STUDENT PARENT GUIDE
Preparing for College
Discover how to navigate the big decision of going back to school with resources tailored for student parents like you.
STUDENT PARENT GUIDE
Preparing for College
Discover how to navigate the big decision of going back to school with resources tailored for student parents like you.
Preparing for College
Planning Together
You’re interested in college! You’re starting an exciting journey and you’re not alone in making this big decision. In New Mexico, a recent survey showed that 33% of all community college students are parents[1]. That means that when you look around your classroom, about every third person has children or is caring for children.
This Student Parent Guide will provide resources and support with your dual role as a parent and a student.
Starting Together
The Benefits of College for Families
Pursuing higher education to earn a degree or certificate can help you prepare for the career you want, increase your knowledge and skills, help you make a difference in your community, and inspire your children to achieve academically.
Did you know college can also improve your family’s economic future for generations? As a parent, when you go to college, your children have a higher chance of going to college because you paved the way. Being an example for your family is a strong motivation to go back to school. Education also boosts intergenerational economic mobility, which means your whole family is more likely to do better in life financially because of your college education. Average annual earnings for teen parents more than doubled after earning a college degree or certificate.[2] Graduates also typically have higher levels of full-time, living-wage employment, so that you make enough money to support your family’s needs. For example, single mothers in New Mexico with an associate degree earn $366,614 more and with a bachelor’s degree earn $607,084 more over their lifetime than peers who only have a high school diploma.[3]
THE BENEFITS
- Career Preparation
- Community Impact
- Inspiring Future Generations
- Intergenerational Economic Mobility
- Increased Earnings Potential
- Better Employment Opportunities
Dreaming Together
Setting Goals and Aspirations
- What are your motivations for attending college?
- How are your motivations for attending college tied to your family goals?
- What are your academic goals?
- How will earning a degree or certificate benefit your family?
- How are your academic goals tied to your family goals?
Thinking about your goals and your family goals can help you create a plan for school and meeting your goals. In the Learning Together section, there is a vision board activity that you can do with your kids.
Deciding Together
Choosing a College
Going to school as a parent means your whole family is going to be involved in your school experience, so choosing a school that is right for you and your family is important. In New Mexico, we have public universities, public community colleges, tribal colleges and for-profit colleges. The best way to choose a school is to do some research by looking at the college’s website. You will need to consider factors like location if you want to take in-person classes, the certificate or degree you are interested in studying, and the support resources available.
Some things to consider when deciding on a college:
- Where is the college located?
- Is the college regionally accredited?
- What is the cost? Are there scholarships available?
- What programs do they offer?
- Are classes available online, in-person, or both in my program?
- What resources and support are available through the college?
- Is child care available on campus? Is my child’s school nearby?
Learning Together Tip
If you can, go to a college open house or tour with your kids so that they can see the campus and learn more about college and where their parent will be spending time.
College Admission and Paying for School
Step 1
Select a Public College in New Mexico
| College | County | Programs | Address | Map | Phone | Website | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Central New Mexico Community College | Bernalillo |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
|
900 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 | (505) 224-3090 | Website | ||
 |
Clovis Community College | Curry |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
|
417 Schepps Blvd, Clovis, NM 88101 | (575) 769-4060 | Website | ||
 |
Diné College - Crownpoint Center | McKinley |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
Bachelor's Degrees
|
Hwy. 371 – Route 9, PO Box 57, Crownpoint, NM 87313 | (505) 786-7391 | Website | ||
|
Diné College - Shiprock | San Juan |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
Bachelor's Degrees
|
1228 Yucca St. PO Box 580, Shiprock, NM 87420 | (505) 368-3500 | Website | ||
 |
Eastern New Mexico University | Roosevelt |
Associate Degrees
Bachelor's Degrees
|
1500 S Ave K, Portales, NM 88130 | (800) 367-3668 | Website | ||
 |
Luna Community College | San Miguel |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
|
366 Luna Drive, Las Vegas, NM 87701 | (505) 454-2534 | Website | ||
 |
Mesalands Community College | Quay |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
|
911 South Tenth Street, Tucumcari, NM 88401 | (575) 461-4413 | Website | ||
 |
Navajo Technical University | McKinley |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
Bachelor's Degrees
|
Lowerpoint Road, State Hwy 371, Crownpoint, NM 87313 | (505) 387-7361 | Website | ||
 |
New Mexico Highlands University | San Miguel |
Associate Degrees
Bachelor's Degrees
|
1005 Diamond St, Las Vegas, NM 87701 | (505) 454-3318 | Website | ||
 |
New Mexico Junior College | Lea |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
|
1 Thunderbird Circle, Hobbs, NM 88240 | (575) 392-5172 | Website | ||
 |
New Mexico Military Institute | Chaves |
Associate Degrees
|
101 W College Blvd, Roswell, NM 88201 | (800) 421-5376 | Website | ||
 |
New Mexico Tech | Socorro |
