Best Online Master’s Programs in New Mexico 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN NEW MEXICO
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • The best return on investment from an online master’s degree will come from getting hired in one of New Mexico’s fastest growing industries, such as business services or education.
  • New Mexico has 8 online colleges and universities that offer master’s degrees that can be completed entirely online.
  • Many of the online colleges in New Mexico offer tuition that is much lower than the national average, making New Mexico an affordable state to consider for online master’s programs.

Top Online Master's Programs in New Mexico in 2025

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

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 last ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top three schools maintained their respective ranking positions. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology gained four ranking positions, while Western New Mexico University and the University of the Southwest both lost two ranking positions.

Featured Programs

Best Online Master’s Program in New Mexico

  1. #1

    University of New Mexico

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

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of New Mexico

    Cost of Degree: $7,363
    Expenses: $16,612
    Starting Salary: $43,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    As one of the largest and most promising online colleges in New Mexico, the University of New Mexico offers many opportunities for online learning. Online students with bachelor’s degrees have several options for continuing their education at UNM. They can pursue online master’s degrees while pursuing stackable certificates to boost their abilities and resumes.

    UNM’s online programs can be completed fully online (for more flexibility) or in a hybrid learning format (for more face-to-face interaction). Online learners can access several on-campus and online student services dedicated to helping them succeed in their studies and careers. They can use the university’s academic advising, writing centers, tech support, and career services.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Chicana and Chicano Studies
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Civil Engineering
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Computer Engineering - Internet of Things
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Cybersecurity and Business Analytics
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Construction Management
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Learning Officer Concentration
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Music Education
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Nursing Administration
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Nursing Education
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Physical Education: Curriculum and Instruction
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Project Management
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Secondary Education
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Space Systems Engineering
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    New Mexico State University

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

    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: $6,192
    Expenses: $16,772
    Starting Salary: $40,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    New Mexico State University offers several online programs through its distance learning platform, including programs at the graduate level. NMSU’s online learning opportunities are one of the best online colleges due to its flexibility and affordability. This university is particularly popular with in-state students seeking degrees in education, healthcare, and criminal justice.

    With over 500 online courses, NMSU has a big presence in online education. Online students benefit from the university’s low-cost and free student support services, including academic advising, online tutoring, and networking and career planning.

    Online Master's Degrees

    MS in Electrical Engineering
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Industrial Engineering
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Family and Consumer Sciences

    Concentrations

    • Hotel
    • Restaurant and Tourism Management
    • Teaching - Research and Administration
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Clinical Psychopharmacology
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Early Childhood Education

    Concentrations

    • Master + Licensure
    • Scholarly Master
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Educational Administration

    Concentrations

    • Higher Education
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Educational Learning Technologies
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Education: Language, Literacy, and Culture
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Social Work
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Nursing Administration
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Public Health
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Sociology
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Eastern New Mexico University

    Portales , NM
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #4 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $5,454
    Expenses: $13,902
    Starting Salary: $34,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Eastern New Mexico University is a top provider of online degrees designed to cater to the needs of people with busy lives. ENMU’s online degree programs are conducted in asynchronous formats and allow online learners to create their schedules with assistance from the school’s academic advisors. In addition to online classes, online learners also have the opportunity to create and build a network through virtual meetings.

    Online students are often required to complete internships, research projects, and other experiential learning opportunities to gain valuable work experience. All the resources of the university are available online, and students can even practice job interviews to get ready for their careers.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Education

    Concentrations

    • Bilingual Education
    • Career and Technical Education
    • School Counseling
    • Education Administration
    • Educational Technology
    • Elementary Education
    • Special Education
    • Pedagogy and Learning
    • Reading/Literacy
    • Secondary Education
    • Special Education Pedagogy
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Communicative Disorders
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in English
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Special Education
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Sport Administration
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Physical Education
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

    Socorro , NM
    #16 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #1 Best Small Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #3 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $9,378
    Expenses: $14,010
    Starting Salary: $58,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    New Mexico Tech is a small tech-focus public university offering several online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The institution maintains a small, 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio to provide students with a tight-knit online learning environment.

    Graduate students at New Mexico Tech have access to a wide range of research opportunities. The institution is an ideal alternative for people pursuing postgraduate degrees and occupations centered on research.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Engineering Management
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Hybrid
    Professional MS in Hydrology
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Hybrid
    Master of Engineering in Materials Engineering
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Hybrid
    MS in Mechanical Engineering
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Hybrid
    MS in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    New Mexico Highlands University

    Las Vegas , NM
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #6 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in New Mexico 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at New Mexico Highlands University

    Cost of Degree: $5,845
    Expenses: $14,414
    Starting Salary: $37,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    New Mexico Highlands University’s online degree programs are designed to deliver high-quality education to advanced college degree seekers. The following online master’s degree programs are customizable, allowing online students to build on their bachelor’s degree knowledge. Some online programs can be completed in as few as 12 months, which helps students accelerate their ROIs.

