SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico education officials say college scholarships backed by lottery proceeds are covering about 90 percent of tuition costs for qualifying students.
State Higher Education Sec. Barbara Damron briefed lawmakers Tuesday on funding levels for lottery scholarships. About 32,000 students rely on the money.
Damron says tuition increases are depleting scholarship funds faster than they can be replenished. Liquor taxes contribute $19 million to the scholarships, but that extra funding source ends in mid-2018.
Tuition support will be reduced by 30 percent in the fall of 2018 if no action is taken.