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New Mexico is a southwestern state surrounded by Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Texas, and Mexico. The state of New Mexico is the 36th most populated state in the country yet the 5th largest by land mass with over 121,000 square miles. In an economy that relies upon oil, farming, ranching, mining, and retail operations the public college system is critical component to the commerce of the state. Top ranked public colleges in New Mexico include the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, and Eastern New Mexico University.

2024 Best Public Colleges in New Mexico

University of New Mexico (UNM) is a public research university located along old Route 66 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Situated on a 600-acre campus surrounded by mountains and mesas, the Pueblo Revival architecture of UNM's buildings is a cultural reflection of the neighboring Pueblo communities.

UNM offers more than 200 academic degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.  The university also offers professional degree and certificate programs, and a unique Evening and Weekend Degree Program that allows working students to complete degrees at non-traditional hours that fit around their busy schedules. Distance education is available through many online courses and programs.

UNM has several programs that rank high according to national reports, including its Rural Medicine, Family and Community Medicine, and Nursing/Midwifery programs. The Photography program at UNM is ranked second in the nation. UNM also has top-ranking research units, with its Cancer Center, Center for High Technology Materials, and Environmental Law and Policy programs receiving high marks for outstanding research. The university's Health Sciences Center is the largest integrated health care treatment, education and research organization in New Mexico.

According to Hispanic Magazine, UNM is ranked among the top 25 colleges and universities in the nation for Latinos. In rankings listed in other publications targeted to the Latino population, the university's Law School, School of Engineering, and School of Medicine earn high marks.

The faculty at UNM is highly acclaimed, with many professors regularly earning awards for their work or being quoted in the media.  Among the UNM faculty are a Nobel Laureate, Fulbright scholars, MacArthur Fellows and members of prestigious academies.

History

The University of New Mexico was founded in 1889.

Academics

The academic calendar of the University of New Mexico follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters.

Colleges and Schools 

  • Anderson School of Management
  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • College of Education
  • College of Fine Arts
  • College of Nursing
  • College of Pharmacy
  • School of Architecture and Planning
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Law
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Public Administration
  • University College

Student Life

There are many "Lobo" student organizations and clubs available at the University of New Mexico for students who want to become more engaged and involved on campus. There are local chapters of national fraternities and sororities, as well as ROTC offices for the Army, Navy and Air Force. There is also a College Enrichment Program (CEP) that provides leadership and coordination of student support services and activities. All CEP activities are designed to enrich student achievement and social development.

In addition to the many groups, support services and activities available to students on the UNM campus, there are many campus venues and sites to enjoy. The Campus Arboretum is nationally recognized for its beauty, and the Duck Pond is a popular outdoor attraction on campus. UNM has two art galleries, four museums, and three campus venues for performing arts and entertainment.  The UNM Performing Arts Department produces "Shakespeare on the Rail," which presents Shakespearean plays on the local metro rail to introduce new audiences to Shakespeare's works.  The University Arena has been ranked one of the top sports venues in the nation, and draws many fans to the UNM "Lobos" sports events.

UNM offers many residence halls for on campus living, as well as a variety of dining services.

Traditions

The UNM mascot is the wolf, or "Lobo," and the school's athletic teams are called the "Lobos."

Athletics 

The New Mexico "Lobos" athletic teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Skiing
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Skiing
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming and Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its main campus in Albuquerque, UNM offers graduate and upper division courses in Santa Fe. It also has several branch campuses (satellite campuses) in New Mexico:

  • Gallup Campus
  • Los Alamos Campus
  • Taos Campus
  • Valencia County Campus
Community Life

The main campus of UNM is in Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city with a population of 700,000. Albuquerque is a culturally diverse city surrounded by natural beauty and offers many outdoor activities and entertainment. Locals enjoy 310 days of sunshine per year. Albuquerque is one of the top 15 hot job centers in the U.S., partly for its focus on high-tech companies and businesses.  The Rio Grande winds through the area, and is bordered by many biking and hiking trails.  The many lakes in the area offer fishing, boating and water skiing.

