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New Mexico had the highest increase in high school seniors who completed an application for federal student aid in the country, indicating that more students are seeking post-secondary education, though the total number of students who applied for aid still lags behind in nationwide rankings.

According to from the National College Attainment Network, a nonprofit educational group based out of Washington, D.C., 21.5% more New Mexico high school seniors in the Class of 2026 completed a FAFSA application this year than the year before, the highest jump nationwide.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as FAFSA, is the financial form that allows students to see if they are eligible for federal student loans, grants and work-study to attend college. More than 2.3 million students across the United States have already completed a FAFSA application, 11.1% more than last year.

Since students must fill out the FAFSA to qualify for federal student loans, FAFSA completion is one of the strongest predictors that a high school senior will go to college, according to . Students who complete FAFSA are 84% more likely to immediately enroll in post-secondary education after high school, the nonprofit reported.

Data was collected as of May 15, though students have until 11:59 p.m. June 30 to complete their applications online at .

鈥淭his year鈥檚 extraordinary gains in FAFSA completion reflect the dedication of our educators, families, and communities statewide,鈥� New Mexico Higher Education Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez said in a statement. 鈥淐ombined with our tuition鈥慺ree college program, these efforts ensure that every New Mexican 鈥� no matter their background 鈥� has a clear, affordable path to pursue their goals.鈥�

Though New Mexico is making significant gains in college financial aid applications, the state still ranks near the bottom nationwide for total FAFSA completion. As of mid-May, 45.8% of New Mexico鈥檚 Class of 2026 has completed FAFSA for a ranking of 43rd in the country.

Alaska tags closely behind New Mexico with a growth rate of 21.3%. Florida, Arizona and Montana have also made marked gains, according to the data.

New Mexicans must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for the state鈥檚 Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, which cover tuition for any of New Mexico鈥檚 29 public colleges and universities, so long as students meet minimum GPA and credit requirements, said HED spokesperson Auriella Ortiz.

Nearly 118,000 New Mexicans are pursuing post-secondary education in the form of credit-bearing certificates, associate degrees, bachelor鈥檚 degrees and graduate programs, HED officials said.

The state鈥檚 largest district, sa国际传媒官网网页入口 Public Schools, reported a substantial jump in FAFSA applications 鈥� 20.6% more high school seniors completed the financial aid form this year than last, for a total completion rate of 61.3%.

Debra Chandler, a college and career readiness counselor at La Cueva High School in the Northeast Heights, said the New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation, a statewide nonprofit, held a competition to see which high schools could get the highest FAFSA completion percentage. The top two schools won cash prizes for their senior class to use on group activities.

鈥淐ompetition is a great motivator,鈥� Chandler said.

APS officials said the district鈥檚 high school counselors make an effort each year to top the prior year鈥檚 FAFSA completion numbers.

鈥淎n increase in FAFSA means the next doctor who discovers the cure for cancer in a small community,鈥� said counselor Tyler Hartom at West Mesa High School on sa国际传媒官网网页入口鈥檚 West Side. 鈥淭he increase in FAFSA also means the next superintendent of APS who makes groundbreaking gains in community and school-wide involvement.鈥�

Natalie Robbins covers education for the Journal. You can reach her at nrobbins@abqjournal.com.