The popularity of online college is growing across New Mexico. At the University of New Mexico alone, 52% of students are enrolled in at least one online course, with other colleges in the state following suit. The reason for this surge in popularity? Online classes don’t require a commute, are more convenient, and the virtual format suits a busy schedule. It’s easier to work full-time or meet your other personal responsibilities when getting your degree online, too.
This guide provides key information and details about online colleges in New Mexico. We can help you find an accredited, flexible, and affordable online program that checks all your boxes, while also providing other helpful resources that can help you plan your college and career journey.
Top Online Colleges in New Mexico for 2024
The college search can be intensive and time-consuming. To help save time and get you into the classroom faster, we researched the best online colleges in New Mexico. These schools offer a top-notch education, generous financial aid opportunities, affordable tuition, and robust student support services. They also have a variety of degrees to choose from, so you should be able to find an online program to suit your needs. See which online colleges and programs stand above the rest in New Mexico.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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Las Cruces, New MexicoPublic $$
New Mexico State University offers over 70 online degrees and programs that you can choose from on every level, from certificates to doctoral degrees. Video chats are available if you want to talk to an academic or financial advisor, and a virtual tour is available on NM State’s website. Online undergraduate courses are offered in an 8-week “mini-mester” format. Online undergraduate and graduate students will pay the same rate of tuition as their on-campus counterparts, and will enjoy pursuing some of NM State’s highly-ranked degrees like its master’s in criminal justice and bachelor’s of business.
Program Highlights:
Master of Criminal Justice
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $444.40/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor of Business Administration
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4-6 years
- Cost: $395.40/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
AAS in Computer and Information Technology
- Credits: 60-66
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $395.40/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Silver City, New MexicoPublic $
Western New Mexico University offers many different degree options online, and better than that, its tuition is ranked among the most affordable in the nation, with tuition guarantees and discounts to all of its students (even in surrounding states!). All courses are asynchronous (with a few exceptions) and are accessed through the online management system Canvas, which has 24-hour support. You’ll have access to online tutors at any time during the day or night, and online student advisors as well. These online programs are customizable and are great for many people, including active members of the military and veterans.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 36-42
- Length: ~4 semesters
- Cost: $374/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $349/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Associate of Arts in Human Services
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $349/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Las Vegas, New MexicoPublic $
Highlands University’s online learning system offers students a generous credit transfer policy and eight-week class formats to help students earn their degree quickly. They’ll be able to get one-on-one advising from faculty members, networking opportunities, and interactive, in-depth coursework with the flexibility that comes with studying online. Like their on-campus counterparts, online classes will have low student-to-faculty ratios, access to online tutoring services, and 24/7 access to the library’s online resources. Since interaction is part of Highland University’s online learning plan, in addition to a computer with reliable internet access, students will also need to have a microphone and speakers.
Program Highlights:
RN to BSN
- Credits: 120
- Length: 14 months
- Cost: $325/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: CCNE
Master of Arts in Criminology
- Credits: 32
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $525/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master’s in Cultural Resource Management
- Credits: 33-37
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $525/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Santa Fe, New MexicoPublic $
The Institute of American Indian Arts offers two low-residency master’s programs — an MFA in creative writing and another in studio arts. The low-residency model allows students to study and complete work from home for the majority of their degree. Twice a year students will attend campus for a week-long intensive of workshops, lectures, and readings. After the week is over, students are then matched with a faculty mentor who works one-on-one with the student for the duration of the following semester. IAIA’s unique mission is “to empower creativity and leadership in Native arts and cultures through higher education, lifelong learning, and outreach.” Though any student is welcome at the school, all learning will follow the school’s mission.
Program Highlights:
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
- Credits: 48
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $6,300/semester
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $7,800/semester
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Socorro, New MexicoPublic $$
The distance education program at New Mexico Tech is based around synchronous classroom experiences. It uses Adobe Connect to help students tune in to live lectures given on campus, no matter where they are located. These synchronous courses are taken through the Canvas learning management system. Resources for distance learning students include VMWare, which allows students to access on-campus computers for course-specific software, online tutoring, online library resources, the Writing and Communications Lab, and the Google G Suite of applications.
