New Mexico State University
About New Mexico State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
New Mexico State University is a public research university in Las Cruces, New Mexico. It is a land-grant university with strong programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and the sciences, located in the Mesilla Valley near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Founded
1888
Location
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Students
14,847
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
89%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
55.2%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,183
Out-of-state: $25,307
Avg Net Price
$8,889
After financial aid
SAT Average
1011
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$39,067
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Jul 1
New Mexico State University accepts the majority of applicants at 89%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1011/ 1600
ACT Scores
20/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
55.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
73.4%
4-Year Grad
26%
6-Year Grad
50%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
75.3%
$/Student
$12.1K
Class Size
Medium
The 26% graduation rate is below average, but 73.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,183
In-State
$25,307
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,282
Books & Supplies
$1,250
Total Cost of Attendance
$23,274
After Financial Aid
$8,889
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$6,648
Receive Grants
38.5%
Take Loans
19.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $23,274/yr for in-state students, including $12,282 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $8,889. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $25,307.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at New Mexico State University fund their education.
While in School
38.5%
Get Grants
Free money
19.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$23,951
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$17,095
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$181/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 19.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $17,095. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends New Mexico State University.
Gender
57.9%
Female
42%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
11,946
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,901
Graduates
43.6%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
19.5%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 43.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
11,946
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
New Mexico State University fields 11 varsity teams with 489 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Conference USA
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
489
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
51% / 49%
247
Men
242
Women
6
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of New Mexico State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$39,067
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$73K
182 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$30K
152 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$32K
141 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$63K
122 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$26K
104 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$27K
99 grads
1yr Earnings
Median earnings are $39K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about New Mexico State University
What is the acceptance rate at New Mexico State University?▾
How much does New Mexico State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at New Mexico State University?▾
How much do New Mexico State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.