New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) vs ENMU-Portales

New Mexico Highlands University and Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in New Mexico, offer unique educational experiences. New Mexico Highlands University boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus maintains a smaller student population. Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus excels in graduation rates, ensuring a higher proportion of its students successfully complete their studies. Delve into the comprehensive comparison table to discover further distinctions between these universities, including popular majors, faculty-to-student ratios, and tuition costs, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus	New Mexico Highlands University
Overview
Location	Portales, New Mexico	Las Vegas, New Mexico
Campus setting	Town: Remote	Town: Remote
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	59.0%	52.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	32.5%	Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range	860 - 1100	N/A
ACT range	16 - 22	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	27.0%
Students submitting ACT score	44.0%
Total number of applicants	1,480
Total number of admissions given out	481
Admitted students who chose to enroll	349
Yield rate	72.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	Not required
High school GPA	Required	N/A
Recommendation letters	Not required	N/A
High school transcript	Not required	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $19,594 Out of state: $21,634	In state: $22,340 Out of state: $26,996
Average net price	$7,002	$12,795
Tuition	In state: $4,074 Out of state: $6,114	In state: $4,758 Out of state: $9,414
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $3,782 Meal plan: $4,032	Room/dormitory: $4,588 Meal plan: $4,320
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	97.0% Average amount $6,935	100.0% Average amount $7,842
Students receiving federal student loan	15.0% Average amount $4,498	19.0% Average amount $4,096
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $5,781	2.0% Average amount $9,394

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,756 Men 39.4% Women 60.6%	1,544 Men 35.2% Women 64.8%
Graduate students	1,235 Men 24.5% Women 75.5%	1,101 Men 25.2% Women 74.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	22.5%	34.9%
International students	1.6%	3.6%
Campus local/setting	Town: Remote	Town: Remote
Dormitory capacity	1,103	526
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New Mexico Texas California Florida Arizona	New Mexico Texas California Colorado Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Education Health Professions Business Psychology	Health Professions Education Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Liberal Arts
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	11:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	39.9%	26.5%
Dropout rate	25.5%	25.2%
Transferred out	32.3%	44.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,018 Year 2: $74,953 Year 3: $79,581 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,292 Year 2: $62,409 Year 3: $74,341 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,629 Year 2: $54,996 Year 3: $57,377 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $55,815 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $53,245 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,605 Year 2: $46,217 Year 3: $48,432 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,347 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $46,012 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,073 Year 2: $38,953 Year 3: $39,567 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,754 Year 2: $36,015 Year 3: $36,474 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,370 Year 2: $33,382 Year 3: $33,863	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,248 Year 2: $81,031 Year 3: $79,950 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $51,098 Year 2: $51,169 Year 3: $59,966 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,232 Year 2: $54,192 Year 3: $57,570 Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,271 Year 2: $43,128 Year 3: $50,981 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $42,421 Year 2: $43,426 Year 3: $47,912 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,607 Year 2: $33,637 Year 3: $42,964 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $37,302 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $42,815 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $40,518 Year 2: $35,772 Year 3: $41,119 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $28,041 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $38,081 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,591 Year 2: $31,314 Year 3: $36,473

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) and Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU-Main Campus)?

New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) is a smaller, more historically focused institution located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, known for its strong liberal arts programs and emphasis on teacher education. Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU-Main Campus), located in Portales, New Mexico, is a larger, more comprehensive university with a broader range of programs, including business, sciences, and fine arts. ENMU also has a stronger focus on career-oriented programs and online learning options.
Which university is larger: NMHU or ENMU?

Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU-Main Campus) is generally larger than New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) in terms of student enrollment and campus size. ENMU typically has a higher number of undergraduate and graduate students.
Where are NMHU and ENMU located, and how does location affect campus life?

NMHU is located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, a smaller city with a rich history and access to outdoor recreational activities in the nearby mountains. ENMU is located in Portales, New Mexico, a more rural setting in the eastern plains. The location of NMHU offers a more historical and potentially quieter environment, while ENMU's location provides a more traditional college town experience, though still relatively small.
What academic programs are NMHU and ENMU particularly known for?

NMHU is well-regarded for its programs in education, social work, and media arts. ENMU is known for its programs in business, communication, and sciences, particularly biology and chemistry. Both universities offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their areas of strength differ.
How do the tuition costs compare between NMHU and ENMU?

Tuition costs can vary depending on residency status and program of study. Generally, ENMU tends to have slightly lower tuition rates for in-state students compared to NMHU. However, it's essential to check the most current tuition and fees information on each university's website for the most accurate comparison.
What is the student-faculty ratio like at NMHU and ENMU?

NMHU generally has a lower student-faculty ratio than ENMU. This means that students at NMHU may have more opportunities for personalized attention from professors. While ENMU's student-faculty ratio may be slightly higher, they still maintain a commitment to student success.
What types of student activities and organizations are available at each university?

Both NMHU and ENMU offer a range of student activities and organizations, including clubs, sports, and cultural events. NMHU has a strong focus on cultural preservation and offers activities related to Southwestern traditions. ENMU has a broader range of student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, and a more active student government.
What are the athletic programs like at NMHU and ENMU?

Both NMHU and ENMU offer a variety of intercollegiate athletic programs. NMHU competes in NCAA Division II as the Highlands University Cowboys and Cowgirls. ENMU also competes in NCAA Division II as the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds and Zias. The specific sports offered vary, so it's best to check each university's athletic website for a complete list.
Which university is better for online learning?

Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU-Main Campus) generally has a more robust online learning program compared to New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). ENMU offers a wider variety of degree programs and courses available fully online, catering to students seeking flexible learning options.
How do the admission requirements compare between NMHU and ENMU?

Admission requirements are generally similar between NMHU and ENMU, typically requiring a high school diploma or GED and submission of standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place). However, specific program requirements may vary, so it's important to check the admission requirements for your intended major on each university's website.
What kind of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at NMHU and ENMU?

Both NMHU and ENMU offer a range of financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students finance their education. These may include federal grants, state grants, institutional scholarships, and private scholarships. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for financial aid at both institutions. Check each university's financial aid website for specific scholarship opportunities and deadlines.
Which university has a stronger focus on research opportunities for undergraduate students?

While both universities offer research opportunities, ENMU, being a larger and more comprehensive university, generally provides a wider range of research opportunities for undergraduate students, particularly in the sciences and business fields. NMHU also offers research opportunities, especially within its areas of academic strength.

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