College Affordability

"There's no question that in order to continue to grow our economy, we must have a well-educated and well-trained workforce. That begins with early childhood education. And every student, no matter where they come from, who strives for a college degree deserves a fair shot at affording it without being crushed by debt."

-U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich

Senator Heinrich is committed to ensuring that every New Mexican has access to the quality, affordable education and training they need to succeed in our global economy. New Mexico is a model for the nation at keeping college costs low. Average 4-year in-state tuition is $6,190 and the percentage of state expenditures for higher education is above the national average. 

Senator Heinrich is an original cosponsor of America's College Promise Act, which would make two years of community college free and provide an affordable pathway to a four-year college degree for low-income students. He also introduced S. 1998, the Middle Class Creating Higher Education Affordability Necessary to Compete Economically (CHANCE) Act, a bill to increase access to affordable post-secondary education for low- to moderate-income students. The bill would address the significant loss in value of Pell Grants by adjusting them for inflation, reinstate year-round Pell Grants, and increase the number of eligible semesters to 15.

New Mexico Students Share Why College Affordability Is Important

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