Best Value Colleges in New Mexico

Best Value Schools for a degree in New Mexico

Here are the most affordable colleges in New Mexico. We have sorted our list based on the average cost of attendance after financial aid is factored in. In-state tuition is used for public universities.

  1. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

    Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus is a four-year, medium full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Portales, NM. It has an enrollment of 2,861 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 32.50%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $4,994.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1002.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 19.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Animal Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,569
    • Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
    • Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $46,217
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,498
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
    • Engineering Technology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $97,959
    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Associate’s Degree) – $23,693
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,953
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,967
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,267
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,381
    • Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. (Associate’s Degree) – $53,358
    • Air Transportation. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $97,959
    • Ground Transportation. (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) – $25,774
    • Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $15,288
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,508
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $54,996
    • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. (Associate’s Degree) – $27,823
    • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Associate’s Degree) – $48,041
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,382
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Associate’s Degree) – $63,005
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $74,953
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,015
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $62,409
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,682

    Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus School Spirit

    Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus has a great school spirit. The university has a very active student life and features a variety of clubs, organizations, and events that foster school spirit. There are also traditional events such as Homecoming, the Annual Fall Fest, and the Annual Spring Fling, that bring students and alumni together to celebrate their love for the university. Additionally, the Greyhound sports teams, known as the ENMU Greyhounds, have a strong fan following and boost the school spirit at the university. Overall, Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus certainly provides a vibrant and energetic atmosphere for its students to thrive in.

    Learn more about Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

  2. New Mexico State University-Main Campus

    New Mexico State University-Main Campus is a four-year, full-time, inclusive, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Las Cruces, NM. It has an enrollment of 10,674 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 57.26%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $9,979.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1040.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 20.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Agricultural Business and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,829
    • Animal Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,874
    • Plant Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,890
    • Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,784
    • Graphic Communications. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,262
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,512
    • Data Processing. (Associate’s Degree) – $26,353
    • Culinary Arts and Related Services. (Associate’s Degree) – $14,442
    • Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $40,548
    • Curriculum and Instruction. (Master’s Degree) – $38,529
    • Curriculum and Instruction. (Doctoral Degree) – $69,338
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $48,041
    • Special Education and Teaching. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,467
    • Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $49,962
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Associate’s Degree) – $14,524
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,510
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $71,575
    • Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $58,673
    • Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,860
    • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $73,635
    • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $78,971
    • Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,814
    • Industrial Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $82,440
    • Engineering Technology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $59,253
    • Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. (Associate’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. (Associate’s Degree) – $36,674
    • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $19,319
    • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Master’s Degree) – $36,848
    • Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $48,682
    • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,745
    • Apparel and Textiles. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Master’s Degree) – $20,140
    • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
    • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Master’s Degree) – $28,381
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Associate’s Degree) – $23,005
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,133
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,140
    • Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,121
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,391
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Associate’s Degree) – $22,420
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,141
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Master’s Degree) – $41,205
    • Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
    • Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $42,263
    • Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $17,717
    • Geography and Cartography. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,038
    • Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,947
    • Sociology. (Master’s Degree) – $37,208
    • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). (Associate’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. (Associate’s Degree) – $18,087
    • Precision Metal Working. (Associate’s Degree) – $24,730
    • Visual and Performing Arts, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $19,455
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $17,551
    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $19,358
    • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. (Associate’s Degree) – $44,170
    • Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Associate’s Degree) – $20,140
    • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Associate’s Degree) – $45,696
    • Public Health. (Associate’s Degree) – $18,771
    • Public Health. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,314
    • Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $45,529
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Associate’s Degree) – $63,997
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $62,384
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $67,660
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Doctoral Degree) – $126,504
    • Business/Commerce, General. (Associate’s Degree) – $17,794
    • Business/Commerce, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,298
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Associate’s Degree) – $36,674
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,861
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,221
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $62,343
    • Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. (Associate’s Degree) – $23,930
    • Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,206
    • Hospitality Administration/Management. (Associate’s Degree) – $24,035
    • Hospitality Administration/Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,236
    • International Business. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
    • Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,855
    • History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,456

    New Mexico State University-Main Campus School Spirit

    New Mexico State University-Main Campus is a proud institution with an active and passionate community of students, staff, and alumni. School spirit is definitely present on campus, particularly during athletic events such as football or basketball games, where students and fans come out to support the Aggies. There are also many other events and activities that showcase Aggie pride, such as homecoming, parades, and festivals. Additionally, there are numerous student groups and organizations that give students the opportunity to get involved and show their support for the university.

    Learn more about New Mexico State University-Main Campus

  3. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

    New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is a four-year, full-time, selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Socorro, NM. It has an enrollment of 1,201 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 96.72%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $11,364.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1233.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 26.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $66,045
    • Petroleum Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $75,204

    New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology School Spirit

    The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, often referred to as New Mexico Tech or simply Tech, has a very strong school spirit. The university boasts a diverse student body with a small, tight-knit community, which fosters a strong sense of pride and loyalty. Students are encouraged to participate in various clubs and organizations, including academic and social groups, which help to build a close-knit community around shared interests. Tech’s sports teams, the Miners, compete in the NCAA Division II and the university supports a variety of athletic events throughout the year. Additionally, Tech hosts a variety of traditions, including the annual Fiestas celebration, which is a popular event that brings all members of the community together to celebrate their unique culture and heritage. Overall, New Mexico Tech has a lively and supportive campus culture, making it a great place to attend university.

