U of A vs University of New Mexico-Main Campus (UNM)

When it comes to higher education in the Southwest, the University of Arizona (UA) and the University of New Mexico-Main Campus (UNM) stand out as two prominent choices. Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs, vibrant campus life, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, there are some key differences between the two institutions that prospective students should consider. UA boasts a higher acceptance rate, a larger student body, and a more diverse range of popular majors, including engineering, business, and social sciences. UNM, on the other hand, has a stronger focus on Native American studies and a higher graduation rate. To help you make an informed decision about which university is the right fit for you, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences and more. Explore the table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals, personal preferences, and future aspirations.

	University of Arizona	University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Tucson, Arizona	Albuquerque, New Mexico
Campus setting	City: Large	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	84.0%	68.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	87.3%	97.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $85	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1120 - 1370	N/A
ACT range	21 - 29	19 - 26
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%
Students submitting ACT score	19.0%	28.0%
Total number of applicants	48,065	11,346
Total number of admissions given out	41,946	11,036
Admitted students who chose to enroll	8,436	3,077
Yield rate	20.1%	27.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $30,136 Out of state: $54,658	In state: $23,725 Out of state: $41,063
Average net price	$17,242	$11,396
Tuition	In state: $11,299 Out of state: $35,821	In state: $6,604 Out of state: $23,942
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,400 Meal plan: $5,050	$10,396
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $13,790	98.0% Average amount $7,531
Students receiving federal student loan	24.0% Average amount $4,845	54.0% Average amount $5,240
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $20,814	2.0% Average amount $10,500

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	37,434 Men 44.3% Women 55.7%	15,793 Men 41.6% Women 58.4%
Graduate students	10,840 Men 44.5% Women 55.5%	6,346 Men 44.1% Women 55.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	48.8%	21.2%
International students	6.5%	4.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	7,036	2,492
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Arizona California Washington Illinois Colorado	New Mexico Texas California Colorado Arizona

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Engineering Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Health Professions Business Engineering Education Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	64.3%	53.6%
Dropout rate	14.3%	40.9%
Transferred out	19.6%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Physics (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $88,673 Year 2: $123,527 Year 3: $127,192 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $110,426 Year 2: $117,473 Year 3: $122,962 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $110,630 Year 2: $103,746 Year 3: $104,908 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,116 Year 2: $83,388 Year 3: $98,461 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,677 Year 2: $92,743 Year 3: $98,271 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $96,308 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,806 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $89,884 Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,657 Year 2: $73,035 Year 3: $87,557 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,627 Year 2: $79,199 Year 3: $86,387 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,284 Year 2: $74,953 Year 3: $83,742	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $117,174 Year 2: $124,631 Year 3: $128,888 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,409 Year 2: $94,999 Year 3: $106,457 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,927 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $86,346 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,115 Year 2: $65,053 Year 3: $83,794 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $59,598 Year 2: $68,965 Year 3: $76,357 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,723 Year 2: $70,863 Year 3: $74,672 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,481 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $71,489 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,379 Year 2: $65,424 Year 3: $70,962 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,309 Year 2: $60,771 Year 3: $69,058 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,774 Year 2: $59,688 Year 3: $68,840

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Arizona (UA) and the University of New Mexico (UNM)?

The University of Arizona (UA) and the University of New Mexico (UNM) are both large public universities in the Southwest, but they have distinct characteristics. UA is known for its strong programs in science, engineering, and optical sciences, and has a larger student body. UNM, located in Albuquerque, is recognized for its unique blend of Hispanic and Native American cultures, reflected in its academic programs and campus environment. UNM also has a strong focus on health sciences and offers a more affordable tuition rate compared to UA.
Which university, UA or UNM, is better known for its research programs?

Both UA and UNM are research universities, but UA generally has a higher research output and funding level. UA is particularly strong in areas like space exploration, astronomy, and optical sciences. UNM also conducts significant research, especially in health sciences, Southwestern studies, and renewable energy, but its overall research expenditure is typically lower than UA's.
How do the tuition costs compare between the University of Arizona and the University of New Mexico?

Generally, the University of New Mexico (UNM) offers a more affordable tuition rate, especially for in-state students. The University of Arizona (UA) tends to have higher tuition costs, although the exact amount varies depending on the program and residency status. Prospective students should check the latest tuition and fees information on each university's website for the most accurate comparison.
What is the campus environment like at UA versus UNM?

The University of Arizona (UA) has a vibrant, large-university feel with a strong emphasis on student life and athletics. The campus is located in Tucson, a city known for its desert landscape and outdoor activities. The University of New Mexico (UNM) offers a more intimate campus environment with a distinct Southwestern cultural influence. Located in Albuquerque, UNM's campus architecture and programs reflect the region's Hispanic and Native American heritage.
Which university has a stronger focus on specific academic areas?

The University of Arizona (UA) is particularly strong in science, engineering (especially optical sciences), and business. The University of New Mexico (UNM) excels in health sciences, Southwestern studies, architecture, and fine arts, reflecting its regional focus and cultural heritage.
How do the student populations differ between UA and UNM?

The University of Arizona (UA) has a larger and more diverse student body, drawing students from across the United States and internationally. The University of New Mexico (UNM) has a significant proportion of students from New Mexico and the surrounding Southwestern states, contributing to its unique cultural environment. UNM also has a higher percentage of Hispanic and Native American students compared to UA.
What are the athletic programs like at UA and UNM?

Both UA and UNM have Division I athletic programs. The University of Arizona (UA), as part of the Pac-12 Conference, generally has a higher profile in sports like basketball and baseball. The University of New Mexico (UNM), competing in the Mountain West Conference, is known for its strong cross-country and track and field programs. Both universities offer a wide range of athletic opportunities for students.
Which university is located in a larger city?

Albuquerque, where the University of New Mexico (UNM) is located, is generally considered a larger city than Tucson, where the University of Arizona (UA) is located. However, both cities offer a variety of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and outdoor activities.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between UA and UNM?

Both UA and UNM offer career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. UA, with its larger size and broader range of programs, may offer a wider variety of internship opportunities, particularly in science and technology fields. UNM provides strong connections to local and regional employers, especially in healthcare, government, and Southwestern-focused industries.
What kind of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at UA and UNM?

Both the University of Arizona (UA) and the University of New Mexico (UNM) offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. The specific eligibility criteria and award amounts vary. Students should explore the financial aid websites of both universities and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for assistance. UNM may offer more specific scholarships targeted towards New Mexico residents.

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