Best Colleges in New Mexico

Why Should I Consider Studying in New Mexico?

Attending college in New Mexico could be an incredible experience. The state’s rich indigenous heritage, world changing scientific advancements, breathtaking deserts exemplify a state that is filled with cultural, historical, and natural wonder. New Mexico is also a rapidly growing center of technology with Kirtland Air Force Base serving as one of the largest such bases in the world and supporting a booming aerospace industry.

Both of New Mexico’s flagship public universities, New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico, are research institutions known for their breadth and quality of education. UNM and NMSU are located in the state’s two most populated cities, Albuquerque and Las Cruces. Located in the smaller, capital city of Santa Fe is the Institute of American Indian Arts which is a public tribal land-grant college. The IAIA focuses on the study, creative application, preservation, and contemporary expression of American Indian and Alaskan Native arts and cultures.

New Mexico provides an unique experience for those open to something a little different. The vibrant art and music scene in Santa Fe, plentiful outdoor activities and parks, and low cost of living make it a great place for students to spend their college years.

New Mexico Higher Education By The Numbers

Colleges in New Mexico

New Mexico has the 36th most colleges in the nation with 43 colleges. For a little reference, that is 40 fewer colleges than the everyday state. 35% of New Mexico's colleges are private and 65% of its colleges are public. (15 private colleges & 28 public colleges). It has the 29th most public colleges and the 9th fewest private colleges in the US.

Our favorite colleges in New Mexico are New Mexico Military Institute, St. John's College, and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. University of New Mexico-Main Campus has more students than all other public colleges in the top 25 colleges with 25,420. Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque has more students than any other private colleges in our top 25 (1,168).

Students in New Mexico

The median state has 314,827 college students. New Mexico has 48% fewer. There are 156,317 public college students and 6,087 private college students in New Mexico. It has more public college students than 17 states and fewer private college students than 47 states. Its 162,404 total students make it the 39th most popular state in the USA. 4% of students in New Mexico attend private colleges which is the 3rd lowest percentage around the country.