Program Highlights:
Professional Master in Hydrology
- Credits: 30
- Length: 3+ semesters
- Cost: $397/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Engineering in Materials Engineering
- Credits: 30
- Length: 3+ semesters
- Cost: $397/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
PhD in Computer Science
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3-5 years
- Cost: $397/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
8/1
-
Albuquerque, New MexicoPublic $$
The University of New Mexico is the state’s flagship university and has been classified as one of the top research universities in the U.S. by Carnegie. It offers over 30 degree programs and several certificates that students can pursue either entirely online or in a hybrid format. In addition, several online programs are offered in an accelerated format which has students taking classes in an 8-week format at a special tuition rate. All online learning will go through the Canvas learning management system which has a 24/7 hotline for anyone that needs help.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Computer Engineering
- Credits: 31
- Length: 18+ months
- Cost: $534/crdit
- Mode: Accelerated Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) to Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH)
- Credits: 30
- Length: 18+ months
- Cost: $432/credit
- Mode: Accelerated Online
- Accreditation: Commission on Dental Accreditation, Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Credits: 120
- Length: 3+ years
- Cost: $443/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Portales, New MexicoPublic $
Eastern New Mexico University is dedicated to helping students advance their education in a flexible online format, and offers students over 30 online programs to choose from. Students studying online will also have access to the online bookstore, online counseling services, online tutoring, and online library services. Online classes are give through the Canvas learning management system and lectures can be watched through Mediasite, a lecture-capture software. Some courses require students to take quizzes and tests in a proctored location, which will have to be coordinated with the course professor.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Applied Economics and Finance
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $298/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences – Culinary Arts
- Credits: 120
- Length: 3+ years
- Cost: $298/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Master of Science in Nursing
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $320/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Hobbs, New MexicoPublic $
New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) is considered one of the best online community colleges in New Mexico and has put together online programs for students unable to attend in person. NMJC offers online certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees that stand alone or act as a foundation for a four-year degree. If you’re a high school student, working professional, parent, or student across the nation, then you are welcome here! The online programs at NMJC are hosted on the Canvas learning management system. Students watch an online new student orientation to learn how to get started. Resources that students have access to include academic advising, financial aid, online tutoring, and library resources. The same faculty teaches both online and on-campus students.
Program Highlights:
Associate in Energy Technology
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $900/semester
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Associate of Science
- Credits:60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $900/semester
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Associate in Business Management
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $900/semester
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Alamogordo, New MexicoPublic $
New Mexico State University-Alamogordo is a community college that offers a variety of associate degrees and certificates online or in a hybrid format, as well as 2+2 bachelor’s degree programs. Online courses may be synchronous or asynchronous, with the format being identified at the beginning of the course. All online courses can be accessed anywhere in the world at any time and have gone through an extensive review utilizing the 42 Quality Matters Specific Review Standards. Online students have access to tutoring and advising resources and are eligible for financial aid. You will have access to an online community, which allows you to get help from your fellow online students as well.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $936/semester
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Associate in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $936/semester
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Associate in Business Management Marketing
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $936/semester
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Farmington, New MexicoPublic $
San Juan College offers online programs that allow you to pursue your education while working and balancing your personal commitments. You’ll get the same quality education that on-campus students receive without sacrificing other commitments to attend class in person. Choose from online certificates and degrees in business administration, information technology, liberal arts, marketing, psychology, American Sign Language, and medical coding/billing. You’ll have access to all material, assignments, quizzes, and exams online through the Canvas learning management system and can use online resources such as academic advising, technical support, tutoring services, career services, and disability services.
Program Highlights:
Associate in Health Information Technology
- Credits: 63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $178/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Associate in Marketing
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $178/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
AAS, Physical Therapy Assistant
- Credits: 65
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $178/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
12
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Albuquerque, New MexicoPublic $
Central New Mexico Community College offers portable, flexible, and affordable online degree programs for students unable to attend classes on campus. Online tuition includes textbooks and fees and access to online resources including online tutoring, library services, achievement coach counseling and accessibility services. All assignments, readings, lectures, videos, quizzes, and exams can be accessed 100% online. Online students are eligible for financial aid and accelerated online degrees that are as short as 17 months; online certificate options are also available.
