College & Education in New Mexico

15 verified resources.

About College & Education for Fathers

Education resources for fathers include financial aid, adult education, workforce training, and college programs with on-site childcare. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the gateway to Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and state aid. Pell Grants provide up to approximately $7,000 per year to low-income students and don't require repayment. GED and HiSET programs operate in every state through adult education providers, often free. Community colleges offer lower-cost two-year degrees and certificate programs in high-demand trades. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds training for eligible adults and dislocated workers. For fathers returning to school, on-campus childcare (often subsidized through the CCAMPIS grant), emergency aid funds, and single-parent scholarships make enrollment feasible. This directory covers state FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education programs, and single-dad scholarships.

College & Education in New Mexico

New Mexico district courts handle divorce and custody in each of its 13 judicial districts. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under HSD. Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe are the largest cities. New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid organization.

15 Resources

1. NM Higher Education Department — Free

State agency administering financial aid, state scholarships, lottery-funded tuition, and college planning resources for New Mexico students. Fathers returning to school can explore Opportunity Scholarship, Legislative Lottery, and adult-learner grants. Visit 2044 Galisteo St #4 in Santa Fe, call 505-476-8400 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or apply via hed.nm.gov. State aid is free to apply for.

505-476-8400 · 2044 Galisteo St #4, Santa Fe, NM 87505 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Central New Mexico Community College — Paid

Largest community college in New Mexico with multiple Albuquerque campuses, offering associate degrees, certificates, adult education, and workforce training. Dads can enroll in flexible day, evening, and online courses; CNM accepts state Opportunity Scholarship and federal aid. Visit 525 Buena Vista Dr SE, call 505-224-3000 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or register at cnm.edu.

505-224-3000 · 525 Buena Vista Dr SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Santa Fe Community College — Paid

Affordable community college in the Santa Fe area, offering associate degrees, certificates, trades training, and transfer programs. SFCC accepts state Opportunity Scholarship and federal aid, making tuition low or free for many qualifying New Mexico fathers. Visit 6401 Richards Ave, call 505-428-1000 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or start the application online at sfcc.edu.

505-428-1000 · 6401 Richards Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87508 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Dona Ana Community College – Las Cruces — Paid

NMSU's community college offering affordable career and transfer programs in southern New Mexico, including healthcare, trades, business, and general education. Dads can use state Opportunity Scholarship and federal aid to lower tuition. Visit 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd in Las Cruces, call 575-527-7500 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or apply online at dacc.nmsu.edu. Advisors help plan pathways.

575-527-7500 · 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd, Las Cruces, NM 88011 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. FAFSA – Federal Student Aid — Free

Federal application for Pell Grants, student loans, and work-study used by New Mexico colleges to determine financial aid eligibility. Fathers planning to return to school can complete the FAFSA free at studentaid.gov any time; customer support is available at 800-433-3243. Results are sent to schools you list, and state aid like Opportunity Scholarship may also require a completed FAFSA.

800-433-3243 · 24/7 online · Visit Website

6. San Juan College – Farmington — Paid

Community college serving the Four Corners region, offering associate degrees, certificates, trades, and transfer programs for residents of Farmington, Aztec, Bloomfield, and the Navajo Nation. Dads can apply state Opportunity Scholarship and federal aid. Visit 4601 College Blvd, call 505-326-3311 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or start the application at sanjuancollege.edu.

505-326-3311 · 4601 College Blvd, Farmington, NM 87402 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Clovis Community College — Paid

Affordable public two-year college in eastern New Mexico, offering associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and transfer pathways. Dads can apply state and federal aid, including Opportunity Scholarship and Pell, to reduce tuition costs. Visit 417 Schepps Blvd in Clovis, call 575-769-2811 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or start the application at clovis.edu. Advisors help plan schedules.

