Best Universities in New Mexico

Top 10 Universities in New Mexico

New Mexico is home to several esteemed universities offering diverse academic programs and vibrant campus communities. Here are the top 10 universities in New Mexico:

University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico (UNM), located in Albuquerque, is the state’s flagship public research university. Founded in 1889, UNM offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its strong research initiatives, cultural diversity, and commitment to community engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #218 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 25,000 students

Degrees Offered:

UNM offers degrees in fields such as arts and sciences, engineering, business, education, health sciences, and law.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 50%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1160.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
2. Cultural and Ethnic Clubs
3. Volunteer and Community Service Programs
4. Outdoor Recreation Clubs
5. Academic and Professional Associations

Famous Alumni:

1. Neil Patrick Harris (Actor)
2. Demi Lovato (Singer and Actress)
3. Conrad Hilton (Founder of Hilton Hotels)
4. William Hanna (Co-creator of Hanna-Barbera Productions)
5. Brian Urlacher (Former NFL Player)

Top Employers:

1. University of New Mexico
2. Sandia National Laboratories
3. Los Alamos National Laboratory
4. Intel Corporation
5. Presbyterian Healthcare Services

New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University (NMSU), located in Las Cruces, is a public research university founded in 1888. NMSU offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and is known for its strong emphasis on agricultural sciences, engineering, and space research.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #241 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 23,000 students

Degrees Offered:

NMSU offers degrees in fields such as agriculture, engineering, business, education, health sciences, and space science.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 66%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1080.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Agricultural Clubs and Organizations
2. Engineering Competitions and Projects
3. Student Government and Leadership Activities
4. Performing Arts Groups
5. Research and Academic Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. John Madden (Former NFL Coach and Broadcaster)
2. Bruce Cabot (Actor)
3. Paul Taylor (Former State Representative)
4. Pat Garrett (Former Sheriff)
5. Jeff Bingaman (Former U.S. Senator)

Top Employers:

1. New Mexico State University
2. White Sands Missile Range
3. Memorial Medical Center
4. Dona Ana Community College
5. Las Cruces Public Schools

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech), located in Socorro, is a public research university specializing in science, engineering, and technology. Founded in 1889, New Mexico Tech offers rigorous academic programs and is known for its strong ties to the scientific community and research institutions.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #91 in National Universities (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 2,000 students

Degrees Offered:

New Mexico Tech offers degrees in fields such as engineering, earth sciences, computer science, mathematics, and biology.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 23%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1360.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Engineering Design Competitions
2. Geology Field Trips and Research Expeditions
3. Robotics and Computer Programming Clubs
4. Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Sports
5. Academic Conferences and Symposia

Famous Alumni:

1. Harrison Schmitt (Apollo 17 Astronaut and Geologist)
2. William Hanna (Co-creator of Hanna-Barbera Productions)
3. William Penrod (Former CEO of ExxonMobil)
4. Jennifer Neves (Former NASA Engineer)
5. Eddie Kopp (Former President of Lockheed Martin)

Top Employers:

1. Sandia National Laboratories
2. Los Alamos National Laboratory
3. Intel Corporation
4. Raytheon Technologies
5. Northrop Grumman Corporation

University of New Mexico – Gallup

The University of New Mexico – Gallup, located in Gallup, is a branch campus of UNM offering a variety of undergraduate degree programs and certificates. Founded in 1968, UNM-Gallup serves the educational needs of the surrounding communities and emphasizes cultural diversity and community engagement.

U.S. News Ranking:

Not ranked separately

Number of Students:

Approximately 2,000 students

Degrees Offered:

UNM-Gallup offers degrees and certificates in fields such as liberal arts, business, education, nursing, and vocational training.

Acceptance Rate:

Open enrollment policy

Average SAT Score:

UNM-Gallup accepts students of all academic backgrounds.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Cultural Events and Festivals
2. Student Clubs and Organizations
3. Community Service and Volunteer Programs
4. Career Development Workshops
5. Recreational Sports and Fitness Activities

Famous Alumni:

1. Chester Nez (One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers)
2. Geri Hongeva (Navajo Weaver and Artist)
3. Rachel Nez (Former Miss Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Queen)
4. Elizabeth Manheimer (Community Activist and Educator)
5. Michael Humetewa (Navajo Potter and Artisan)

Top Employers:

1. University of New Mexico – Gallup
2. Indian Health Service
3. Gallup-McKinley County Schools
4. Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services
5. Navajo Nation

Western New Mexico University

Western New Mexico University (WNMU), located in Silver City, is a public university founded in 1893. WNMU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education, cultural diversity, and outdoor recreation.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #104-#138 in Regional Universities West (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 3,500 students

Degrees Offered:

WNMU offers degrees in fields such as liberal arts, education, business, nursing, and natural sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 70%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 980.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Outdoor Adventure and Recreation Clubs
2. Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Events
3. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
4. Community Service and Volunteer Programs
5. Academic Honor Societies and Clubs

Famous Alumni:

1. Scooter Molander (Artist and Musician)
2. Pete Domenici (Former U.S. Senator)
3. Gloria Tristani (Former FCC Commissioner)
4. Scott Terry (Former MLB Player)
5. John Flanagan (Author)

Top Employers:

1. Western New Mexico University
2. Freeport-McMoRan
3. Gila Regional Medical Center
4. Silver Consolidated Schools
5. New Mexico State Forestry

These universities in New Mexico offer students diverse academic opportunities, vibrant campus life, and connections to prominent employers, contributing to the educational and economic development of the state and beyond.

