NMSU vs. Western New Mexico University

Comparable Facts

Compare New Mexico State University Main Campus in Las Cruces, NM with Western New Mexico University in Silver City, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

New Mexico State University Main Campus is larger than Western New Mexico University based on total student enrollment (15,408 students vs. 3,531 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• New Mexico State University Main Campus is located in Las Cruces, NM (Midsize Suburban setting); Western New Mexico University is in Silver City, NM (Remote Town setting).
• New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western New Mexico University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: New Mexico State University Main Campus 16:1; Western New Mexico University 12:1.

NMSU vs. Western New Mexico University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NMSU or Western New Mexico University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Western New Mexico University than NMSU ($9,477 vs. $10,719).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western New Mexico University are 10.9% lower than at New Mexico State University Main Campus ($10,940 vs. $12,282).
• New Mexico State University Main Campus is 4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western New Mexico University (about $315 more per year; $8,183.00 vs. $7,868.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.5% higher at NMSU than at Western New Mexico University (about $10,965 more per year; $25,307.00 vs. $14,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at New Mexico State University Main Campus than at Western New Mexico University (96% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by New Mexico State University Main Campus students is 13.8% larger than aid received by Western New Mexico University students ($14,420 vs. $12,666).

NMSU vs. Western New Mexico University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NMSU or Western New Mexico University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Western New Mexico University and NMSU.

• Western New Mexico University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: New Mexico State University Main Campus 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: New Mexico State University Main Campus 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NMSU - Test optional; Western New Mexico University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Western New Mexico University Aug 12, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NMSU students have a 1.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at Western New Mexico University (2.5).

NMSU vs. Western New Mexico University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NMSU and Western New Mexico University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• New Mexico State University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Western New Mexico University's (13%).
• Graduates from New Mexico State University Main Campus earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Western New Mexico University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,400 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, New Mexico State University Main Campus graduates have a $3,568 lower median loan debt than Western New Mexico University graduates ($17,118 vs. $20,686).
• Among borrowers, NMSU graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western New Mexico University graduates ($176 vs. $213).
• More NMSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western New Mexico University students, three years after graduation. (44% vs. 34%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.