiSET) and want to attend college in New Mexico, you have the same right to in-state tuition as New Mexico residents. Talk to your college’s financial aid or registrar’s office about in-state, in-district tuition.

To assist non-citizen and DACA students in navigating financial aid and tuition options in New Mexico, consider including the following resources in your FAQ:

1. New Mexico Higher Education Department – Financial Aid: Provides information on state scholarships and financial aid programs available to eligible students, regardless of immigration status.
   https://hed.nm.gov/financial-aid
2. University of New Mexico – Undocumented Student Resources: Provides guidance on in-state tuition eligibility and support services for undocumented and DACA students.
   https://grad.unm.edu/prospective-students/undocumented.html
3. New Mexico Highlands University – Information for Undocumented Students: Details on state and institutional financial aid options available to undocumented and DACA students.
   https://www.nmhu.edu/information-for-undocumented-students-and-applicants-at-nmhu/
4. Federal Student Aid – Non-U.S. Citizen Eligibility: Clarifies federal financial aid eligibility criteria for non-U.S. citizens and provides alternative resources.
   https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements/non-us-citizens

These resources offer comprehensive information to help non-citizen and DACA students understand and access financial aid and in-state tuition opportunities in New Mexico.

Not all colleges are created equal. If you know the kind of job you want after college, look for colleges that specialize in that field. For example, if you are interested in nursing, look up nursing programs in your area. Some colleges are strong in some areas but not in others. The college that’s right for you will have specialized training in the field you want to study. If you are bilingual and would like to study in both languages, look for schools with a dual language option. If you have taken classes at one college and are thinking about changing schools, look for colleges that are part of a consortium agreement. A consortium agreement lets you take classes at two schools at the same time. You can also get credit at the school you attend for classes you took at another school.

As a student parent, look for school options that have you in mind. For example, if it’s more difficult to attend class in person, find colleges in your area that have online classes. (For more about class structures and remote learning options, go to Section 2.) Many colleges have child care on campus and student resources specifically for student parents. Think about the class schedules, teaching style, and type of programs available. Remember, colleges are just as interested in you as you are interested in college. You’re a valuable and important part of the school community you choose to join. Making sure it’s a great fit for you will support your success for the long haul.

Learn more on the Preparing for College page