If you’re interested in completing a degree while living in the culturally diverse state of New Mexico but not sure which university to attend, read this article. We will break down the best universities in New Mexico to help you find the perfect one. You can study various subjects at the best colleges in New Mexico, including nursing and computer science.
Below is a detailed list of the top 10 universities in New Mexico with essential details about the best degrees at each institution, tuition rates, and financial aid options. The best degrees at these top-ranked New Mexico universities will prepare you for high-paying jobs. You’ll also learn more about the five most in-demand jobs in New Mexico below.
What Are the Best Universities in New Mexico?
The best universities in New Mexico include New Mexico State University, The University of New Mexico, and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. These are the best universities in New Mexico because they have favorable graduation rates, an abundance of financial assistance options, and fantastic programs taught by high-achieving faculty members.
Other top universities in New Mexico include Eastern New Mexico University, Northern New Mexico College, and New Mexico Highlands University.
How Many Universities Are in New Mexico?
There are 15 universities in New Mexico. Students interested in studying in New Mexico can choose from 15 excellent institutions when looking for the best university that suits their goals. Six of these fifteen schools are private institutions, while nine are public universities.
What Are the Biggest Universities in New Mexico?
The biggest universities in New Mexico are The University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and Eastern New Mexico University. The University of New Mexico has a \large student population of 22,311 students, with 16,209 currently enrolled in undergraduate programs.
Largest New Mexico Universities by Enrollment
- The University of New Mexico | 22,311
- New Mexico State University | 14,227
- Eastern New Mexico University | 5,266
- Western New Mexico University | 2,896
- New Mexico Highlands University | 2,777
New Mexico University Rankings: What Are the Top 10 Universities in New Mexico?
| Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology | Socorro | 55% |
| 2 | University of New Mexico | Albuquerque | 54% |
| 3 | New Mexico State University | Las Cruces | 50% |
| 4 | Eastern New Mexico University | Portales | 40% |
| 5 | Northern New Mexico College | Espanola | 36% |
| 6 | Western New Mexico University | Silver City | 29% |
| 7 | New Mexico Highlands University | Las Vegas | 27% |
| 8 | Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development | Santa Fe | 24% |
| 9 | University of the Southwest | Hobbs | 9% |
| 10 | Navajo Technical University | Crownpoint | 7% |
How We Defined New Mexico University Rankings
Our ranking of the 10 best New Mexico universities is based on the graduation rates of top schools in the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In coming up with our list of 10 New Mexico universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can reference in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in New Mexico, Explained
The best universities and colleges in New Mexico have excellent degree programs in various majors. The section below is a detailed breakdown of the top 10 universities in New Mexico with information about the school and its best programs. We have sourced all the details about the schools below from each university’s official website.
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New Mexico University Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a university in New Mexico are different depending on which university you choose to attend. Students will also have varying admission requirements depending on whether they are undergraduate or graduate students.
Your admission process will start with an application form and an application fee of between $25 and $60. Students interested in pursuing a degree at one of the best colleges in New Mexico need a high school diploma or GED. Students must submit college and high school transcripts.
ACT and SAT scores are typically not required, although most universities recommend students submit them. Some colleges in New Mexico require students to submit three recommendation letters written by colleagues or professors familiar with their work. Visit the school’s admission page to find out specific admission requirements for your degree program.
Admission Requirements for Universities in New Mexico
- Application form
- Application fee
- High school diploma or GED
- High school or college transcripts
- ACT or SAT scores (recommended)
- Recommendation letters
How to Apply to New Mexico Universities
The most common steps to applying to a university in New Mexico are completing an application form, paying an application fee, and submitting academic transcripts and other important documents. You may need to conduct a college interview with an academic advisor. Some schools ask for additional requirements such as recommendation letters and ACT or SAT scores. Contact your school to find out the requirements and specific admission steps.
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New Mexico Universities Admissions Process
- Fill out and submit an application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit academic transcripts from high school and college.
- Submit ACT or SAT scores which may not be a requirement but are recommended.
- Submit three recommendation letters.
- Attend a meeting with an academic advisor.
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Why Study in New Mexico?
You should study in New Mexico because it has a diverse population with different cultures, a reasonable cost of living, and a beautiful natural environment. The reasons for studying in New Mexico are endless. Let’s break down the three best reasons to pursue a degree at one of the best universities in New Mexico.
