New Mexico State University
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 11,946 students.
About This School
New Mexico State University is a public institution located in Las Cruces, New Mexico with approximately 11,946 undergraduate students enrolled. New Mexico State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 89%. The average net price after financial aid is $8,889 per year. The graduation rate is 55%, 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.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 26% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (11,946 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in New Mexico
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM · Public
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM · Public
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana
Las Cruces, NM · Public
San Juan College
Farmington, NM · Public
Santa Fe Community College
Santa Fe, NM · Public
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, NM · Public
Sources & Methodology
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.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- 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.
All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.