Top New Mexico Colleges and Universities

Top Five Schools in New Mexico

University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico is located in Albuquerque, in the central part of the state. Founded in 1889, the college has remained true to the surrounding Pueblo culture, as is visible in the traditional architecture around the beautiful campus. There are currently 18,554 undergraduate students on the campus of the University of New Mexico, making it the largest institution in the state. Among its many excellent programs, the engineering department has been ranked #14 in the country by The Princeton Review.

New Mexico State University

Founded in 1888 as a land grand institution, New Mexico State University is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico along the border of the United States and Mexico. New Mexico State was originally founded as an agricultural college, and the university continues to be a leader in agricultural education and research. There are currently 13,210 undergraduate students enrolled at the college, which is perennially ranked in the top 100 of The U.S. News and World Report, 100 Best College Buys for its educational value.

Eastern New Mexico University

Located in Portales along the state's eastern border with Texas, Eastern New Mexico University is the most recently-funded public institution in New Mexico. It was opened in 1934, after a delay during the Great Depression, as a normal school. Eastern New Mexico has since grown to house four separate colleges and a graduate school. The undergraduate enrollment of Eastern New Mexico University is 3,271; however there are two other branches of the university, located in Roswell and Ruidoso, which offer several two-year degrees. It has been designed federally as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is a part of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

New Mexico Highlands University

New Mexico Highlands University is located in the heart of Las Vegas, New Mexico about an hour's drive from Santa Fe. The university was founded in 1893 and currently enrolls 2,153 students, the majority of whom are New Mexico residents of Hispanic descent. One of the most unique aspects of the college is its focus on Native American and Hispanic influences on the state of New Mexico, as well as the rest of the nation. It offers programs in sciences, liberal arts, socials work, engineering, teacher education and business.

Western New Mexico University

Founded in 1893 as a teacher's college, Western New Mexico University now offers more than 70 majors to an undergraduate population that has reached 2,057 students. The university offers a noncompetitive admissions policy, which means it accepts almost 100% of the students who apply. The campus is located in Silver City, New Mexico in the far southwestern corner of the state. Its close proximity to the Gila National Forest means that students enjoy a multitude of camping and other outdoor activities. It offers bachelors and associate degrees and certificates in business, arts and science and allied health as well as vocational education. It offers in-state tuition waivers to students in certain parts of El Pasco, Texas, Colorado and Arizona.