575-769-2811 · 417 Schepps Blvd, Clovis, NM 88101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

8. University of New Mexico — Paid

Major public research university in Albuquerque, offering bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees across arts, sciences, engineering, law, and medicine. Dads can use state Opportunity Scholarship and federal aid to manage costs. Visit 1 University of New Mexico, call 505-277-0111 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or apply via unm.edu. UNM supports adult and transfer students.

505-277-0111 · 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. New Mexico State University — Paid

Public land-grant research university in Las Cruces offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in agriculture, engineering, health, business, and more. Dads can apply state Opportunity Scholarship and federal aid. Visit 1780 E University Ave, call 575-646-0111 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or apply online at nmsu.edu. Advising supports adult learners and transfer students.

575-646-0111 · 1780 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88003 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Eastern NM University – Roswell — Paid

Community college campus of Eastern New Mexico University serving the Roswell area with associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training. Dads can apply state Opportunity Scholarship and federal aid to lower tuition. Visit 52 University Blvd in Roswell, call 575-624-7000 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or start an application at roswell.enmu.edu. Advisors help plan transfer pathways.

575-624-7000 · 52 University Blvd, Roswell, NM 88203 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. New Mexico Highlands University — Paid

Public university in Las Vegas, New Mexico, offering affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees in liberal arts, business, education, social work, and sciences. Fathers can use state Opportunity Scholarship and federal aid. Visit 800 National Ave, call 505-425-7511 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or apply at nmhu.edu. Highlands serves many first-generation and adult students.

505-425-7511 · 800 National Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Western NM University – Silver City — Paid

Public university serving southwest New Mexico with undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, business, social work, nursing, and liberal arts. Dads can apply state Opportunity Scholarship and federal aid to manage costs. Visit 1000 W College Ave in Silver City, call 575-538-6011 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or apply at wnmu.edu. WNMU offers strong online and evening program options.

575-538-6011 · 1000 W College Ave, Silver City, NM 88061 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. NM Junior College – Hobbs — Paid

Community college for Lea County and southeast New Mexico offering associate degrees, certificates, energy and trades training, and transfer programs. Dads can use state Opportunity Scholarship and federal aid to make tuition affordable. Visit 5317 Lovington Hwy in Hobbs, call 575-392-4510 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or apply online at nmjc.edu. Advisors help align coursework with career goals.

575-392-4510 · 5317 Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, NM 88240 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Luna Community College – Las Vegas — Paid

Community college in northeastern New Mexico offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training for residents of Las Vegas and surrounding rural counties. Dads can apply state Opportunity Scholarship and federal aid to reduce costs. Visit 366 Luna Dr, call 505-454-2500 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or apply at luna.edu. Advisors help plan transfer or career pathways.

505-454-2500 · 366 Luna Dr, Las Vegas, NM 87701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

15. UNM Gallup Campus — Paid

Branch campus of the University of New Mexico serving western New Mexico and the Navajo Nation with associate degrees, certificates, and select bachelor's programs. Dads can use state Opportunity Scholarship and federal aid to lower tuition. Visit 705 Gurley Ave in Gallup, call 505-863-7500 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, or apply at gallup.unm.edu. Advisors support adult and transfer students.

505-863-7500 · 705 Gurley Ave, Gallup, NM 87301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

College & Education — Common Questions

What do I do first if I want to go back to school?: Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It's free and takes about 30 minutes. Results determine eligibility for Pell Grants (up to ~$7,000/year), Direct Loans, and state grants. Apply even if you think you won't qualify — results often surprise.
Is there childcare on college campuses?: Many community colleges and some universities operate on-campus childcare, often subsidized through the CCAMPIS federal grant for low-income student parents. Financial aid can sometimes cover childcare as a cost of attendance.
Can I get a GED online?: Yes. The official GED test is offered online (with in-home proctoring) and at testing centers. HiSET (used in some states instead of GED) is similar. Free prep through state adult education providers and through Khan Academy's free GED prep.
What is WIOA training?: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds short-term training for eligible adults, often up to
0,000 or more for in-demand occupations. Apply through your local American Job Center. Programs cover CDL, welding, nursing, IT, HVAC, and many others.