NM private school bonds.
From $100.

New Mexico's Higher Education Department requires a private postsecondary institution to post a surety bond protecting students if the school closes mid-program. The Department sets the amount, scaled to your tuition. Pricing is 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — your exact price appears at the application. The application collects no credit information.

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Required to operate a private postsecondary institution registered with the NM Higher Education Department

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Amount is set by the Department and scaled to anticipated gross annual tuition — not a single fixed figure

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1% of bond amount, $100 min — enter your required bond amount and see your exact price at the application

1% of bond amount$100 minimumNo SSNin the applicationFastinstant underwriting

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How it works

Apply to filed in one sitting.

No underwriting queue for the standard school bond — enter your amount, pay, and file with the Higher Education Department. Here is the whole thing:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply online

Your institution details, the bond amount the Department set, and the effective date — that is the entire application.

INSTANTLY

Issued on the spot

Most applications approve instantly — the executed bond is generated as soon as you pay. If a check runs, it is a soft pull that never affects your score; larger amounts may get a quick review.

SAME DAY

File with the Higher Education Department

Submit the executed bond with your private postsecondary registration. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the Department insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the school bond actually covers

Private postsecondary institutions operating in New Mexico register with the Higher Education Department under the Post-Secondary Educational Institution Act (NMSA 1978 §21-23-1 et seq.) — or, for distance education, the Interstate Distance Education Act (§21-23B-1 et seq.). The Department conditions registration on a surety bond.

The bond is a student-protection guarantee: if the school closes or otherwise fails to provide the education students have paid for, the bond funds tuition refunds or a teach-out so students are not left out of pocket. The Department sets the amount, scaled to your size.

For in-state institutions the amount generally runs from a $5,000 floor up to 20% of anticipated gross annual tuition; out-of-state institutions generally run $10,000 to $25,000. The surety can cancel only on 90 days' written notice to the Department. Pricing is 1% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum, and the application collects no credit information.

NMSA 1978 §21-23-1 et seq. (Post-Secondary Educational Institution Act)Private postsecondary institutions in New Mexico register with the Higher Education Department under the Post-Secondary Educational Institution Act (§21-23-1 et seq.) or the Interstate Distance Education Act (§21-23B-1 et seq.), which condition registration on a surety bond to fund tuition refunds or a teach-out if the school closes. In-state bond amounts generally run from $5,000 up to 20% of anticipated gross annual tuition; out-of-state amounts generally run $10,000 to $25,000. Confirm the exact amount the Department set on your registration.

You need this bond if you are

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A private postsecondary school registering with the NM Higher Education Department

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A trade, career, or vocational school enrolling New Mexico students for tuition

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An out-of-state or distance institution serving New Mexico students under the Interstate Distance Education Act

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Renewing your registration as your current bond expires or the Department adjusts your amount

One application, issued on the spot.

Submit the application with the bond amount the Department set — the executed bond is generated instantly, ready to file.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the New Mexico private postsecondary institution bond?Pricing is 1% of the bond amount, with a $100 minimum. The amount itself is set by the Higher Education Department — in-state schools from $5,000 up to 20% of anticipated gross annual tuition, out-of-state schools $10,000 to $25,000. Enter the figure the Department set and your exact price appears at the application.

Why does New Mexico require it?To protect students. Under the Post-Secondary Educational Institution Act, the bond funds tuition refunds or a teach-out if the school closes before students finish the programs they paid for.

Is there a credit check?The application collects no credit information — most applications approve instantly. If a check ever runs (for example on a larger bond amount), it is a soft pull that never affects your score.

What amount should I enter if I am not sure?Use the figure on your Higher Education Department registration or instructions. If you have not received it yet, send us your anticipated gross annual tuition and whether you are in- or out-of-state, and we will help you confirm the amount.

Can the surety cancel the bond?Only on at least 90 days' written notice to the Higher Education Department. That notice window gives the Department time to require a replacement so student protection is never interrupted.

Related bonds

Other New Mexico bonds.

School bond, issued today.

Pricing from $100. Enter the amount the Department set and file the same day.

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