Certainly! Continuing with the list of the top universities in New Mexico:

Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), located in Portales, is a public university founded in 1934. ENMU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its affordable tuition, supportive faculty, and strong sense of community.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #92-#119 in Regional Universities West (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 6,000 students

Degrees Offered:

ENMU offers degrees in fields such as arts and sciences, education, business, nursing, and agriculture.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 60%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 970.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Intramural Sports and Recreational Activities
2. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
3. Performing Arts Groups and Cultural Events
4. Academic Clubs and Honor Societies
5. Volunteer and Community Service Programs

Famous Alumni:

1. Valerie Plame (Former CIA Officer and Author)
2. Clayton Anderson (NASA Astronaut)
3. Michael Blake (Author of “Dances with Wolves”)
4. Pat Garrett (Former Sheriff)
5. Glen Hubbard (Former MLB Player)

Top Employers:

1. Eastern New Mexico University
2. Roosevelt County Schools
3. Cannon Air Force Base
4. Plains Regional Medical Center
5. Dairy Farmers of America

New Mexico Highlands University

New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), located in Las Vegas, is a public university founded in 1893. NMHU offers undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on liberal arts education, professional development, and cultural enrichment.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #119-#156 in Regional Universities West (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 3,500 students

Degrees Offered:

NMHU offers degrees in fields such as arts and sciences, education, business, social work, and media arts.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 80%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 970.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Cultural Events and Performances
2. Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Clubs
3. Academic and Professional Organizations
4. Volunteer and Community Service Programs
5. Intramural Sports and Fitness Activities

Famous Alumni:

1. Tony Hillerman (Author)
2. Fabian Trujillo (Artist and Educator)
3. Benjamin Alire Sáenz (Author and Poet)
4. Albert V. Carrillo (Former State Representative)
5. Diane Denish (Former Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico)

Top Employers:

1. New Mexico Highlands University
2. Las Vegas City Schools
3. Alta Vista Regional Hospital
4. San Miguel County
5. New Mexico Department of Health

Santa Fe University of Art and Design

Santa Fe University of Art and Design (SFUAD), located in Santa Fe, is a private art and design college founded in 1859. SFUAD offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various artistic disciplines and is known for its picturesque campus and vibrant arts community.

U.S. News Ranking:

Not ranked separately

Number of Students:

Approximately 1,000 students

Degrees Offered:

SFUAD offers degrees in fields such as fine arts, graphic design, film production, photography, and creative writing.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 70%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1050.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Studio Art Workshops and Exhibitions
2. Film Screenings and Film Festival Participation
3. Creative Writing Workshops and Readings
4. Performing Arts Productions and Performances
5. Student Clubs and Organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. George R.R. Martin (Author)
2. Neil Gaiman (Author)
3. Lauren Greenfield (Photographer and Filmmaker)
4. Frances Bean Cobain (Visual Artist)
5. Bethany Joy Lenz (Actress and Musician)

Top Employers:

1. Santa Fe University of Art and Design
2. Meow Wolf
3. Los Alamos National Laboratory
4. New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs
5. Museum of New Mexico

University of the Southwest

The University of the Southwest (USW), located in Hobbs, is a private Christian university founded in 1956. USW offers undergraduate and graduate programs grounded in Christian values and academic excellence, preparing students for leadership and service in their chosen fields.

U.S. News Ranking:

Ranked #95-#124 in Regional Universities West (2022)

Number of Students:

Approximately 1,500 students

Degrees Offered:

USW offers degrees in fields such as business, education, psychology, healthcare administration, and criminal justice.

Acceptance Rate:

Approximately 50%

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1000.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Campus Ministry and Service Projects
2. Intramural Sports and Fitness Programs
3. Student Government and Leadership Organizations
4. Academic and Professional Clubs
5. Volunteer and Community Outreach Programs

Famous Alumni:

1. Vaughn Juares (Artist)
2. Bubba Jennings (College Baseball Coach)
3. Brenda McClain (Former Mayor of Hobbs, New Mexico)
4. Vernon Biever (Photographer)
5. David Montoya (Former CEO of United Way of Central New Mexico)

Top Employers:

1. University of the Southwest
2. Lea Regional Medical Center
3. Hobbs Municipal Schools
4. Xcel Energy
5. City of Hobbs

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), located in Albuquerque, is a federally funded tribal college serving Native American students from across the country. Founded in 1971, SIPI offers associate degrees and certificate programs in various technical and vocational fields.

U.S. News Ranking:

Not ranked separately

Number of Students:

Approximately 600 students

Degrees Offered:

SIPI offers degrees and certificates in fields such as environmental science, business administration, information technology, and natural resources.

Acceptance Rate:

Open enrollment policy

Average SAT Score:

SIPI accepts students of all academic backgrounds.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Native American Cultural Events and Ceremonies
2. Student Clubs and Organizations
3. Community Service and Volunteer Opportunities
4. Career Development Workshops and Internships
5. Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Activities

Famous Alumni:

1. LaDonna Harris (Native American Activist)
2. Billy Mills (Olympic Gold Medalist)
3. Emerson Maxie (Navajo Artist)
4. Georgianna Simpson (Former President of SIPI)
5. Ron Solimon (Navajo Pottery Artist)

Top Employers:

1. Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute
2. Indian Health Service
3. Sandia National Laboratories
4. Los Alamos National Laboratory
5. Albuquerque Public Schools