New Mexico State University combines open access admission with exceptional affordability, ranking in the 93.5th percentile for cost management. As an Under-Resourced Institution, the university serves 40.3% Pell-eligible students while maintaining debt levels below peer medians, supporting economic mobility for first-generation college students.
Modestly below average, reflecting earnings outcomes relative to educational investment
With top-tier performance, driven by low net prices and controlled debt levels relative to peers
With top-tier results, reflecting high enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With well above average performance, indicating effectiveness in converting access into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTop-tier affordability with open access
New Mexico State University-Main Campus ranks #336 nationally in Azimuth's institutional analysis, placing in the 79.4th percentile with well above average performance. Located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, this large public university demonstrates exceptional commitment to educational access, with a 75.7% acceptance rate in the Open Access category.
The university enrolls 40.3% Pell-eligible students and 43.6% first-generation students, reflecting its mission to serve diverse student populations. With well above average SAT scores despite open access policies, New Mexico State University combines accessibility with academic quality.
The institution falls within the Under-Resourced Institutions quadrant, serving many students who need educational opportunity while working within resource constraints to deliver outcomes.
New Mexico State University delivers exceptional value through its combination of low costs and accessible admission. The university maintains a cost of attendance of $20,930, but the average student pays just $6,747 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,183 annually.
Net prices range from $5,104 for families earning under $30,000 to $10,360 for those earning over $110,000, demonstrating progressive aid targeting. Median student debt of $17,095 falls $2,905 below the peer median of $20,000, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44.
Students seeking affordable education with strong access to higher learning, particularly first-generation college students and those from lower-income families. Well-suited for New Mexico residents looking for in-state tuition benefits and diverse program options including engineering, nursing, and business at a large public university.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
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This is the New Mexico State University-Main Campus hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/new-mexico-state-university-main-campus/analysis.
New Mexico State University maintains an open access admission policy, accepting 75.7% of applicants. This means roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive admission offers, placing the university in the Open Access category for institutions admitting more than 75% of applicants.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates New Mexico State University's selectivity aligns closely with similar public institutions, with only a 2.4 percentage point difference from peer norms. Open access policies reflect the university's mission to provide educational opportunity for New Mexico residents and students seeking affordable higher education pathways.
Students should approach New Mexico State University as a realistic admission option, particularly for those with academic profiles that align with the institution's standards. The combination of accessible admission and strong student support systems makes this an attractive option for students seeking educational access without the uncertainty associated with highly selective institutions.
Prospective students should focus on academic preparation and fit rather than admission strategy, as the university's open access approach prioritizes serving diverse student populations over exclusivity.
Mechanical Engineering.
109 graduates
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General.
38 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
38 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
44 graduates
Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
41 graduates
New Mexico State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for analysis. Mechanical Engineering leads earnings outcomes at $91,131, ranking #22 nationally and #2 in New Mexico, with 109 graduates and a value score of 90.6.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering follows at $86,665 with 44 graduates, while Artificial Intelligence produces $75,980 median earnings from 92 graduates. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earn $68,637 from a substantial cohort of 139 students.
Digital Marketing stands out with $53,669 earnings from 79 graduates, ranking #1 in New Mexico. Several programs demonstrate flagship status at the university, including General Studies (166 graduates), Corrections Administration (152 graduates), and Business/Commerce General (91 graduates), reflecting the institution's comprehensive program portfolio and commitment to serving diverse student academic interests across multiple disciplines.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
New Mexico State University's published cost of attendance reaches $20,930 per year, comprising $8,147 in-state tuition, $25,271 out-of-state tuition, $12,026 for room and board, and $1,240 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $6,747 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $14,183 annually.
This dramatic reduction reflects the university's commitment to affordability and extensive financial aid programming. The net price falls $8,843 below the peer median of $15,590, positioning New Mexico State University among the most affordable options nationally.
Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $5,104 for families earning under $30,000 to $10,360 for those earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure ensures that lower-income families face minimal cost barriers while maintaining accessibility for middle and upper-middle-income students.
The university's affordability profile supports its access mission, enabling students from diverse economic backgrounds to pursue higher education without prohibitive costs. For New Mexico residents, the combination of in-state tuition rates and generous financial aid creates exceptional value propositions for college access.
New Mexico State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth from $32,960 six years after enrollment to $39,067 at ten years, representing 18.5% growth over the mid-career period. These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 8,030 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures.
Earnings span from $21,257 at the 25th percentile to $61,878 at the 75th percentile, indicating varied career trajectories across academic programs. Low-income graduates earn $36,400, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from lower-income backgrounds.
While earnings rank modestly below average at the 15th percentile nationally, graduates achieve these outcomes with significantly lower debt burdens than peers. Approximately 23.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
The university's earnings performance should be evaluated within the context of its access mission and the economic characteristics of students served.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stephen F Austin State University Similar quality tier in Southwest (#333 ranked) | TX | 88% | $49,634 | #333 | Compare |
Norfolk State University Similar quality tier (#332 ranked) | VA | 87% | $44,666 | #332 | Compare |
State University Of New York At Oswego Similar quality tier (#341 ranked) | NY | 80% | $57,566 | #341 | Compare |
University Of South Alabama Similar quality tier (#328 ranked) | AL | 65% | $49,379 | #328 | Compare |
University Of New Mexico-Main Campus Similar quality tier in Southwest (#327 ranked) | NM | 95% | $44,792 | #327 | Compare |
