Best Colleges in New Mexico

New Mexico, also known as the “Land of Enchantment” is located in the Southwestern region of the US, where summers can exceed 100 degrees F and winter nights routinely dip below zero. There are 18 colleges in New Mexico, four of which are graduate schools, and one is tribal. The rest are either private or public 4-year institutions. The oldest is the New Mexico State College, while the most selective is the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Federal government spending, oil and gas production, as well as tourism are driving the New Mexico economy. Attractions include the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Albuquergue International Balloon Fiesta, Taos Pueblo, and International UFO Museum and Research Center.

How Were the Top Schools in New Mexico Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

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New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is a doctoral-level university that focuses on STEM disciplines, including information technology, computer science, physics and civil engineering. The campus is situated in the Rio Grande Valley...

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The answer Is definitely. This school is Strongly thrives on the academic status of its students, so of course they provide the tools and resources for student success. the classes are not as big as a regular college I am only a second semester...

” – Andres from Socorro, NM
St. John's College

St. John’s College is the third oldest college in the United States and famous for the distinctive Great Books curriculum. Students read over 200 of the greatest books ever written, discuss them in classes of 20 students or fewer, and, instead of...

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I'm ALWAYS learning... both the curriculum and the lifestyle of this campus are stimulating and dynamic. There is usually some sort of event going on; there are tons of options with intramurals, and there's a huge array of individuals. Classes always...

” – Isabel from Converse, TX
New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Founded in 1888, New Mexico State University is a 4-year public school which sits on a 900-acre campus in south central New Mexico. NMSU is a NASA Space-Grant College and is home to the very first Honors College in New Mexico. A minority serving and...

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Here at NMSU my classes are engaging and focus on all aspects. You don't just spend your time reading out of the book, but rather applying the practices to your life. You will always find meaning to take from your classes.

” – Katrina from Los Lunas, NM
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

Eastern New Mexico University is a public, four-year liberal arts college located in Portales, NM, with satellite campuses in Roswell and Ruidoso, NM. ENMU offers more than 60 associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in a hands-on learning...

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The teachers are approachable and are willing to spend as much time to assure each individual student success. The class size my freshman year was under 30 students, so each student gets a personalized learning experience!

” – Nicole from Pueblo, CO
University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Located near old Route 66 in Albuquerque, the University of New Mexico is New Mexico’s flagship public university. UNM is home to 12 colleges conferring bachelor’s degrees in 94 academic programs and its Health Sciences Center is New Mexico’s largest...

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The school is a good place to go and get your degree. I am studying Business. The classes are harder for this major than other majors. There is a lot of writing and reading. However, the teachers are extremely nice, and they are very helpful. They do...

” – Stacy from Los Alamos, NM
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The University of the Southwest is a 4-year Christian university in southeast New Mexico. Southwest is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education that offer 28 bachelor’s degree programs, including in Christian Studies. Student...

New Mexico Highlands University

New Mexico Highlands University is a public, 4-year institution established in Las Vegas, New Mexico, with a number of satellite centers in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, and Farmington. New Mexico Highlands offers over 60 graduate and...

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I love the atmosphere here at Highlands. Yes, it is a small school and a small town, but that is how I like it. I would rather be able to have my professors actually know who I am, rather than just have me as a number in their system.

” – Stephanie from Albuquerque, NM
New Mexico Military Institute

New Mexico Military Institute is one of four junior military colleges in the nation. The campus is based in Roswell, NM, and is a designated area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The school acts as a college preparatory high school...

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Founded in 1962 using a grant from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Institute of American Indian Arts is a tribal college focusing on Native American artwork. Alongside bachelor degrees in creative programs like Studio Arts and Creative Writing, the...

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I have learned so much from this school. It is the ONLY Native American art school in the world! At IAIA, all students are equally assured of the best opportunities for critical, professional and cultural development provided from a Native...

” – Rose from Santa Fe, NM
Western New Mexico University

Established in 1893, Western New Mexico University is a public institution based in Silver City, NM, a short drive from Tucson, Albuquerque, and El Paso. WNMU is an Hispanic-Serving Institution, as well as a member of the American Association of...

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REALLY GOOD SCHOOL!!Every one is nice and willing to help. The professors are great and willing to help u out when needed.

” – Deeandra from Deming, NM
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Northern New Mexico College is a public institution primarily serving the rural communities surrounding its campus, including eight area Native American tribes. Incorporating New Mexican culture into its academic curricula, Northern is home to five...

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This is a great college! The staff and volunteers provide the best help a person can possibly get. It offers unbelievably affordable opportunities that I am grateful for.

” – Justin Ryan from Espanola, NM
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Established in 1968, New Mexico State University-Grants is a public, 2-year institution located in Cibola County. NMSU Grants offers over 30 associate’s degree and certificate programs, a bachelor’s degree program in Nursing, as well as seven...

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New Mexico Junior College is a 2-year public community college in southeastern New Mexico. NMJC offers associate degrees in arts and science through 12 programs of study. There are four air conditioned residence halls within walking distance of...

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New Mexico junior college is a great college. You can get personal attention from the faculty when needed, and the teachers seem interested that you learn the course work. It is also very affordable.

” – karina from Lovington, NM
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New Mexico State University Carlsbad is a 2-year community college in southeast New Mexico and part of the NMSU system. NMSU Carlsbad offers degrees and certificates in 40 academic programs and five programs are available entirely online. With a...

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As the first institution of higher education established on Navajo Nation, Navajo Technical University is a tribal college in northwest New Mexico. In order to provide students an educational foundation in tribal traditions and history, NTU’s School...

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By far the best first college am attending and my instructors are awesome. Never thought this college was like this but am looking forward to finishing my major here. I wouldn't prefer any other college to attend other then here.

” – Rodney from Crownpoint, NM
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Founded by the All Indian Pueblo Council, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute is a 2-year Native American tribal community college in Albuquerque. SIPI confers degrees and certificates in 12 academic programs. SIPI’s enrollment features...

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academics depend on your field of study

” – Branyan from Gallup, NM
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San Juan College is a 2-year community college with four campuses in northwest New Mexico. SJC houses six academic departments conferring degrees and certificates and its Native Studies program includes courses on Native American history, art, and...

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For a community college it is a very inviting and friendly place to go for fresh out of high school students. The professors are all very friendly and work well with the students in helping them succeed in their classes. The campus isn't too large or...

” – Richard from Aztec, NM
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With a main campus building created from a former hardware store, Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso is a 2-year community college and a branch campus in the ENMU system. ENMU-Ruidoso offers 16 associate degree and 14 certificate-granting programs...

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Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell is a 2-year institution and a campus of the ENMU system. ENMU Roswell offers more than 80 associate degree and certificate-granting academic programs as well as the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree on...

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With campus a short distance from the White Sands National Monument, New Mexico State University in Alamogordo is a 2-year community college and a branch campus of the NM State system. NM State-Alamogordo is home to 19 degree and certificate-granting...

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The NMSU-A campus is a well-kept campus. Students and professors alike are dedicated to education and broadening horizons. When you're attending NMSU-A, you feel like your time there is well spent.

” – Josephine from Alamogordo, NM