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Top Colleges in New Mexico

Written by Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

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Updated: April 17th, 2024

New Mexico is well-known for its natural beauty, but did you know it’s also a great destination for higher education? Over 100,000 students study in the state every year. Public options like New Mexico State and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology offer steep tuition discount to in-state students. Compare some of the best New Mexico colleges below and find the match for you:

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9 colleges
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New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM • Public, Town

Socorro, NM

Public, Town

97% acceptance rate
1,201 undergraduate students
55% graduation rate
$11,364 average per year after aid
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University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, NM • Public, City

Albuquerque, NM

Public, City

97% acceptance rate
15,092 undergraduate students
54% graduation rate
$15,070 average per year after aid
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New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Las Cruces, NM • Public, Suburb

Las Cruces, NM

Public, Suburb

57% acceptance rate
10,674 undergraduate students
50% graduation rate
$9,979 average per year after aid
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Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

Portales, NM • Public, Town

Portales, NM

Public, Town

33% acceptance rate
2,861 undergraduate students
40% graduation rate
$4,994 average per year after aid
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St. John's College

Santa Fe, NM • Private, Non-Profit, Rural

Santa Fe, NM

Private, Non-Profit, Rural

63% acceptance rate
368 undergraduate students
72% graduation rate
$40,106 average per year after aid
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Northern New Mexico College

Espanola, NM • Public, Town

Espanola, NM

Public, Town

--% acceptance rate
876 undergraduate students
36% graduation rate
$9,158 average per year after aid
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New Mexico Highlands University

Las Vegas, NM • Public, Town

Las Vegas, NM

Public, Town

--% acceptance rate
1,451 undergraduate students
27% graduation rate
$12,305 average per year after aid
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Western New Mexico University

Silver City, NM • Public, Town

Silver City, NM

Public, Town

--% acceptance rate
1,528 undergraduate students
29% graduation rate
$14,023 average per year after aid
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University of the Southwest

Hobbs, NM • Private, Non-Profit, Rural

Hobbs, NM

Private, Non-Profit, Rural

--% acceptance rate
414 undergraduate students
9% graduation rate
$18,189 average per year after aid
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About the Data

We sort colleges on our lists according to their Scholarships360 Top Colleges Index Score. This score is calculated using up-to-date information taken directly from the College Scorecard. Additional information is sourced from the colleges themselves, as well as other publicly available information. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

State grants in New Mexico

New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship: 

The New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship is a program that gives New Mexico residents the opportunity to attend college free of tuition costs. The eligibility for this scholarship is based on the student’s college GPA, and in order to apply students must be attending a public New Mexico post-secondary institution full-time. 

Student Incentive Grant Program:

The Student Incentive Grant Program is eligible to certain New Mexico students who demonstrate financial need and plan on attending a New Mexico public college or university or tribal college. Students are able to renew this grant annually through their post-secondary institution. 

New Mexico tuition reciprocity agreements

Tuition Reciprocity allows students to receive tuition discounts by going to school in partner states, typically states in the same region. New Mexico is included in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). 

The states included in the WUE are as follows: 

Other college lists to explore

Frequently asked questions about colleges in New Mexico

What is the hardest college in New Mexico to get into?

The college with the lowest acceptance rate in New Mexico is Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus, with only 33% of students being accepted. It’s important to remember though that a lower acceptance rate doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a better school. Instead of picking a school based on lower acceptance rates, look into your school programs and figure out what you value most when it comes to your education.

Does Colorado have tuition reciprocity?

 Yes! New Mexico students have the opportunity to receive tuition discounts when going to other schools in partner states of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE).

Why should I study in New Mexico?

New Mexico is a place where you’ll be able to learn the history of the Pueblo people, as well as the unique flora and fauna of the state. It’s also home to the other worldly White Sands National Park. There are also many public universities in New Mexico, which typically means a lower cost of tuition when compared to private schools. Overall, there’s a good mix of educational opportunities, and you’ll be able  to experience a culturally and environmentally diverse community while studying in New Mexico.
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