New Mexico, known as “The Land of Enchantment,” is not just a state of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture; it is also home to an array of impressive higher education institutions. This article will provide an in-depth look at some of the top colleges in New Mexico.
The University of New Mexico (UNM)
Located in Albuquerque, UNM is a public research university known for its commitment to diversity, student-centered teaching, and excellence in research.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost for in-state students is approximately $21,000, while out-of-state students face around $37,000. UNM enrolls nearly 25,000 students, with an average SAT range of 990-1230.
Majors: UNM offers over 200 degree programs. Among the most popular are Business Administration, Psychology, and Nursing. It also has strong programs in Anthropology, Engineering, and Native American Studies.
New Mexico State University (NMSU)
NMSU, located in Las Cruces, is a public land-grant institution emphasizing research, extension, and public service.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost is about $20,000 for in-state students and $36,000 for out-of-state students. NMSU enrolls approximately 14,000 students, with an SAT range of 930-1160.
Majors: NMSU offers a range of majors across various fields. Popular majors include Business, Engineering, and Agriculture. The school is particularly known for its strong Aerospace and Civil Engineering programs.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT)
NMT is a small public university based in Socorro, renowned for its strong science, engineering, and technical programs.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The annual cost at NMT is about $22,000 for in-state students and $36,000 for out-of-state students. It enrolls about 1,500 students, with an SAT range of 1160-1410.
Majors: NMT offers a range of STEM-focused majors. Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Computer Science are among the most popular. Its Earth Sciences programs are also highly respected.
Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU)
ENMU is a public university in Portales. It is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to student success.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The annual cost for in-state students is approximately $14,000, and for out-of-state students, it’s around $22,000. ENMU enrolls around 6,000 students, with an SAT range of 850-1040.
Majors: ENMU offers over 60 associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Popular majors include Business, Education, and Nursing. The university also has a strong program in Communication Disorders.
St. John’s College
St. John’s College in Santa Fe is a private liberal arts college known for its unique Great Books curriculum.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost at St. John’s College is around $53,000. The college enrolls about 400 students. Rather than relying on SAT scores, St. John’s focuses on essays, recommendations, and an interview for admissions.
Majors: St. John’s doesn’t have majors in the traditional sense. Instead, all students participate in the same multidisciplinary course of study, which covers literature, philosophy, history, mathematics, science, and music.
Northern New Mexico College (NNMC)
NNMC, located in Espanola, is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and a strong emphasis on career-focused education.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost at NNMC is approximately $11,000 for in-state students and $17,000 for out-of-state students. The college enrolls about 1,000 students. It has an open admission policy, so SAT scores are not required.
Majors: NNMC offers a variety of associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Nursing, Business Administration, and Education are some of the most popular programs. It also has a respected program in Environmental Science.
New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU)
Located in Las Vegas, NMHU is a public university recognized for its supportive learning environment and focus on student success.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost is approximately $20,000 for in-state students and $24,000 for out-of-state students. NMHU enrolls around 2,500 students, with an average SAT range of 870-1080.
Majors: NMHU offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. Popular majors include Business, Social Work, and Psychology. The university also has a notable program in Forestry.
Western New Mexico University (WNMU)
WNMU is a public university in Silver City, known for its wide array of academic programs and robust support services.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost for in-state students is about $17,000, and for out-of-state students, it’s around $30,000. The university enrolls about 3,500 students, with an average SAT range of 870-1080.
Majors: WNMU offers more than 70 fields of study. Among the most popular are Nursing, Education, and Business. It also has a strong program in Criminal Justice.
Navajo Technical University (NTU)
NTU is a tribal college located in Crownpoint, with a mission to provide a high-quality, culturally relevant education.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost at NTU is about $4,000, making it one of the most affordable institutions in the region. It enrolls approximately 1,600 students. It does not require SAT scores for admission as an open admission institution.
Majors: NTU offers certificate programs and associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Some popular fields of study include Information Technology, Pre-Engineering, and Environmental Science.
University of the Southwest (USW)
USW is a private, Christian university in Hobbs, emphasizing personal development, community service, and career preparation.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The average annual cost at USW is around $27,000. The university enrolls about 1,000 students, with an average SAT range of 950-1130.
Majors: USW offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Popular majors include Business, Psychology, and Education. The university also offers an array of online degree options for students seeking flexibility.
New Mexico offers diverse higher education opportunities catering to various academic interests and career goals. From comprehensive research institutions like UNM and NMSU to unique educational experiences at St. John’s College or culturally-specific institutions like NTU, students can find a program and environment that best suits their needs.
How Studying for the SAT Can Improve Your Chances of Getting Accepted
Preparing for the SAT can boost your chances of getting into these colleges. Not only does a high SAT score improve your application’s competitiveness, but it also indicates your ability to handle college-level work. Test preparation strategies include taking practice tests, enrolling in prep courses, and studying key concepts and strategies. Start preparing early, practice consistently, and always aim to improve your score, as it could make a significant difference in your college acceptance journey.
