VISTA (Vision Inspired Scholarship Through Academic Achievement)

VISTA is a performance-based scholarship program at the University of New Mexico designed for low-income entering freshmen. The program provides up to $1,000 per semester for four consecutive semesters, paid directly to students in three installments (first payment at enrollment, second at midterm, third at semester end). To qualify, students must enroll in 12 or more credits in the first semester and 15 or more credits in subsequent semesters, maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and meet with a designated VISTA advisor at least twice per semester. Students can recoup missed payments by taking winter intersession or summer session courses. The program aims to improve college outcomes and address unmet financial need for low-income students by providing financial incentives tied to academic milestones and enhanced academic advising with consistent advisor assignment.