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Western New Mexico University

Silver City, NM·Public·1,935 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 1,935 students.

N/A
Accept
1,935
Students
$7,912
Net Price
35%
Grad Rate
$35,800
Earnings
10 yr
$12,500
Debt

About This School

Western New Mexico University is a public institution located in Silver City, New Mexico with approximately 1,935 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $7,912 per year. The graduation rate is 35%, and the typical graduate earns $35,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

Western New Mexico University is a public university in Silver City, New Mexico, United States. It was founded in 1893.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $7,912/year net price and $12,500 in median debt, this is one of the most affordable college options you'll find, which matters. However, the 35% graduation rate and 54% freshman retention rate are serious red flags — more than half of students who start here don't finish or leave after year one — and median earnings of $35,800 a decade out suggest limited financial upside even for graduates. Worth considering only if you have a specific program reason to be here and a clear plan to be among the students who actually finish.

Founded
1893
Setting
Remote town

Popular Programs

Education14%
Business & Marketing13%
Health Professions9%
Psychology4%
Biological Sciences2%
Visual & Performing Arts1%
English1%
Physical Sciences1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Tammie Jo Shults

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,868
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,354
Avg Net Price
$7,912
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants42%
Median debt at graduation$12,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
35%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
54%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$35,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$29,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$35,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.9x

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

White26%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino57%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,935 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Western New Mexico University

1000 W. College Ave

Silver City, NM 88061

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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