University of New Mexico-Main Campus (UNM) vs New Mexico State University-Main Campus (NMSU)

Nestled in the heart of New Mexico, University of New Mexico-Main Campus and New Mexico State University-Main Campus stand as two prominent institutions of higher learning, each offering a unique educational experience. While both universities share the common goal of providing quality education, they differ in several key aspects. UNM boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students, while NMSU has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating a strong commitment to student success. UNM's student body is more diverse, reflecting the state's rich cultural heritage, while NMSU's student population is predominantly Hispanic. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these universities, including popular majors, tuition fees, and additional factors that may influence your decision. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	New Mexico State University-Main Campus	University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Las Cruces, New Mexico	Albuquerque, New Mexico
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%	68.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	57.3%	97.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $40	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $50
SAT range	920 - 1140	N/A
ACT range	17 - 23	19 - 26
Students submitting SAT score	36.0%
Students submitting ACT score	33.0%	28.0%
Total number of applicants	12,535	11,346
Total number of admissions given out	7,177	11,036
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,013	3,077
Yield rate	28.0%	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)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $22,010 Out of state: $38,476	In state: $23,725 Out of state: $41,063
Average net price	$11,397	$11,396
Tuition	In state: $6,041 Out of state: $22,507	In state: $6,604 Out of state: $23,942
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,507 Meal plan: $4,900	$10,396
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	98.0% Average amount $11,518	98.0% Average amount $7,531
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $3,491	54.0% Average amount $5,240
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $10,115	2.0% Average amount $10,500

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	11,231 Men 41.9% Women 58.1%	15,793 Men 41.6% Women 58.4%
Graduate students	2,673 Men 38.9% Women 61.1%	6,346 Men 44.1% Women 55.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	29.0%	21.2%
International students	5.1%	4.8%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,384	2,492
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	New Mexico Texas California Colorado Arizona

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Health Professions Education Agriculture	Health Professions Business Engineering Education Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	13:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	50.4%	53.6%
Dropout rate	45.8%	40.9%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
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	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 New Mexico (UNM) and New Mexico State University (NMSU)?

UNM, located in Albuquerque, is a large, comprehensive research university known for its strong programs in medicine, law, and the arts. NMSU, situated in Las Cruces, is a land-grant university with a focus on agriculture, engineering, and STEM fields. UNM tends to have a more urban feel, while NMSU offers a more traditional college town experience. Consider your preferred location and academic interests when deciding.
Which university is larger, UNM or NMSU?

UNM generally has a larger student population than NMSU. This means UNM may offer a wider variety of courses and extracurricular activities, but NMSU might provide a more intimate learning environment with smaller class sizes in some departments.
How do the tuition costs compare between UNM and NMSU?

Tuition costs can vary depending on residency status and the specific program. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates, especially for New Mexico residents. It's best to check the official websites of UNM and NMSU for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules and to explore available financial aid and scholarship opportunities at each institution.
What are the strengths of UNM's academic programs?

UNM excels in areas like medicine, law, fine arts, architecture, and anthropology. Its Health Sciences Center is a major research and clinical hub. If you're interested in these fields, UNM is a strong choice.
What are the strengths of NMSU's academic programs?

NMSU is particularly strong in agriculture, engineering (especially aerospace and mechanical), and other STEM fields. As a land-grant university, it has a strong commitment to research and outreach in these areas. If you're passionate about these disciplines, NMSU offers excellent opportunities.
How do the campus environments differ between UNM and NMSU?

UNM's campus is located in the heart of Albuquerque, a vibrant city with a diverse culture and many urban amenities. NMSU's campus is in Las Cruces, a smaller city with a more relaxed atmosphere and close proximity to outdoor recreational areas. Consider which type of environment best suits your lifestyle and preferences.
What types of student activities and organizations are available at each university?

Both UNM and NMSU offer a wide range of student activities and organizations, including clubs, sports teams, fraternities and sororities, and cultural groups. UNM, being larger, may have a greater variety, but NMSU provides ample opportunities for students to get involved and connect with others. Check each university's website for a comprehensive list of student organizations.
How do the research opportunities compare at UNM and NMSU?

Both UNM and NMSU are research universities, offering numerous opportunities for students to participate in research projects. UNM's Health Sciences Center provides extensive research opportunities in medical and health-related fields, while NMSU's agricultural and engineering programs offer strong research opportunities in STEM areas. Explore the research labs and faculty profiles at each university to find opportunities that align with your interests.
What are the athletic programs like at UNM and NMSU?

Both UNM (Lobos) and NMSU (Aggies) have strong athletic programs and compete in NCAA Division I. UNM is part of the Mountain West Conference, while NMSU is in Conference USA. Both universities offer a variety of sports, providing opportunities for student-athletes and enthusiastic fans.
Which university is better for someone interested in a specific career path?

The 'better' university depends entirely on your career aspirations. If you're interested in medicine, law, or the arts, UNM is a strong contender. If your focus is on agriculture, engineering, or other STEM fields, NMSU might be a better fit. Research the specific programs and faculty at each university to determine which aligns best with your career goals.

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