Two-thirds of New Mexico college students experience some degree of housing or food security, according to the 2023-2024 Student Basic Needs Report, funded by the New Mexico Higher Education Department as part of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Food Initiative.
Based on that statewide survey, the NMHED is prioritizing new funding for student nutrition, shelter and academic advisement, a news release from the department said.
The survey was conducted at more than two dozen higher education institutions throughout the state using almost 10,000 students, according to the release.
“More than 1 in 10 reported having been homeless within the most recent 12 months, and 2 in 5 reported experiencing “very low” food security, the most severe category,” the release said.
These issues bring on mental health distress, increasing the likelihood of students withdrawing from their classes or higher education altogether.
According to the release, the report has brought together higher education institutions throughout the state in recognizing the necessity of investing in food and shelter programs.
“Members of the Basic Needs Consortium recently completed a statewide tour of eight campuses, where they met with campus leaders and discussed recommendations and strategies for addressing the unique needs of each student body,” the release said.
In response, the Higher Education Department will propose a ew $4 million fund as part of its Fiscal Year 2026 budget request that would support nutrition and shelter programs at New Mexico colleges and universities, according to the release.
“We greatly look forward to making our case to the Legislature that the Student Retention Fund will have a positive impact on student completion rates in New Mexico,” said Deputy Secretary of Higher Education, Patricia Trujillo. “This issue is not unique to our state, but New Mexico is unique in our coordinated response. Students everywhere are struggling to make ends meet in their own lives, and this naturally draws their focus away from where it should be: concentrating on their studies, preparing for careers, and achieving their goals. With funding for campuses to specifically help provide nutritious meals and safe shelter, we will position New Mexico college students to thrive and complete their education, unlocking their full potential.”
Reily S. White of the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management conducted an analysis that found benefits resulting from sustained investments in eliminating basic need insecurities of college students.
“The report reveals a very serious problem, but the New Mexico Basic Needs Consortium is up to solving it,” said Sarita Cargas, UNM associate professor and the director of the Basic Needs Consortium. “It was important to visit colleges across the state and see how the statewide efforts are having impacts already. Every campus is working on some type of intervention, but what the Basic Needs Tour revealed is that only a coordinated response will get at systemic needs.”
According to the analysis, eliminating basic needs insecurity at New Mexico colleges and universities would result in 3,500 more students reaching graduation each year.
“These graduates and their projected income would contribute hundreds of millions of dollars over time to New Mexico’s tax base,” the release said.
The analysis included that if students lack stability because institutions can’t assist in their courses of study, they may face greater health care burdens and significant use of government support services later in life.
For more information about the Higher Education Department and its programs, visit hed.nm.gov. To learn more about New Mexico’s tuition-free college programs like the Opportunity and Lottery scholarships, visit reachhighernm.com or call the Financial Aid Help Line at (800) 279-9777.