Associate Degrees
Bachelor's Degrees
|
801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801 | (800) 428-8324 | Website | ||
 |
Northern New Mexico College | Rio Arriba |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
Bachelor's Degrees
|
921 N. Paseo de Oñate, Española, NM 87532 | (505) 747-2128 | Website | ||
 |
San Juan College | San Juan |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
Bachelor's Degrees
|
4601 College Boulevard, Farmington, NM 87402 | (505) 566-3323 | Website | ||
 |
Santa Fe Community College | Santa Fe |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
|
6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87508 | (505) 428-1268 | Website | ||
 |
Southeast New Mexico College | Eddy |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
|
1500 University Drive, Carlsbad, NM 88220 | (575) 234-9225 | Website | ||
 |
Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute | Bernalillo |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
|
9169 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120 | (505) 346-2361 | Website | ||
 |
UNM Albuquerque | Bernalillo |
Associate Degrees
Bachelor's Degrees
|
1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131 | (505) 277-8900 | Website | ||
 |
UNM Gallup | McKinley |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
|
705 Gurley Ave, Gallup, NM 87301 | (505) 863-7663 | Website | ||
 |
UNM Los Alamos | Los Alamos |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
|
4000 University Drive, Los Alamos, NM 87544 | (505) 662-0341 | Website | ||
 |
UNM Taos | Taos |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
|
1157 County Road 110, Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557 | (575) 737-6220 | Website | ||
 |
UNM Valencia | Valencia |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
|
280 La Entrada Rd, Los Lunas, NM 87031 | (505) 925-8590 | Website | ||
 |
Western New Mexico University | Grant |
Certificates
Associate Degrees
Bachelor's Degrees
|
PO Box 680, Silver City, NM 88062 | (575) 538-6173 | Website | ||
Step 2
Applying to College
After you select a college, you will need to apply on the school website. If you need help with the application, you can call the college’s admissions office or go to campus and ask the admissions office for help in-person.
As part of the admissions process, you will need to verify that you are a New Mexico resident through a series of questions that may ask about where you are registered to vote, where your car is registered, your address, etc. These questions are important because they determine if you qualify for in-state tuition.
Some universities have an application fee to apply. If you are not able to pay the fee, contact the admissions office to see if there is financial assistance for the application fee.
After you apply, make sure that you understand the next steps. You will need a student ID number and a college email address to move forward with registration and financial aid. Look to see if the college has a new students page on the website that can help walk you through these next steps. You can also always call or email your college’s admissions office if you need help figuring out the next steps.
Step 3
Paying for College
The good news is that most New Mexico residents will qualify for free college tuition! This is an incredible opportunity to advance your skills and knowledge without the additional financial hardship of paying tuition.
Complete the FAFSA for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA for Financial Aid
Fill out a “FAFSA,” form, which stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a free assessment tool that is used to apply for grants, loans, work study funds and certain scholarships. By submitting a FAFSA, you are not signing up for a student loan that you have to pay back.
Filling out the FAFSA makes you eligible for federal grants like the Pell Grant, and the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship or the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship. These grants and scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree. Pell grant is also based on financial need.[4]
- You must fill out the FAFSA form each year you plan to attend school.
- Check your school’s Financial Aid website for the deadlines for completing the FAFSA form. Keep in mind, if you have never completed a FAFSA before, you’ll need to create a login and then wait a few days for your information to be verified before you can complete the application.
- When you fill out the FAFSA, remember child care is a college expense that can be considered in calculating financial aid.[5]
- If you are a veteran, you are eligible for veteran-specific benefits through your school’s Veterans Resource Center.
Meet with a Financial Aid Counselor
Meet with a Financial Aid Counselor
Your college has a Financial Aid and Scholarship office. Make an appointment with a financial aid counselor after you have been admitted to the college and ask questions about scholarships, special awards, and the financial aid process.
Student Tip
Always talk to the Financial Aid office before you make a change to your class schedule or drop classes to ensure that it will not affect your financial aid.
Explore New Mexico Scholarships
Explore New Mexico Scholarships
New Mexico has free college tuition for eligible residents! This not only makes college affordable, but for most students it will be free.
New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship:
The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship covers tuition and required fees for eligible New Mexico residents pursuing certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees at New Mexico public colleges and universities who attend part-time or full-time and maintain a 2.5 GPA
New Mexico Lottery Scholarship:
The Lottery Scholarship is awarded to eligible New Mexico residents who are recent high school graduates to attend a public college or university in the state full-time and maintain a 2.5 GPA.
