Best Public Colleges in New Mexico 2024

Badge for BEST IN NEW MEXICO PUBLIC COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in New Mexico provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Best Public Colleges in New Mexico

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  1. University of New Mexico
  2. New Mexico State University
  3. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
  4. Eastern New Mexico University
  5. Western New Mexico University
  6. New Mexico Highlands University
  7. Northern New Mexico College
  1. University of New Mexico
  2. New Mexico State University
  3. Eastern New Mexico University
  4. New Mexico Highlands University
  5. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
  6. Western New Mexico University
  7. Northern New Mexico College
  1. University of New Mexico 96%
  2. New Mexico State University 78%
  3. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology 74%
  4. Eastern New Mexico University 28%
  1. University of New Mexico 17 to 1
  2. New Mexico State University 16 to 1
  3. Eastern New Mexico University 16 to 1
  4. Northern New Mexico College 12 to 1
  5. Western New Mexico University 11 to 1
  6. New Mexico Highlands University 10 to 1
  7. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology 9 to 1
  1. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology $7,664
  2. University of New Mexico $6,803
  3. New Mexico State University $6,283
  4. Northern New Mexico College $5,064
  5. New Mexico Highlands University $4,782
  6. Western New Mexico University $4,770
  7. Eastern New Mexico University $4,194
  1. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology $8,005
  2. University of New Mexico $6,287
  3. Eastern New Mexico University $5,454
  4. New Mexico State University $5,184
  5. New Mexico Highlands University $4,109
  6. Western New Mexico University $3,843
  7. Northern New Mexico College $3,798
  1. Northern New Mexico College
  2. New Mexico Highlands University
  3. Western New Mexico University
  4. Eastern New Mexico University
  5. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
  6. New Mexico State University
  7. University of New Mexico
  1. Northern New Mexico College
  2. Western New Mexico University
  3. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
  4. New Mexico Highlands University
  5. Eastern New Mexico University
  6. New Mexico State University
  7. University of New Mexico
  1. Eastern New Mexico University 28%
  2. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology 74%
  3. New Mexico State University 78%
  4. University of New Mexico 96%
  1. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology 9 to 1
  2. New Mexico Highlands University 10 to 1
  3. Western New Mexico University 11 to 1
  4. Northern New Mexico College 12 to 1
  5. New Mexico State University 16 to 1
  6. Eastern New Mexico University 16 to 1
  7. University of New Mexico 17 to 1
  1. Eastern New Mexico University $4,194
  2. Western New Mexico University $4,770
  3. New Mexico Highlands University $4,782
  4. Northern New Mexico College $5,064
  5. New Mexico State University $6,283
  6. University of New Mexico $6,803
  7. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology $7,664
  1. Northern New Mexico College $3,798
  2. Western New Mexico University $3,843
  3. New Mexico Highlands University $4,109
  4. New Mexico State University $5,184
  5. Eastern New Mexico University $5,454
  6. University of New Mexico $6,287
  7. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology $8,005

Colleges and Universities in New Mexico

New Mexico has 23 higher learning establishments to choose from, and a tuition range of $1,000-$8,000 in the public sphere makes this state one of the most affordable in the nation. The University of New Mexico, located in Albuquerque, has a student population just over 20,000 and an affordable cost of $8,000. The school is known for its health sciences and business programs.

New Mexico also has four tribal colleges and universities, including the largest tribal college in the country, Navajo Technical University. Students can complete programs in animal science, early childhood multicultural education, and industrial engineering. In addition, New Mexico provides two loan forgiveness programs, one for health professionals and one for public service attorneys. Those working in designated shortage areas can qualify for up to $25,000 per year, and attorneys providing service for government, non-profit, or underserved residents may acquire $7,200 per year.

Pueblos, roadrunners, cacti, and the Rio Grande make New Mexico one of the most unique states in the nation. Though its alleged history of UFO sightings is perhaps its most famous draw, New Mexico has another fascinating monument worth mentioning - Capulin Volcano. The peak of this extinct cider cone volcano, which can be reached by car, offers visitors a view of four other states. Students looking to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in The Land of Enchantment are sure to find interesting activities to do alongside their studies.

Prepare to be enchanted by the higher education options and career prospects that New Mexico has to offer.

What are New Mexico’s Colleges & Universities?

New Mexico’s Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

New Mexico's Best Public Colleges Badge
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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 7 public universities in New Mexico. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in New Mexico, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in New Mexico 2023

  1. #1

    University of New Mexico

    Albuquerque , NM
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in New Mexico 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in New Mexico 2025 #1 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of New Mexico

    Cost of Degree: $8,115
    Expenses: $17,920
    Starting Salary: $43,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of New Mexico known for?

    University of New Mexico’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    New Mexico State University

    Las Cruces , NM
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in New Mexico 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in New Mexico 2025 #2 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/20

    Career Outlook for degree at New Mexico State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,147
    Expenses: $17,964
    Starting Salary: $40,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New Mexico State University known for?

    New Mexico State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

    Socorro , NM
    #16 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #2 Best Small Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in New Mexico 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

    Cost of Degree: $9,058
    Expenses: $16,142
    Starting Salary: $58,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology known for?

    New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Eastern New Mexico University

    Portales , NM
    #1 Best Small Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #4 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    28%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern New Mexico University

    Cost of Degree: $6,738
    Expenses: $14,178
    Starting Salary: $34,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Eastern New Mexico University known for?

    Eastern New Mexico University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Western New Mexico University

    Silver City , NM
    #4 Best Small Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #5 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in New Mexico 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Western New Mexico University

    Cost of Degree: $7,868
    Expenses: $16,828
    Starting Salary: $35,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Western New Mexico University known for?

    Western New Mexico University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    New Mexico Highlands University

    Las Vegas , NM
    #3 Best Small Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #6 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at New Mexico Highlands University

    Cost of Degree: $7,260
    Expenses: $14,786
    Starting Salary: $37,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New Mexico Highlands University known for?

    New Mexico Highlands University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Northern New Mexico College

    Espanola , NM
    #6 Best Small Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #7 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in New Mexico 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Northern New Mexico College

    Cost of Degree: $5,064
    Starting Salary: $30,000
    What is Northern New Mexico College known for?

    Northern New Mexico College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
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New Mexico’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. University of New Mexico
  2. New Mexico State University
  3. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
  4. Eastern New Mexico University
  5. New Mexico Highlands University
  6. Western New Mexico University
  7. Northern New Mexico College

Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.

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