Most Affordable Colleges in New Mexico 2025

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN NEW-MEXICO
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in New Mexico. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

Key Takeaways

  • The most affordable colleges in New Mexico offer some of the lowest in-state tuition rates in the country, often complemented by state-sponsored scholarships and grants, making higher education accessible and cost-effective for students.
  • Many of the most affordable colleges in New Mexico are designated Hispanic-Serving or Tribal Colleges, emphasizing cultural inclusivity and community-focused education, which enrich the learning experience.
  • The institutions in our ranking often emphasize hands-on learning, with programs tailored to regional industries like renewable energy, healthcare, and technology, preparing students for in-demand careers within the state.

Most Affordable Colleges in New Mexico in 2025

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

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the most affordable colleges in New Mexico saw a fair amount of movement. Eastern New Mexico University gained the third ranking position as the university is making significant strides with enhancements to its campus facilities and academic programs. Supported by over $16 million in state funding, the university is constructing a new Student Academic Support Services building and expanding its Advanced Center for Speech-Language Therapy and Audiology Training. ENMU has also been recognized by U.S. News and World Report for its improved ranking in social mobility, reflecting its commitment to supporting economically disadvantaged students.

Additionally, the university continues implementing its five-year project plan, including renovations to the Academic Services Building and infrastructure updates. These initiatives demonstrate ENMU’s dedication to fostering student success and modernizing its educational environment.

There are 8 colleges and universities in New Mexico with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in New Mexico is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

Most Affordable Colleges in New Mexico

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    University of New Mexico

    Albuquerque , NM
    #1 Best Research Universities in New Mexico 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in New Mexico 2025 #1 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 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 Best Research Universities in New Mexico 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in New Mexico 2025 #2 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #2 Best Public 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

    Eastern New Mexico University

    Portales , NM
    #1 Best Small Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #4 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 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
  4. #4

    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
  6. #5

    New Mexico Highlands University

    Las Vegas , NM
    #3 Best Small Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #6 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #6 Best Public 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
  7. #6

    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 #5 Best Public Colleges in New Mexico 2024

    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
  8. #7

    University of the Southwest

    Hobbs , NM
    #2 Best Private Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in New Mexico 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in New Mexico 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of the Southwest

    Cost of Degree: $16,670
    Starting Salary: $41,000
    What is University of the Southwest known for?

    University of the Southwest’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  9. #8

    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 #7 Best Public Colleges in New Mexico 2024

    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 Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Northern New Mexico College
  2. Western New Mexico University
  3. New Mexico Highlands University
  4. Eastern New Mexico University
  5. New Mexico State University
  6. University of New Mexico
  7. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
  8. University of the Southwest
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