Acceptance Rate
89%
Avg. SAT
1110
75th percentile
“Desert land-grant powerhouse blending chile pepper innovation with aerospace engineering under endless New Mexico skies.”
Las Cruces, NM
Location
Midsize Suburb
Campus Setting
New Mexico State University traces its roots to 1888, when it opened as the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, one of the earliest land-grant institutions dedicated to practical education in farming and technical skills. Today, it serves a diverse mix of students from rural New Mexico, the U.S.-Mexico border region, and beyond, drawing those who prefer straightforward, applied learning over abstract theory. You'll find a welcoming personality here—unpretentious and community-focused, with a nod to the Southwest's multicultural heritage.
Nestled in Las Cruces, a midsize city of sunny days and mountain views, the campus sits at the foot of the Organ Mountains, perfect for hikers but challenging in scorching summers that top 100 degrees regularly. The area's low cost of living helps stretch budgets, though out-of-state students face steeper tuition. Practical-minded students who embrace outdoor life and hands-on projects thrive, while those craving big-city energy or constant air-conditioned escapes might feel the desert's demands.
Photo Gallery
+10
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
NMSU shines in agriculture, especially through its one-of-a-kind Chile Pepper Institute, where students breed new varieties and study arid-land farming, alongside solid engineering programs influenced by nearby rocket testing sites. Classrooms mix large introductory lectures with smaller upper-level seminars, and undergrads often join faculty on real-world projects at sites like the Jornada Experimental Range for ecological research. The intellectual vibe rewards curiosity about regional issues, from water scarcity to border trade.
You'll encounter collaborative teaching that emphasizes labs and fieldwork over rote memorization, though popular majors like nursing or computer science fill up fast and require solid grades to switch in. Research opportunities abound for motivated students, but the public-university scale means advising can feel stretched during peak times.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
12,507 undergrad • 2,901 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
27%
Black / African American
3%
Hispanic / Latino
58%
Asian
1%
Other / Multi-racial
12%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Las Cruces, NM
Varsity Athletics
Campus life pulses with Aggie pride around basketball games in the lively Pan American Center and the powerhouse rodeo team, which competes nationally. Traditions include the annual lighting of the giant 'N' on Tortugas Mountain, drawing crowds for bonfires and fireworks, while a typical week mixes classes, club meetings, and Organ Peak hikes. Housing clusters freshmen in dorms like Aggie Village, fostering quick friendships, though upperclassmen often live off-campus in affordable apartments amid the sprawling layout.
The social scene stays relaxed—think backyard barbecues, multicultural festivals, and weekend trips to White Sands for dune sliding—balanced by a moderate party culture tied to Greek life and tailgates. Dry heat confines outdoor events to milder seasons, and the spread-out campus encourages bikes or shuttles, giving it more of a commuter feel than a tight-knit residential one.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
73%
4 Years Graduation Rate
39%
6 Years Graduation Rate
57%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$39,067
73% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at New Mexico State University-Main Campus and return in the fall. 39% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 57% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
39%
4-5 years
18%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
41%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$6,283
Acceptance
89%
Undergrads
12,507
4-Year Grad Rate
39%
Endowment
$77M
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001