New Mexico Statutes Chapter 21. State and Private Education Institutions § 21-21-2. Definitions

A. “participating institution” means any post-high school educational institution within the state, public or private, including junior colleges and vocational schools, which qualifies as an eligible institution for the federal guaranteed-loan program under the Higher Education Act of 1965,  1 as amended, and participating in student loan programs under the Student Loan Act, or any educational institution not within the state attended by a qualified student for the purpose of participating in the student exchange programs administered by the western interstate commission for higher education as provided for by the Western Regional Education Compact;

B. “qualified student” means a resident of New Mexico who has been accepted for enrollment or who is enrolled in a participating institution and who is otherwise eligible for a student loan guaranteed by the United States. A standard of academic performance higher than the minimum required for continuing enrollment in the participating institution shall not be required, and the student must be meeting the minimum academic requirements of the participating institution at the time any loan is made; and

C. “fiscal agent” means the chief financial officer of one of the state higher educational institutions designated by the higher education department.  2