Enrollment

24,319

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is a public institution located in Socorro, NM and provides a large number of degree programs for students. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled yearly at New Mexico Tech. Areas of study available at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology include but are not limited to:

  • Engineering
  • Education
  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences
  • Computer And Information Sciences
  • Physical Sciences
  • Liberal Arts And Sciences
To be considered for admissions, students may be required to fill out an application, write a personal statement, and submit school transcripts, which are then studied by the admissions office. Either the SAT or ACT exam must be taken in order to be able to apply to this school. Scores between 23 to 28 on the ACT or 1110 to 1340 on the SAT are needed to greatly increase the chance of acceptance. Approximately 70% of all applicant were accepted at this school, with 75% of those accepted choosing to enroll.  More information on admissions can be found here. Tuition & fees at New Mexico Tech are different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state tuition costs around $5,800 per year with out-of-state tuition costing $17,000 per year. Housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is around $3,000. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans. Students can take a look at the school's primary web portal at www.nmt.edu to see additional information about the school's academic offerings and student qualifications.

Enrollment

1,895

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

NMSU provides a variety of program options for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico and publically funded. As a land grant institution this school is one of the larger public institutions in the state of New Mexico. Around nineteen thousand students enroll at NMSU per year.

Areas of study offered at NMSU include but are not limited to:

  • Education
  • Security And Protective Services
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Liberal Arts And Sciences
  • Business And Marketing Studies

Students applying for admission are usually asked to submit an application, school records, test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by the school. A SAT or ACT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores between 1230 to 1590 on the SAT and between 18 to 24 for the ACT exam is common among students admitted to this school. 80% of those students that apply are admitted to this school, of which 37 percent choose to enroll. More information from the admissions office can be found at prospective.nmsu.edu.

The tuition at New Mexico State University varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay around $6,400 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $20,000 for the year. The price of on-campus housing is about $4,200 per year. Students enrolled at NMSU may be eligible for aid which is generally grants and loans.

The mascot for New Mexico State University is the "Aggies", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through the oversight and organization of the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division I-A)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division I-A)

Enrollment

14,289

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

New Mexico Military Institute, NMMI, is found in the southwest New Mexico region and was founded back in the year 1891. The institute is divided into three main sections; preparatory high school, junior college and military college which all offer training in preparation to become cadets. It is thus a highly selective institution in terms of student admissions. The academic and training processes are very thorough in order to produce high-quality graduates who will be able to deliver when taken to the field of work. Some of the courses and trainings offered include Military Science, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps ROTC, Business Law, Microbiology and Computer Graphic Design. The Military Institute also offers advanced career guidance in order to provide the cadets with more choices in the future. Physical fitness programs are also available for individual cadets as well as those who choose to join athletic teams.  NMMI is proud to have some of the finest facilities in the state. Individuals who are interested in attending are encouraged to timely submit an application for a chance to become a student at NMMI. One can access their home page at www.nmmi.edu to learn more about financial aid qualifications, tuition, degree programs and much more.

Enrollment

412

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus is a public institution that has a large number of degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Portales, New Mexico, in a predominantly rural area. ENMU has an annual student enrollment of approximately five thousand.

Areas of study offered at Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus include:

  • Education
  • Liberal Arts And Sciences
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Communications And Journalism

The admissions process will include the submission of an application, transcripts, and test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions office. Very common standardized test scores among applicants admitted to ENMU are within the range of 17 to 23 on the ACT, or 830 to 1100 on the SAT exam. This school has an acceptance rate of about 63 percent of which only 50 percent decided to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found at enmu.edu.

Tuition & fees at ENMU are different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state tuition costs around $4,600 per year and out-of-state tuition costing $11,000 per year. The cost of on-campus housing is about $3,100 annually. ENMU may offer financial aid for students who are eligible as loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

ENMU has a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Available sports offered may include but not limited to:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
  • Football (NCAA Division II)

Students can visit the school's http://www.enmu.edu to view additional information.

Enrollment

6,005

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Western New Mexico University is a public institution located in Silver City, NM and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. Approximately 3,500 students are enrolled annually at Western New Mexico University. Areas of study offered at Western New Mexico University include:

  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Security And Protective Services
  • Engineering Technology
  • Education
  • Health And Clinical Professions
The school maintains an open enrollment policy, admitting any students that meet the basic requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts, test scores, and admissions essays may be needed for certain programs.  Detailed information on admissions can be found by calling WNMU or by completing the form on this page. Tuition & fees at this school are different for in-state and out-of-state residents. In-state tuition costs close to $4,400 per year with out-of-state tuition costing $15,000 for the year. Housing is available for students, which costs about $4,900 each year. Students enrolled at this school may qualify for aid which is generally scholarships, grants, and loans. The Western New Mexico University "Mustangs" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NCAA. Sports available may include the following:
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Football (NCAA Division II)
  • Golf (NCAA Division II)
  • Softball (NCAA Division II)
For a complete list of academic programs offered, enrollment information, admissions information, and more, please visit the school's website at wnmu.edu.