    Learn more about New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

  4. New Mexico Highlands University

    New Mexico Highlands University is a four-year, medium full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Las Vegas, NM. It has an enrollment of 1,451 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is unreported. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $12,305.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1.

    The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Curriculum and Instruction. (Master’s Degree) – $43,128
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $51,169
    • Special Education and Teaching. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,711
    • Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $35,772
    • Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $38,289
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,444
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,938
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,314
    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,035
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,413
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $43,426
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $81,031
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,637
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $54,192

    New Mexico Highlands University School Spirit

    New Mexico Highlands University has a strong school spirit. They have a number of student organizations, clubs, and teams that promote school spirit. The university’s athletic teams, known as the Cowboys and Cowgirls, participate in NCAA Division II. The university hosts a number of sporting events throughout the year, attracting a large number of students, faculty members, and alumni. The university’s marching band, the Sound of Gold Marching Band, is another source of school spirit, which performs at various university events. Overall, New Mexico Highlands University has a vibrant and passionate student body that takes pride in their university.

    Learn more about New Mexico Highlands University

  5. Western New Mexico University

    Western New Mexico University is a four-year, medium full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Silver City, NM. It has an enrollment of 1,528 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is unreported. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $14,023.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

    The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. (Associate’s Degree) – $12,468
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,409
    • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,353
    • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Master’s Degree) – $25,967
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,052
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Precision Metal Working. (Associate’s Degree) – $32,569
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,748
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $38,289
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Associate’s Degree) – $44,384
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $50,000
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Associate’s Degree) – $56,641
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $81,333
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $49,644

    Western New Mexico University School Spirit

    Western New Mexico University has an active student body with a strong sense of school spirit. Athletics play a big role in fostering that spirit, with their teams competing in the NCAA Division II. The school also hosts several annual events, such as Homecoming and the Mustang Week, to promote school spirit and community involvement. Additionally, there are over 40 clubs and organizations on campus that provide students with various opportunities to get involved and show their school pride.

    Learn more about Western New Mexico University

  6. University of New Mexico-Main Campus

    University of New Mexico-Main Campus is a four-year, medium full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Albuquerque, NM. It has an enrollment of 15,092 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 97.27%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $15,070.00. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1135.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 23.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Architecture. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,594
    • Architecture. (Master’s Degree) – $47,260
    • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning. (Master’s Degree) – $46,321
    • Area Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,035
    • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,420
    • Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,565
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $65,053
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Master’s Degree) – $103,078
    • Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. (Master’s Degree) – $85,391
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $52,941
    • Special Education and Teaching. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
    • Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $38,829
    • Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $42,682
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Associate’s Degree) – $21,234
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,037
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $43,240
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,015
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Master’s Degree) – $43,957
    • Engineering, General. (Doctoral Degree) – $114,892
    • Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
    • Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $59,648
    • Civil Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $61,020
    • Computer Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $68,219
    • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,338
    • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $92,632
    • Engineering Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $56,415
    • Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $62,012
    • Mechanical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $92,632
    • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $17,437
    • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,753
    • American Sign Language. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,456
    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Law. (Doctoral Degree) – $53,647
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,391
    • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,091
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Associate’s Degree) – $20,140
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,349
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,709
    • International/Global Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,637
    • Philosophy. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,452
    • Physical Sciences. (Associate’s Degree) – $23,579
    • Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,187
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,912
    • Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $48,265
    • Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,936
    • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,560
    • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,335
    • Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,904
    • Visual and Performing Arts, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,508
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,140
    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,964
    • Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,052
    • Fine and Studio Arts. (Master’s Degree) – $35,060
    • Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $18,771
    • Music. (Master’s Degree) – $30,771
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,035
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $59,124
    • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) – $28,816
    • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,107
    • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $59,485
    • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $105,465
    • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,524
    • Medicine. (Doctoral Degree) – $56,917
    • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. (Doctoral Degree) – $124,631
    • Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $55,964
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $60,771
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Doctoral Degree) – $74,953
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Associate’s Degree) – $68,965
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $70,863
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $94,999
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Doctoral Degree) – $135,393
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Associate’s Degree) – $25,194
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,736
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $59,688
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $65,424
    • History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,703
    • History. (Doctoral Degree) – $48,823

    University of New Mexico-Main Campus School Spirit

    The University of New Mexico-Main Campus has a strong school spirit. The university has a large student section in its sports arenas and many students are proud to be Lobos. UNM also has a number of traditional events throughout the year to help build school spirit, including the Lobo Howl and Homecoming Week. Additionally, there are a variety of student organizations and clubs that allow students to connect with each other and feel a sense of community.

    Learn more about University of New Mexico-Main Campus