Best Online Colleges in New Mexico

Danika Miller
By
Updated on October 2, 2024
The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed top online colleges in New Mexico. Start planning your future at BestColleges.

Known for its scenic vistas and wide-open spaces, New Mexico ranks among the least densely populated states in the country, meaning residents might not always find themselves within convenient distance of a college or university. Fortunately, online education offers students the chance to earn a degree no matter where they reside, often without ever having to visit a college campus.

This ranking highlights five of the best online colleges in New Mexico, offering a general overview. Below, you can find information on each school’s academic offerings, online features, and other unique resources.

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Best Online Colleges in New Mexico

Online learning differs from campus learning in several ways, offering many advantages along with some special challenges. Many students — especially those who work full time — appreciate online courses for their convenience and flexibility. Online programs often require no campus visits and no set class times, making it easier to complete work when it best suits your schedule. Additionally, some schools offer a reduced online tuition rate for out-of-state learners, and distance learning can cut down on other expenses, like transportation.

While online learning works well for many students, its added flexibility comes with added responsibility. Online students must typically work with less faculty supervision, completing their assignments independently without the aid of weekly class meetings or face-to-face collaboration. However, online learning can be an excellent fit for self-motivated, focused students.

College graduates in New Mexico face an unemployment rate more than 1% above the national average (4.8% as of November 2019). However, the state’s cost of living ranks well below the national average, with particularly low housing costs. In terms of employment, New Mexico is home to a varied economy that includes growing sectors like healthcare, retail and service, and education, along with a long-established energy sector that offers jobs related to mining, oil, and natural gas extraction.

#1 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico

Eastern New Mexico University

  • Location-markerPortales, NM
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,194
  • Out-of-state$6,174
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,454
  • Out-of-state$7,227
  • Retention Rate62%
  • Acceptance Rate28%
  • Students Enrolled5,106
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment84%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico

University of New Mexico

  • Location-markerAlbuquerque, NM
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,504
  • Out-of-state$25,139
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,287
  • Out-of-state$20,442
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled22,389
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment56%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico

New Mexico State University

  • Location-markerLas Cruces, NM
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,728
  • Out-of-state$25,055
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,184
  • Out-of-state$18,023
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate76%
  • Students Enrolled14,779
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment70%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico

Western New Mexico University

  • Location-markerSilver City, NM
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,770
  • Out-of-state$11,400
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$3,843
  • Out-of-state$8,730
  • Retention Rate62%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled3,378
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment75%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico

New Mexico Highlands University

  • Location-markerLas Vegas, NM
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,782
  • Out-of-state$9,630
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,478
  • Out-of-state$10,086
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance Rate95%
  • Students Enrolled2,815
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment79%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-check How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2022. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

Click here to see the best campus colleges in New Mexico.

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