Private post-secondary institutions that provide educational services in the State of New Mexico are subject to either the New Mexico Post-Secondary Educational Institution Act (Section 21-23-1 et seq. NMSA 1978) or the Interstate Distance Education Act (Section 21-23B-1 et seq. NMSA 1978) and can use this site to apply for State Authorization or submit other required applications to comply with State regulations. Students may request transcripts of closed schools where the New Mexico Higher Education Department is the designated custodian of records or may file complaints against any post-secondary institution that provides educational services in our State.
Online Applications:
- New Mexico State Authorization Renewal (open April 9 to July 12, 2024)
- Applications for New Mexico State Authorization (only for new institutions)
- Regionally accredited institutions
- Nationally and programmatic accredited institutions
- Non-accredited institutions
- Distance education institutions
- Out-of-State proprietary institutions
- Exemption Application
- Applications for Substantial Institutional Changes
- Application for adding new agents for State Authorized out-of-State proprietary Institutions
Annual Data Submission:
- 2024 Annual reporting (open September 10 - October 18, 2024)
Latest Rules:
- 5.99.1 NMAC The Interstate Distance Education Act
- 5.99.2 NMAC Closure of a Distance Education Institution
- 5.100.5 NMAC Exemption under the Post-Secondary Educational Institution Act
- 5.100.6 NMAC Registration under the Post-Secondary Educational Institution Act
- 5.100.7 NMAC Licensure under the Post-Secondary Educational Institution Act
- 5.100.8 NMAC Closure or Substantial Change under the Act
Surety Bond Templates:
- Surety Bond Template for Registration (fillable)
- Surety Bond Template for Distance Education (fillable)
- Surety Bond Template for License (fillable)
- Surety Bond Template for Out-of-State Proprietary Institutions and Agents (fillable)
Fee Schedules:
- Fee Schedule for Registered and Licensed Institutions (revised January 1 2022)
- Fee Schedule for Distance Education Institutions (revised January 1 2022)
Student Transcript Requests:
- For closed schools (click link to see all closed schools) that had once a physical presence in New Mexico and the Higher Education Department of New Mexico was the designated custodian of records, students can request student transcripts from the New Mexico Higher Education Department. Please note that it will take up to 10 business days to process your request once payment has been received.
- Transcript Requests (online)
Student Complaints:
- Students with complaints or grievances against an institution should first seek to resolve their complaint or grievance directly with the institution in accordance with the institution's complaint or grievance policy. If a student is not satisfied with an institution's resolution, a complaint may be submitted to the Department in writing on the following form: