Legislation would make high school equivalency tests free
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Auriella Ortiz
Auriella.Ortiz@hed.nm.gov
(505) 467-9605
March 5, 2025
Legislation would make high school equivalency tests free
Higher Education Department to cover test costs for New Mexican s
SANTA FE — The New Mexico House of Representatives has approved a measure that will help New Mexicans obtain their high school equivalency credential for free.
House Bill 167 , sponsored by Reps. Joy Garratt and E. Diane Torres-Velásquez and Sen. Nicole Tobiassen, will cover the costs of the high school equivalency test and associated test preparations. The bill now moves to the Senate.
“We continue to look for more ways to reduce costs for New Mexicans looking to enhance their career and workforce potential,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez . “A high school equivalency can unlock so many new pathways, and this legislation to eliminate barriers will benefit tens of thousands of New Mexicans.”
The fees associated with high school equivalency tests can be an obstacle for the nearly 200,000 adults without a high school diploma or equivalency in New Mexico. If passed, this bill will make these tests free for New Mexico residents.
“Education holds significant importance to me,” said Rep. Garratt . “I am proud to sponsor this important piece of legislation to ensure New Mexicans receive their high school equivalency credential without facing any financial barrier. Alongside the Opportunity Scholarship, this initiative represents an additional pathway to higher education that will stimulate our economy and increase the number of New Mexicans who can attain their credential.”
This is a key initiative that will boost the state’s rate of adults with a high school diploma. Adults with a high school diploma or equivalency in New Mexico earn an average of $6,500 more per year.
The New Mexico Higher Education Department estimates removing the costs for New Mexicans — $145 per test — will result in a 20 to 40 percent increase in test participation.
For more information about adult education programs in New Mexico, visit this hed.nm.gov .
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The New Mexico Higher Education Department was established in 2005 and oversees the state’s public and tribal colleges, universities and special schools. It also oversees adult education and literacy programs statewide, manages state-funded financial aid programs and capital projects for higher education institutions, provides college readiness services via the GEAR UP program, and grants state authorization to private colleges operating within New Mexico. For more information, visit hed.nm.gov or follow us on X , Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn at @NMHigherEd. To learn more about tuition-free college via New Mexico’s Opportunity and Lottery scholarships, visit reachhighernm.com .