UNM vs. UW

Comparable Facts

Compare University of New Mexico Main Campus in Albuquerque, NM with University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of New Mexico Main Campus is larger than UW based on total student enrollment (23,124 students vs. 10,813 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of New Mexico Main Campus is located in Albuquerque, NM (Large City setting); University of Wyoming is in Laramie, WY (Remote Town setting).
• University of New Mexico Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wyoming is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of New Mexico Main Campus 15:1; University of Wyoming 13:1.

UNM vs. UW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNM or UW? 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 University of New Mexico Main Campus than UW ($6,347 vs. $14,872).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of New Mexico Main Campus are 12.3% lower than at University of Wyoming ($12,026 vs. $13,710).
• University of New Mexico Main Campus is 30.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than UW (about $2,372 more per year; $10,140.00 vs. $7,768.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.7% higher at UNM than at University of Wyoming (about $8,882 more per year; $33,060.00 vs. $24,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of New Mexico Main Campus than at University of Wyoming (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of New Mexico Main Campus students is 28.7% larger than aid received by University of Wyoming students ($13,140 vs. $10,212).

UNM vs. UW Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNM or UW? 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 UW and UNM.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Wyoming (1140) is 110 points higher than at UNM (1030).
• Incoming UW students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at UNM).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of New Mexico Main Campus 890/1170; University of Wyoming 1040/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of New Mexico Main Campus 19/26; University of Wyoming 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNM - Test optional; UW - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UW Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UW students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at UNM (3.42).
• UW has a higher acceptance rate (96.9%) than UNM (95.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.2% at UNM vs. 23.8% at UW.

UNM vs. UW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNM and UW? 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).

• University of Wyoming's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than University of New Mexico Main Campus's (44%).
• Graduates from University of Wyoming earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than UNM graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,400 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Wyoming graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than UNM graduates ($18,500 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, UW graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNM graduates ($191 vs. $201).
• More UW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNM students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 47%)

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.