Cost of Living
New Mexico is an excellent place for students to study because it has a favorable cost of living. According to PayScale, the average cost of living in Albuquerque, New Mexico is five percent lower than the average national cost of living. Utility expenses are 15 percent lower than the national average. This percentage difference may seem small, but it is significant when looking at the bigger picture.
Natural Environment
New Mexico is a fantastic place to go to school if you are interested in completing an environmental science degree or any other related degree. Although New Mexico is considered a desert state, it has many mountainous areas with diverse environments perfect for students to do field research for an environmental degree.
Art and Culture
New Mexico has a diverse population with people from many different places. That means many different cultures create diverse art. Students can experience these different cultures at museums, exhibitions, historical sites, and even when walking around towns in New Mexico. It gives students many opportunities to learn about and enjoy different, interesting cultures.
More New Mexico University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in New Mexico?
Read this section below to learn about other best universities according to New Mexico university rankings. The detailed breakdown lists the best private, public, and state universities, and the best universities in New Mexico for international students. Continue reading to find out which university is the best fit for you.
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Top New Mexico Universities by Major
The detailed section below will discuss the top New Mexico universities according to specific subjects. Continue reading to find out the best three universities in New Mexico for business, engineering, computer science, nursing, and education degrees.
Tuition Costs for New Mexico Universities
Tuition costs for New Mexico universities vary greatly depending on university type, degree level, and whether you are from New Mexico or not. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition for in-state students at a public university is $16,193. However, out-of-state students pay an average of $19,181.
Your tuition costs will increase if you decide to attend a private university. The average tuition cost for students attending a private New Mexico university is $36,962. Although these tuition costs seem high, many universities can help you pay for your tuition with financial aid.
Most Affordable Universities in New Mexico
- Eastern New Mexico University | Tuition: $272/Credit. This university is the most affordable on the list of best universities in New Mexico. Out-of-state students will pay slightly more for their tuition. The cost of tuition for non-residents is $357 per credit hour. There are also additional costs for all students, such as books and supplies.
- Western New Mexico University | Tuition: $319/Credit. The cost of out-of-state tuition is $403 per credit for undergraduate students, while the cost of tuition for resident graduate students is $333. Out-of-state graduate students pay a tuition of $424.
- New Mexico State University | Tuition: $560/Credit. Out-of-state undergraduate tuition costs $1,269 per credit hour. Graduate tuition at this university is slightly more affordable at $412 per credit hour for resident students. Students will also need to pay additional fees for books, housing, and more.
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology | Tuition: $610/Credit. Studying at this university as a non-resident undergraduate student will cost $1,761 per credit hour. In-state graduate students need to pay $2,149 per credit hour.
- University of New Mexico | Tuition: $724/Credit. If you are an out-of-state undergraduate student at this university, you will pay $1,811 per credit. Total tuition costs will increase once you consider the additional fees for housing books and other expenses.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in New Mexico
Pursuing a degree at one of the best universities in New Mexico can be costly, and you may be wondering how to pay for grad school or undergraduate school. Universities in New Mexico have excellent financial aid options to help you pay for your tuition.
Colleges and the state award financial aid to students on a merit or needs basis, while other universities offer financial assistance to all students. Students can apply for grants, scholarships, work-study programs, assistantships, and loans. All universities have options available, so contact your school directly to find out what your specific options are.
Financial Aid for New Mexico Universities: A Summary
- Scholarships. A scholarship is an award given on a merit or need basis. It is a sum of money that goes toward a specific expense, such as your tuition. A school or private organization usually awards scholarships. You do not need to pay back a scholarship.
- Assistantships and Work-Study Programs. Graduate assistantships are programs for students to work as research or teaching assistants. They usually receive a tuition waiver or an amount of money. Work-study programs pay well, are available to all students, and are either state-funded or funded by the university.
- Federal and Private Loans. Loans are another way to pay for your college education, but a loan must be paid back with interest. Federal loans are provided by the government. You can apply for a federal loan when submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. A private company or organization provides a private loan.
- Grants. A grant is an award in the form of money given to students on a needs basis by a university or the government. Grants are usually paid toward specific costs such as tuition, housing, or books. Students need to meet the requirements to qualify for grants. Achieving a good GPA will ensure access to grants and other aid options.
New Mexico University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at New Mexico Universities?
- Be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Get accepted into a degree program at a university or college.
- Submit your FAFSA form.
- Have a valid social security number.
- Maintain reasonable academic progress while completing your degree.
