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.
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.
Featured Programs
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.
Career Outlook for degree at University of New Mexico
Cost of Degree: $7,115
Expenses: $15,820
Starting Salary: $43,900
Cost Recoup Time: 6 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
Career Outlook for degree at New Mexico State University
Cost of Degree: $5,926
Expenses: $16,891
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
Career Outlook for degree at Eastern New Mexico University
Cost of Degree: $5,351
Expenses: $13,262
Starting Salary: $34,800
Cost Recoup Time: 6 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.
Career Outlook for degree at Western New Mexico University
Cost of Degree: $5,163
Expenses: $16,478
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.
Career Outlook for degree at New Mexico Highlands University
Cost of Degree: $7,698
Expenses: $14,020
Starting Salary: $37,800
Cost Recoup Time: 7 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)
Career Outlook for degree at University of the Southwest
Cost of Degree: $22,500
Expenses: $11,610
Starting Salary: $41,000
Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
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.
Career Outlook for degree at Navajo Technical University
Cost of Degree: $3,000
Expenses: $11,440
Starting Salary: $21,800
Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Navajo Technical University is known for offering distance education programs that balance science and technology and culture and tradition. This is among the best online colleges for students who want to pursue an information systems degree and enhance their technology, business, and management skills.
Online graduate students will follow the same on-campus curriculum and access the same student support services, including networking, academic advising, online tutoring, and counseling. New Mexico residents enrolled will receive financial guidance from the institution in applying for the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship.
Career Outlook for degree at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Cost of Degree: $8,717
Expenses: $12,768
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.
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.
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.