The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) vs New Mexico State University-Main Campus (NMSU)

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed universities: The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and New Mexico State University-Main Campus (NMSU). Both institutions offer a wealth of opportunities, yet they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. UTEP boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body from various backgrounds. NMSU, on the other hand, has a slightly lower acceptance rate and a student population with a higher percentage of Hispanic students. While UTEP excels in fields like engineering, business, and health professions, NMSU shines in agriculture, education, and nursing. Explore the detailed comparison table to uncover further differences in graduation rates, tuition fees, and other crucial factors that will help you make an informed decision about your future.

	New Mexico State University-Main Campus	The University of Texas at El Paso
Overview
Location	Las Cruces, New Mexico	El Paso, Texas
Campus setting	Suburb: Midsize	City: Large
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	72.0%	70.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	57.3%	100.0%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $40	$45
SAT range	920 - 1140	N/A
ACT range	17 - 23	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	36.0%
Students submitting ACT score	33.0%
Total number of applicants	12,535	10,153
Total number of admissions given out	7,177	10,151
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,013	3,076
Yield rate	28.0%	30.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $22,010 Out of state: $38,476	In state: $27,800 Out of state: $43,208
Average net price	$11,397	$10,538
Tuition	In state: $6,041 Out of state: $22,507	In state: $7,704 Out of state: $23,112
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,507 Meal plan: $4,900	$9,496
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	98.0% Average amount $11,518	82.0% Average amount $9,029
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $3,491	21.0% Average amount $4,380
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $10,115	0.0% Average amount $8,605

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	11,231 Men 41.9% Women 58.1%	20,065 Men 44.1% Women 55.9%
Graduate students	2,673 Men 38.9% Women 61.1%	3,938 Men 43.0% Women 57.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	29.0%	2.1%
International students	5.1%	5.5%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,384	978
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New Mexico Texas Arizona California Colorado	Texas New Mexico California Florida Arizona

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Health Professions Education Agriculture	Health Professions Engineering Multidisciplinary Studies Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	50.4%	45.4%
Dropout rate	45.8%	22.7%
Transferred out	N/A	20.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Industrial Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,572 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $90,002 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,582 Year 2: $61,814 Year 3: $80,221 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $79,616 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,000 Year 2: $73,635 Year 3: $74,617 Engineering Technology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,548 Year 2: $59,253 Year 3: $71,978 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,906 Year 2: $62,343 Year 3: $70,303 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,738 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $69,035 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,124 Year 2: $55,512 Year 3: $66,230 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $59,682 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $64,455 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,638 Year 2: $57,860 Year 3: $63,843	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,721 Year 2: $100,522 Year 3: $105,629 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $74,463 Year 2: $76,802 Year 3: $78,144 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,395 Year 2: $65,332 Year 3: $74,084 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,748 Year 2: $58,943 Year 3: $72,926 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,729 Year 2: $66,821 Year 3: $72,486 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,587 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $71,523 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,194 Year 2: $65,821 Year 3: $69,171 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,525 Year 2: $52,420 Year 3: $67,643 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,760 Year 2: $62,710 Year 3: $64,380 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,832 Year 2: $54,035 Year 3: $63,912

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between UTEP and NMSU?

UTEP, located in El Paso, Texas, is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) with a strong focus on research and community engagement in the border region. NMSU, situated in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a land-grant university with a broader agricultural and engineering emphasis. UTEP tends to have a larger proportion of students from El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, while NMSU draws students from across New Mexico and beyond. Consider your preferred location, academic focus, and campus culture when deciding.
Which university is larger, UTEP or NMSU?

UTEP generally has a slightly larger student population than NMSU. However, enrollment numbers can fluctuate, so it's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date figures. While UTEP has a larger student body, NMSU's campus is significantly larger in terms of acreage.
How do UTEP and NMSU compare in terms of academic programs?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UTEP is particularly known for its engineering, health sciences, and education programs, with a strong emphasis on serving the needs of the border community. NMSU excels in agriculture, engineering, and business, reflecting its land-grant mission. Review the specific departments and faculty within your intended major at both universities to determine the best fit for your academic goals.
What are the tuition and fees like at UTEP versus NMSU?

Tuition and fees vary depending on residency status and program of study. Generally, UTEP tends to be slightly more affordable for Texas residents, while NMSU offers competitive rates for New Mexico residents. Both universities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Be sure to explore the financial aid websites of both institutions and compare the estimated cost of attendance based on your individual circumstances.
How do the campus environments differ between UTEP and NMSU?

UTEP's campus is located in the heart of El Paso, offering a vibrant urban environment with easy access to city amenities and cultural attractions. The architecture is unique, featuring Bhutanese-style buildings. NMSU's campus is situated in Las Cruces, providing a more traditional college town atmosphere with a spacious campus and a focus on outdoor activities. Consider whether you prefer a bustling city setting or a more relaxed college town when making your decision.
What are the research opportunities like at UTEP and NMSU?

Both UTEP and NMSU are research universities, offering numerous opportunities for students to get involved in research projects. UTEP has a strong focus on research related to border issues, health disparities, and advanced manufacturing. NMSU excels in research related to agriculture, aerospace, and renewable energy. Explore the research labs and faculty profiles at both universities to identify potential research mentors and projects that align with your interests.
How do UTEP and NMSU support student success?

Both universities offer a variety of support services to help students succeed academically and personally. These services include tutoring, advising, career counseling, and disability services. UTEP has a strong focus on supporting first-generation college students and students from underrepresented backgrounds. NMSU provides comprehensive support services for students from diverse backgrounds, including veterans and international students. Investigate the specific support services offered by each university to determine which institution best meets your needs.
What are the athletic programs like at UTEP and NMSU?

UTEP's athletic teams are known as the Miners, and they compete in Conference USA. NMSU's athletic teams are called the Aggies, and they compete in Conference USA. Both universities offer a variety of NCAA Division I sports, providing opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level and for fans to enjoy exciting sporting events. Consider which sports you are interested in participating in or watching when making your decision.
What is the surrounding city like for each university?

El Paso, home to UTEP, is a large, vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. It offers a diverse range of dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Las Cruces, where NMSU is located, is a smaller, more laid-back city with a strong agricultural presence and a growing arts scene. Consider your preference for city size, cultural attractions, and access to outdoor activities when making your decision.
How do UTEP and NMSU compare in terms of diversity?

Both UTEP and NMSU are diverse institutions, reflecting the demographics of their respective regions. UTEP is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) with a large Hispanic student population. NMSU also has a significant Hispanic student population, as well as students from diverse backgrounds from across the United States and around the world. Both universities are committed to creating inclusive and welcoming environments for all students.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.