Private New Mexico Universities With Good Financial Aid
- St. John’s College. Students at this university can apply for grants and scholarships on a need and merit basis. Other financial assistance options include student employment, private loans, institutional loans, and federal loans.
- Brookline College. While studying at Brookline College, students have many opportunities for financial assistance. Students can apply for federal aid, including grants, loans, and a work-study program. Other financial assistance options are private loans, state aid, institutional grants, and institutional scholarships.
- University of the Southwest. At this institution, students can apply for institutional and private scholarships, loans, federal grants, and state grants. Student employment is also an option if you want to make money while pursuing your degree. Student employment is funded by the state or federal government.
Universities in New Mexico That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- The University of New Mexico. If you are an out-of-state student at this university, you can apply for grants, work-study programs, scholarships, federal student aid, or loans.
- New Mexico State University. While studying at this university as an out-of-state student, you can apply for many different financial aid options. These options include federal loans, private loans, scholarships, tuition discounts, and work-study programs.
- Eastern New Mexico University. This university offers excellent financial aid assistance to out-of-state students. They can apply for tuition waivers, institutional scholarships, donor scholarships, and federal student aid.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for New Mexico State Universities
- Apply for admission into a degree program.
- Create an FSA ID on the website.
- Log in to FAFSA and complete the application form.
- Attach the required documents and submit your application.
- Create an account on your school’s website.
- Receive and review your financial aid report.
- Submit additional documents requested by your university.
- Review all financial aid awards on your school’s website.
- Formally accept your financial aid awards.
Demographics of Universities in New Mexico
There are many students from different backgrounds studying in New Mexico, so let’s look at the specific demographics of universities, below. Approximately 50 percent of students studying in New Mexico are Hispanic, and 31.7 percent are white students. Pacific Islanders only make up 0.2 percent of the student population in New Mexico. Read the detailed breakdown of demographics of New Mexico universities below.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in New Mexico
- White: 31.7%
- Black: 2.8%
- Hispanic: 50.6%
- Asian: 2.2%
- Pacific Islander: 0.2%
- Native American: 9.9%
- Two or More Races: 2.5%
New Mexico Employment Outlook for University Students
The employment outlook for university students in New Mexico is very promising. The unemployment rate in New Mexico has decreased by approximately one percent in five months. The unemployment rate decreased from 6.1 percent in October 2021 to 5.3 percent in March 2022.
Depending on your location in New Mexico, the unemployment rate will differ. Santa Fe currently has the lowest unemployment rate in New Mexico, with only four percent of its population unemployed. That means that students in Santa Fe have a higher chance of employment than students in Farmington, which has an unemployment rate of 5.4 percent.
5 In-Demand New Mexico Jobs
There are many different jobs available in New Mexico, and your interests will influence what kind of job you want. In-demand jobs in New Mexico include registered nurses, data scientists, and teachers. Let’s look at the five most in-demand jobs in New Mexico. We will break down job duties, job outlook, average salary, and degrees that can help you get each job.
Is a University in New Mexico Right for You?
Yes, a university in New Mexico is right for you if you are interested in learning about new cultures while studying. New Mexico has a diverse population with many interesting cultures and an affordable cost of living. New Mexico universities have many associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in various subjects from business administration to education.
One of the best universities in New Mexico will equip you with the essential skills needed for your dream job, whether you want to become a data analyst or an elementary teacher. If a university degree is not for you but you’re interested in completing job training, you can opt for a coding bootcamp.
A coding bootcamp is a learning program that is short-term and learning-intensive. Students can learn technical, job-specific skills in a short period and break into the tech industry with a high starting salary. Many reputable institutions can help you find the best coding bootcamps in Albuquerque or any other city in New Mexico.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Universities in New Mexico FAQ
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest paying job In New Mexico is a cardiologist. New Mexico Cardiologists earn an average salary of $360,990 per year.
Yes, there are many community colleges in New Mexico. A community college is an educational institution that accepts all applicants and offers mainly two-year degrees. Conduct an Internet search to find community colleges in New Mexico, such as Clovis Community College.
Yes, most universities in New Mexico offer certificate programs to undergraduate and graduate students. You can search on each university’s website to find out what specific certificate programs they offer.
It depends on what your career goals are. If you want to pursue a more advanced degree level, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you should attend a university because it offers these higher degree options and has more options for majors. If you intend to complete an associate degree, you should attend a community college.
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