Student Parent Story
“When I discovered the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, it became the turning point I had been hoping for. The scholarship provided crucial financial support, allowing me to attend college without the overwhelming burden of student loans. With this assistance, I could focus on my studies while also providing for my child. It was more than just a financial lifeline; it was an opportunity to build a better future for both of us. Thanks to the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, I was able to pursue my degree and create a path toward a career that would offer more stability and opportunities for my family.”
| Funding Type | What is it? | Do I have to pay it back? |
|---|---|---|
| Student loan | Borrowing money from the federal government, state government, or a private company to pay for higher education. |
Yes, in full with interest.
|
| Grant | Money awarded to students that can support a variety of needs. |
No, but it is possible you might have to pay if:
|
| Scholarship | Money given by a school, business, or other organization for tuition, fees, and/or books. |
No, but make sure to understand if:
|
| Earnings from a job / on-campus work-study employment | Money earned by working on-campus through a work-study job or off-campus employment. | N/A |
| Funding Type | What is it? | Do I have to pay it back? |
|---|---|---|
| Student loan | Borrowing money from the federal government, state government, or a private company to pay for higher education. |
Yes, in full with interest.
|
| Grant | Money awarded to students that can support a variety of needs. |
No, but it is possible you might have to pay if:
|
| Scholarship | Money given by a school, business, or other organization for tuition, fees, and/or books. |
No, but make sure to understand if:
|
| Earnings from a job / on-campus work-study employment | Money earned by working on-campus through a work-study job or off-campus employment. | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I am a non-citizen or have been granted DACA status?
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.[7] Talk to your college’s financial aid or registrar’s office about in-state, in-district tuition.
What if I applied for financial aid in the past and was denied or lost my financial aid?
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.
Learning Together
Family Campus Scavenger Hunt
Your kids will love coming to campus to see where your classes are and where you are spending time. Plan a scavenger hunt with them to find family-friendly campus services and locations.
Possible family-friendly locations to find:
- Classrooms where you take classes
- Financial Aid Office
- Computer Lab
- Child care center
- Lactation rooms
- Food pantries
- Family study rooms
- Library children’s section
- Family resource center
- Advisement
- Tutoring Center
- Health and wellness services
- Outdoor play areas
- If your child is old enough, you can also ask them what fields of study interest them and find those areas on campus too.
Ask around and check your school’s website for their resources.
Here are some examples of family-friendly spaces and resources on the SFCC campus.
Materials Needed:
- Scavenger Hunt List (PDF)
- Pen
Student Parent Story
“My college has been a true support in balancing my role as a student and a parent. The campus’s family-friendly atmosphere has made it possible for me to bring my daughter with me when needed, which has eased the stress of juggling child care and school responsibilities. From the child care services to the welcoming spaces for parents, it’s clear that my college values family involvement and understands the challenges of student parents. Being able to take my daughter along has not only allowed me to stay on top of my coursework, but it has also made both of us feel like we belong—like we’re part of a community that supports our goals and recognizes our unique needs.”
Envision Together
Creating Vision Boards
- Activity: Make vision boards with pictures, words, and drawings.
- Description: Parents and children can create boards that reflect dreams, goals, and interests—whether related to school, family, or personal growth. This can help children feel involved in their parent’s educational journey and encourage them to think about their own goals.
- Materials Needed: Magazines, scissors, glue, poster boards, markers, and stickers.
Citations
[1] Ryberg, R., Rust, K., Balén, Z., Morimoto, Y., Allred, C., & Kutcher, R. (2024). Survey of Parenting Students in New Mexico Helps Us Understand Their Needs. Child Trends. DOI:10.56417/9938y9431c
[2] Generation Hope Higher Together, https://www.generationhope.org/alumni-report-2022
[3] Institute for Women’s Policy Research (2019). Investing in Single Mothers’ Higher Education in New Mexico: Costs and Benefits to Individuals, Families, and Society R#632, https://iwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/New-Mexico.pdf
[4] https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell
[5] Investing in Single Mothers’.
[6] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/interest.asp
[7] https://law.justia.com/codes/new-mexico/2017/chapter-21/article-1/section-21-1-4.6/
Achieving Together
Navigating Your College Path
Preparing for College
Discover how to navigate going back to school with resources tailored for student parents like you.
Starting College
Get the guidance you need to balance family, work, and education, with tools that help you leverage campus resources and community support.
Succeeding in College
Find your stride with ongoing support designed to keep you moving forward, even when challenges arise.
Graduating College
Celebrate your achievements and plan for the future with resources that highlight next steps after graduation.
Achieving Together
Navigating Your College Path
Preparing for College
Discover how to navigate the big decision of going back to school with resources tailored for student parents like you.
Starting College
Get the guidance you need to balance family, work, and education, with tools that help you leverage campus resources and community support.
Succeeding in College
Find your stride with ongoing support designed to keep you moving forward, even when challenges arise.
Graduating College
Celebrate your achievements and plan for the future with resources that highlight next steps after graduation.