Enrollment

3,248

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture is a public institution located in Santa Fe, NM and provides a large number of program options for students. As a tribal college, the school's primary function is to serve residents of the reservation and to provide postsecondary educational options for its residents. The lower student/teacher ratio and access to teachers is due primarily to the small student body, nearly 300 students, maintained by Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture. Students may choose from a few areas of study, including but not limited to:

  • Fine Studio Arts
  • Native American Studies
  • Design and Visual Communications
  • Business Administration
The school maintains an open enrollment policy, accepting all students that meet the requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts, records, test scores, and admissions essays may be required for certain programs. More information regarding admissions can be found via the school's primary web portal. Undergraduate tuition is approximately $3,400 annually, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students may visit the school's net price calculator to see the personalize cost of attendance. School housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is estimated to be $3,000. Students at this school may be eligible for aid which is usually grants and loans. Contact information, financial aid information, areas of study offered, and more may be accessed on school's website at iaia.edu or simply request information via our page.

Enrollment

589

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

New Mexico Highlands University, a public institution, offers an assortment of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Las Vegas, NM, the school resides in a rural setting for students to study in. Approximately three thousand students are enrolled per year at NMHU. Students may select from a few areas of study, including:

  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Education
  • Social Sciences
  • Security And Protective Services
The school maintains an open enrollment policy, accepting all applicants that meet the basic requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendations may be requested for certain programs. The tuition at this school varies based on the state of residence of the student. In-state residents pay nearly $3,600 per year, while out-of-state residents are charged $5,900 for the year. The cost of on-campus housing is estimated to be $4,900 annually. Some students at NMHU may be eligible for financial aid, which is generally offered as scholarships, grants, and loans. The New Mexico Highlands University "Cowboys" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NCAA. Athletic programs available include:
  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
  • Football (NCAA Division II)
Prospective students may visit the New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) website to see a complete list of areas of study, financial aid details, and more.

Enrollment

3,037

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

New Mexico State University Degree Programs

Public universities are higher education institutions that accept public funds to help fund its operations. New Mexico public universities can be found from Portales to Albuquerque and from Silver City to Las Cruces. Graduate students and undergraduate students will have access to top-tier learning opportunities in a variety of general domains along with regionally-influenced majors. Popular college majors include tracks such as teaching, business administration, history, criminal justice, and project management. Specialty majors and regionally influenced degrees include retail management, cartography, archaeology, Native American studies, water resources science, construction management, and CNC machining. The combination of specialty degrees and popular majors help lead to a productive, competent workforce in the greater New Mexico region.

Resources for New Mexico Students

If you are not sure where to start your college search, read our guides Crush the Odds and Your College Admissions Resource today to establish your starting point. After reading our guides, utilize MatchCollege to locate college majors and universities that fit your individual criteria. Get motivated, stay focused, and believe you can make a difference with a solid education.

-2

The 6 schools listed below are part of the -2 system. By following the links below, you can view each school's profile in detail.

Institution Name Number Students Information Virtual Tour
Dona Ana Community College in Crownpoint, NM1,000 to 4,999info
New Mexico Highlands University in Santa Fe, NMLess Than 1,000info
New Mexico Junior College in Las Vegas, NM1,000 to 4,999info
San Juan College in Espanola, NM1,000 to 4,999info
University of New Mexico - Los Alamos Campus in Socorro, NM1,000 to 4,999info
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in Silver City, NM1,000 to 4,999info

Other Public 4-Year State Universities & Colleges

Below is a list of other 4-year state universities and colleges in New Mexico.

Institution Name Number Students Information Virtual Tour
Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell Campus in Portales, NM5,000 to 9,999info
University of New Mexico - Valencia Campus in Las Cruces, NM10,000 to 19,999info
New Mexico State University - Alamogordo in Albuquerque, NMMore Than 20,000info

Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both New Mexico in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

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