Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I go back to School?Going back to school has so many benefits! For starters, you can grow further into your career, with opportunities for potential promotions, or entering a field you’ve always been drawn to. You can pursue your education further with a master’s or doctorate’s degree. Or do it for you as a personal fulfillment goal! The possibilities are endless, it all starts with finishing what you started! Graduation Project makes it easier by removing common obstacles returning students often face.
What’s the First Step?Apply! You can check out the undergraduate application here. It’s also pertinent to meet with an academic advisor to discuss future planning or where you last left off. You can meet with an advisor before applying by creating a prospective student account on Student Hub, or you can wait until readmission and meet with an advisor then!
Will My Old Credits Expire?That’s a great question for an academic advisor! UNM credits don’t necessarily ‘expire’, but program criteria with most majors are constantly changing. All degree programs vary, it’s best to consult with an advisor that handles your major. You can make an appointment through Student Hub.
When is the Last Day I Can Apply?UNM technically does not have a deadline to apply, as we’re always accepting students, even when the semester has already started! We do have semester deadlines when it comes to adding/dropping classes that follow up with additional paperwork and late fees. Please visit our Semester Deadlines page to see the latest deadline dates.
What Are My Financial Aid Options?By completing the latest academic year FAFSA, students can be eligible for grants, federal work-study, and federal loans. For more details, please go to UNM’s Financial Aid website. All students are considered for scholarships upon admission. To learn more about UNMs scholarships, please visit our Scholarships website. The Graduation Project also offers a Regents Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) scholarship that helps cover tuition costs if eligible! All students are considered upon enrollment, as no further action is required. For additional questions regarding TAP funding, please email thegrad@unm.edu
Will I Feel Out of Place as a Nontraditional Student?Absolutely not! UNM is built for all types of learners, serving diverse backgrounds from first gen, returning learners, transfer students, international students, part time students, or those just looking to take classes for personal enrichment. We serve and support students from all walks of life!
What Types of Support does UNM Have to Offer for Students Like Me?UNM provides countless opportunity in supporting you! The Graduation Project is structured for returning students, offering a helping hand when it comes to restarting. Along with Grad Project, we have several resource centers that all students are welcome to work with. Resource centers serve a vital role in student success by creating a close community with extra guidance and support, as well as preparing students for academic success. Below are just a few support systems UNM serves to all members of campus:
- Student Health and Counseling (SHAC)
- Accessibility Resource Center (ARC)
- Arcoiris Center (LGBTQ+ Resource Center)
- Veteran and Military Resource Center (VRC)
- Women’s Resource Center
- African American Student Services
- American Indian Student Services (AISS)
- El Centro de la Raza
- Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center (AAPI)
- Lobo Respect and Advocacy Center
- Dean of Students
UNM’s online bachelor’s degrees vary from program to program, depending on your intended major. For a list of eligible options, I invite you to visit our Online webpage.
How Do I Apply for the TAP Scholarship?Once the semester begins, we will work with our Financial Aid Department to begin reviewing enrollment reports for students participating in Grad Project to determine eligibility for the Regent’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Please note that the review and disbursement process typically take about 8 weeks from the start of the semester (fall and spring), around 4-5 weeks for summer terms. If you're eligible, you can expect to receive funds mid semester. No further action is required from the student, as this is an automatic process.
Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher automatically qualify for TAP. This tuition-based award offers a tuition credit of up to $750 per academic semester, for a maximum of four semesters (two years).
Please note:
- Students receiving the Opportunity Scholarship, Pell Grant, or similar aid may not always be eligible for TAP, as the program is based on financial need. We require Grad Project students to apply for FAFSA in order to determine who is need base, vs who is eligible for regular TAP funding.
- Students must be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours to be considered.
- If eligible, TAP funding provides a lifetime maximum of $3,000 per qualified student. Once this limit is reached, no additional funding is available.
- Because TAP is awarded midsemester, students are responsible for paying their bursar bills or at least be on a payment plan to avoid additional service fees accrued. We do not encourage students to rely solely on TAP.
TAP is offered for all three terms: fall, spring, and summer. Students have a lifetime limit of $3000, eligible to receive up to $750 per semester, including summer terms. The process is automatic, as all students with a 2.5 cumulative GPA are considered. Students need to be registered for at least 3 credit hours.
