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New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, NM·Public·11,561 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families who need the lowest possible cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 11,561 students.

76%
Accept
11,561
Students
$6,747
Net Price
52%
Grad Rate
$40,300
Earnings
10 yr
$10,250
Debt

About This School

New Mexico State University is a public institution located in Las Cruces, New Mexico with approximately 11,561 undergraduate students enrolled. New Mexico State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 76%. The average net price after financial aid is $6,747 per year. The graduation rate is 52%, and the typical graduate earns $40,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

New Mexico State University is a public, land-grant, research university in University Park, New Mexico, United States, in the Las Cruces area. Founded in 1888, it is the state's oldest public institution of higher education, and was the original land-grant university in the region. NMSU is a university system, with its main campus in Las Cruces and satellite campuses in Alamogordo, Doña Ana County, and Grants. Through the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service, it has centers or programs in all 33 counties in the state.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $6,747/year after aid and only $10,250 in median debt at graduation, this is one of the most affordable paths to a degree you'll find anywhere in the country. However, the 52% graduation rate is a real concern — only about half of students who start here finish, which means you'll want to be honest with yourself about support systems and staying on track. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious, drawn to its strong agricultural or engineering programs, or rooted in the Southwest, but go in with a plan.

Founded
1888
Setting
Midsize suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing14%
Engineering13%
Health Professions12%
Education6%
Biological Sciences5%
Psychology4%
Computer Science4%
Social Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Roosevelt SkerritJaron LanierPascal SiakamAlan HalePaul Carpenter StandleySam LaceySteve PearceAlvy Ray SmithSim BhullarRandy BrownEarl CallowayJohn Williamson

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1004
Reading 75th %ile560
Math 75th %ile550

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite20

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,147
Out-of-State Tuition
$25,271
Avg Net Price
$6,747
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants40%
Median debt at graduation$10,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
52%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
75%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$10,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$10,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$29,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.9x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White25%
Black2%
Hispanic/Latino63%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (11,561 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

New Mexico State University

2850 Weddell Street

Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New Mexico

Browse all New Mexico schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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