New Mexico State University Main Campus

  • 5/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Las Cruces, NM
  • 0 reviews
#3 Best Colleges in New Mexico

Overview

Total enrollment

15,408
New Mexico State University Main Campus overview
New Mexico State University Main Campus overview
  • Size Mid-size
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

New Mexico State University's main campus spans 900 acres in Las Cruces, situated in the Mesilla Valley between the Rio Grande River and the Organ Mountains, approximately 45 miles north of the Mexican border. Founded in 1888 as Las Cruces College, NMSU serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and land-grant university, featuring Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture across its desert campus. The university maintains strong academic programs in engineering, agriculture, business, and the physical sciences, with particular emphasis on agricultural research and extension services throughout the state. NMSU operates multiple residence halls and apartment complexes for its student population, with most first-year students residing on campus. The NMSU Aggies compete in NCAA Division I athletics as members of Conference USA, with notable programs in men's basketball and women's equestrian sports.

Ratings

NMSU is rated within the lower 40% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    5 out of 10
  • Academics
    4 out of 10
  • Resources
    6 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    5 out of 10
  • Value
    8 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Very Easy
New Mexico State University Main Campus admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 870/1110
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 17/24
  • GPA 3.55

Acceptance Rate

89%
New Mexico State University Main Campus applications overview
  • Applications Due -
  • Enrollment Rate 20.6%
  • Application Fee $25

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

New Mexico Resident Tuition

$8,183

Out of State Resident Tuition

$25,307

Breakdown

In State Costs for New Mexico State University Main Campus
  • Tuition $8,183
  • Books and Supplies $1,250
  • Other Fees $1,900
  • Room and Board $12,282
  • Budget for Other Expenses $4,536
  • Total One Year Cost $28,151

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$39,400 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

46% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at New Mexico State University Main Campus are Business, Education, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. 20% of students major in Business, 10% in Education, and 7% in Liberal Arts and Humanities.

  • Business 20%
  • Education 10%
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities 7%
  • Engineering 7%
  • Social Sciences 6%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering New Mexico State University Main Campus are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=188030.

GPA calculator: New Mexico State University Main Campus GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026