New Mexico Student Incentive Grant

The New Mexico Student Incentive Grant (NMSIG) is a need-based grant for eligible New Mexico resident undergraduate students with substantial financial need. Funding is limited, and meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award.

Purpose of the Program

NMSIG helps eligible New Mexico residents meet the cost of attending an approved postsecondary institution in New Mexico. The program is intended for undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for NMSIG at USW, a student generally must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen;

• Meet New Mexico residency requirements;

• Have earned a high school diploma or recognized high school equivalency credential;

• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate student;

• Be enrolled at least half-time;

• Not have earned a bachelor’s degree;

• Demonstrate substantial financial need;

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any additional application requirements established by USW;

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress; and

• Meet all other applicable state and institutional eligibility requirements.

Award Amount

NMSIG awards currently range from $200 to $2,500 per academic year. The actual amount awarded is determined by USW and may depend on:

• The student’s demonstrated financial need;

• The student’s cost of attendance;

• Other financial assistance received;

• Enrollment and period of attendance;

• USW’s awarding policies; and

• The availability of state and institutional funds.

An award cannot exceed the student’s remaining financial need or applicable program limits.

How to Apply

Students must complete the FAFSA for the applicable award year and submit any additional information requested by the USW Financial Aid Office.

The FAFSA does not include a separate option for students to indicate interest in NMSIG. USW uses FAFSA information and applicable state and institutional requirements to determine eligibility.

Students should complete the FAFSA and all outstanding financial aid requirements by USW’s applicable priority deadlines. Submitting a FAFSA does not guarantee an NMSIG award.

Renewal

NMSIG is awarded for one academic year at a time and is not automatically renewed. A student must reapply for financial aid each year and continue to meet all eligibility requirements.

An award may be renewed annually until the student earns a bachelor’s degree, subject to continued eligibility, satisfactory academic progress, enrollment of at least half-time, and the availability of funds. Receiving NMSIG during one year does not guarantee an award in a subsequent year.

Disbursement and Enrollment Changes

NMSIG funds are disbursed through USW and applied to the student’s eligible educational costs in accordance with state and institutional requirements.

A student who withdraws, drops below half-time enrollment, becomes ineligible, or receives a change in other financial assistance may have the award adjusted or canceled. The student may be required to repay a portion of previously disbursed funds when applicable.

New Mexico Residency

Students must establish and maintain New Mexico residency under applicable state requirements. Being physically present in New Mexico does not, by itself, necessarily establish eligibility for resident financial aid.

Additional information is available on the New Mexico Higher Education Department Student Incentive Grant webpage.

Additional grant information and USW financial aid policies are available in the academic catalog.