    NMHU is a highly sought-after online school for students seeking to study in small classroom sizes, with a maintained student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. Online students can seek financial assistance from the university and avail of reduced graduate program costs.

    Online Master's Degrees

    MA in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Cultural Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • International Business
    • Human Resources Management
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Counseling

    Concentrations

    • Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
    • Rehabilitation Counseling
    • Rehabilitation Counseling with Specialization in Vocational Evaluation
    • School Counseling
    • School Counseling (PED K-12)
    • Professional Counseling (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
    • Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC - PED K-12)
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Curriculum and Instruction

    Concentrations

    • Bilingual Education
    • Reading
    • Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL)
    • English
    • History
    • Science
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Western New Mexico University

    Silver City , NM
    #3 Best Small Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #5 Best Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in New Mexico 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Western New Mexico University

    Cost of Degree: $6,008
    Expenses: $16,828
    Starting Salary: $35,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Students seeking a large Hispanic institution can consider Western New Mexico University, with almost 50% of its student body identified as Hispanic. WNMU’s presence in online education is as strong as the others on this list, with various student support services and financial aid opportunities for online learners. Most online courses in these online programs are conducted entirely online, asynchronous, and don’t require campus visits or set login hours.

    WNMU is also known for its affordable tuition prices. Out-of-state students from neighboring states, such as Texas, Colorado, and Arizona, are eligible to pay in-state tuition rates.

    Online Master's Degrees

    MS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Social Work
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Counseling
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Teaching
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Educational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of the Southwest

    Hobbs , NM
    #2 Best Private Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in New Mexico 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Mexico 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of the Southwest

    Cost of Degree: $22,500
    Starting Salary: $41,000

    The University of the Southwest is one of the best private schools in New Mexico that offers several majors and courses designed to help adult learners develop field-specific knowledge and practical skills. One of the key features that make USW stand out in online learning is its student support services, ranging from advising and online tutoring to disability accommodations and counseling.

    USW, rooted in its Christian heritage, incorporates faith-based coursework into its online degrees. Its curriculum allows online students to explore and deepen their understanding of Christian principles within their field of study. This approach adds a unique dimension to the educational experience at USW.

    Online Master's Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Sport Management and Recreation
    • Accounting
    • Data Analytics
    • Finance
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Human Resource Management
    • International Business
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Self Design
    • Strategic Management
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Christian Studies
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Biology

    Concentrations

    • Forensic Biology
    • Genetics
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Clinical Mental Health
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Counseling
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Health and Human Performance
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Medical Sciences
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Sports Psychology
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Education

    Concentrations

    • Educational Diagnostics
    • Educational Leadership
    • Higher Ed Adult Learning
    • Online Teaching
    • School Counseling
    • Self-Design
    • Special Education
    • Teaching and Learning
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Many people want to keep learning even after getting a bachelor’s degree. Online colleges in New Mexico allow students all over the state to learn without leaving home. It’s great for those caring for kids or family members and those who maintain a full-time career. There are many online colleges in New Mexico, so no one has to give up on education because of other time commitments.

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Colleges and Universities in New Mexico

New Mexico has among the lowest and most affordable tuition in the United States, with tuition ranging from $1,000-$8,000 in the public sphere. It has 23 higher learning institutions, with the largest being the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, with a student population of over 20,000 and an affordable cost of $8,000.

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.

What are New Mexico’s Colleges & Universities?

New Mexico’s Best Overall

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Thriving Industries in New Mexico

The latest data from Statista indicated that New Mexico generated $94.66 billion in 2022, showing a slight increase from NM’s 2021 GDP. The industries that significantly contributed to this large GDP are:

If you plan to shift careers in New Mexico, it’s wise to pursue an online program that leads directly to NM’s key industries. These industries present great employment opportunities and higher job security.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s Degrees

How much does an online master’s degree in New Mexico cost?

The cost of an online master’s degree in the US varies but is generally around $40,000 for the average student. In 2020-2021, tuition for a year at a public grad school averaged $12,394, while at a private, non-profit grad school, it averaged $28,445.

Online master’s degrees typically cost the same as traditional ones, with some schools charging 5-10% more for online courses to cover technology and training. However, online learning can save money by avoiding expenses like housing and transportation. Many online programs are accelerated, allowing completion in 12-18 months, further reducing college costs.

What can I expect from an online courses in New Mexico?

If this is your first time taking online courses, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, online programs will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently.

You’ll be accountable for your time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

Will employers in New Mexico respect my online degree?

In most cases, as long you graduate from one of the highly-regarded, regionally accredited online colleges in New Mexico, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online learning to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st-century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech-savvy.

What are the advantages of online courses?

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities and educational experiences that you can complete on your schedule.

This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And, of course, just as some learners prefer the energy of a live classroom, some learn best when working in their personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

What are the disadvantages of online courses?

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online learning will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through online classes, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you adjust to online learning, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to get the most out of your online programs. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

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New Mexico’s Best Grad Programs in Your Area Interest

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