Best Colleges in New Mexico

Based in Albuquerque, the University of New Mexico enrolls over 24,000 students in comprehensive academic programs. First-year candidates must submit an official application, high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. To enroll as a transfer student, applicants need at least 24 college credits earned with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Graduate criteria vary by program, but generally include an accredited bachelor's degree completed with a minimum 3.0 GPA. UNM bases its tuition on residency status but offers discounts to non-residents with high academic performance.

Bachelor's candidates pick from majors like construction engineering, music education, film and digital arts, and anthropology. Learners can enroll in a business administration program that comes with 13 concentration options, including organizational leadership and human resource management. UNM also delivers a Native American studies degree that emphasizes education planning and community building.

At the graduate level, programs include master's tracks in public health, applied behavior analysis, and special education. UNM also offers flexible distance education options through Blackboard Learn.

New Mexico State University was founded in 1888, making it the oldest public higher education institution in the state. NMSU serves roughly 22,000 students from its flagship campus in Las Cruces and across four satellite locations. First-time admission requirements include a minimum 2.75 GPA and adequate ACT/SAT results. Transfer applicants need at least 30 credits earned with a minimum 2.0 GPA. The university offers a variety of financial aid opportunities, like the President's Associates Excellence Scholarship for high-achieving in-state students.

NMSU delivers more than 175 undergraduate and graduate programs. Bachelor's degrees include horticulture, fashion merchandising and design, engineering technology, and agricultural biology. Students may also pursue a bachelor of computer science, focusing their studies on areas like cybersecurity and software development.

Graduate students can enroll in traditional master's programs in criminal justice, molecular biology, and public administration. Alternatively, they may pursue online education delivered by Canvas, with 14 graduate options available, including nursing administration and social work.

Eastern New Mexico University is as the largest regional, comprehensive, postsecondary school in the state. The institution enrolls about 5,700 students in more than 60 associate, bachelor's, and master's programs. Learners can earn their credentials through traditional campus-based tracks or flexible evening and online classes. ENMU delivers distance education through Blackboard.

The school's academic catalog contains associate tracks in psychology, agriculture, and culinary arts. Undecided students can enroll in a general studies track, completing their core requirements before pursuing transfer. Bachelor's candidates pick from programs like sports and recreation management, financial planning, and cultural anthropology. They may also earn a forensic science degree, which comes with three concentration options. Graduate programs center on education, with master's degrees available in pedagogy and educational technology.

To enroll as a first-year undergraduate, applicants must submit an official form, academic transcripts, and ACT/SAT scores. ENMU charges tuition based on legal residence. Financial aid opportunities include RaiseMe micro-scholarships for out-of-state students who do not live within 135 miles of Portales.

Eastern New Mexico University is as the largest regional, comprehensive, postsecondary school in the state. The institution enrolls about 5,700 students in more than 60 associate, bachelor's, and master's programs. Learners can earn their credentials through traditional campus-based tracks or flexible evening and online classes. ENMU delivers distance education through Blackboard.

The school's academic catalog contains associate tracks in psychology, agriculture, and culinary arts. Undecided students can enroll in a general studies track, completing their core requirements before pursuing transfer. Bachelor's candidates pick from programs like sports and recreation management, financial planning, and cultural anthropology. They may also earn a forensic science degree, which comes with three concentration options. Graduate programs center on education, with master's degrees available in pedagogy and educational technology.

To enroll as a first-year undergraduate, applicants must submit an official form, academic transcripts, and ACT/SAT scores. ENMU charges tuition based on legal residence. Financial aid opportunities include RaiseMe micro-scholarships for out-of-state students who do not live within 135 miles of Portales.

Northern New Mexico College was established as a teacher training school in 1909. Today, the institution serves about 1,100 students, most of whom come from rural communities surrounding Espanola. Prospective first-year learners need to submit ACT, SAT, or COMPASS test scores. On top of traditional academics, Northern offers dual-credit coursework that helps local high school juniors and seniors jumpstart their college education. The college also delivers online learning opportunities through Blackboard.

For candidates interested in practical career training, Northern offers technical certificates in areas like radiation protection and administrative assistant. Associate programs consist of allied health, renewable energy, and crime and justice studies. Learners can also enroll in a two-year nursing program, which prepares them to work as registered nurses.

Active RNs may earn a bachelor's degree by enrolling in an accelerated program that emphasizes holistic and relationship-centered care. Additional baccalaureate offerings include biology, environmental science, and education. Northern also oversees a bachelor of business administration program that is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Business Schools and Programs.