Program Highlights:
Associate in Criminology
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $171/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Associate in Cyber Security
- Credits: 65-70
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $171/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Associate in Communication
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $171/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
-
Carlsbad, New MexicoPublic $
New Mexico State University—Carlsbad has recently become its own independent college called Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC). It offers four online degrees and one online certificate: an AAS or certificate in health information technology, an associate in pre-business, an associate of arts, and an associate in general studies. Online courses are given through the Canvas learning management platform. Students studying online have remote access to SENMC’s electronic library resources and the New Mexico State University library’s online catalog. The school’s Learning Technology Center is committed to providing teachers and students with high-quality technology, trainings, and academic support.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts
- Credits: 60-63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $49-$167/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
AAS in Health Information Technology
- Credits: 61-64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $49-$167/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Associate in Pre-Business
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $49-$167/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Santa Fe, New MexicoPublic $
Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) offers its online courses in both a synchronous and asynchronous format, as well as a hybrid format for those able to travel to campus. Students can pursue two different degrees online—an associate degree in English-creative writing or psychology. Though not on campus, students pursuing online education through SFCC still have access to online resources like tutoring, advising, counseling, testing, and financial aid. Even SFCC’s library, career services, and campus bookstore have online resources that students can use. All online courses are given through the Canvas online learning management system.
Program Highlights:
AA in English-Creative Writing
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $49-$144/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
AA in Psychology
- Credits: 61-63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $49-$144/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Key Learning Modes to Know
Online college programs in New Mexico can look very different from one another because there’s a variety of ways to earn a degree online. Check out the most popular choices so that you can determine which one best suits how, when, and where you want to learn.
Fully-Online and Partially-Online
If you want to enroll in an online program, you can choose between a 100% online or a hybrid or blended program. A fully online program can be completed without stepping foot on campus even once. It’s a great option for anyone who works full-time while attending school, lives far away from campus and can’t move, or has a health concern that makes it tricky to head to in-person classes each day. Online classes are common across majors, though they aren’t as common in fields that require hands-on experience, like nursing or engineering.
Hybrid/blended programs are similar, but not the same. With a hybrid program, you take a combination of fully online and fully in-person classes. A blended program has classes with both online components and in-person instruction. For example, a blended program could include a weekly in-person lab and class session and one online class session a week. Either program is a great choice for those looking to blend the two formats.
Check out a few of the best fully online and hybrid programs in New Mexico.
Aviation Science at Eastern New Mexico University (Blended/Hybrid)
New Mexico University offers a flexible bachelor’s degree in aviation science. While students can take this program fully-online, there’s also a hybrid option that offers more hands-on experience. All classes in the program are in one of three formats: fully online with live class sessions, fully online with asynchronous class modules, or half online and half in person. In the blended learning format, students attend some class sessions and all labs in person. Other class sessions are conducted online. Often, these classes have more in-person sessions, though the exact amount depends on how each professor has structured their class. Communication outside of class takes place on Canvas, a virtual learning platform, for both hybrid and online courses.
Psychology at New Mexico State University (Fully-Online)
New Mexico State University offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In this program, students learn how the brain works and the tools needed to conduct experiments around human behavior. With this degree, students attend live class sessions through the professor’s preferred video communication tool. They then complete assignments and out-of-class labs on their own. During class sessions, students are expected to participate in conversations, both by speaking in the virtual classroom and typing in the discussion box. By the end of the program, students will be prepared for a variety of careers, from social work to law, though many students go on to earn a graduate degree. New Mexico State University makes it easy for all students, including online students, to get scholarships through their one-step financial aid process.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous
If you want to take classes at your own pace, consider a program with an asynchronous format. In a class with this format, you’ll complete all online class sessions whenever it’s convenient for you. For example, there could be 10 prerecorded class sessions and twelve assignments you’re expected to complete before the end of the semester. While asynchronous programs can be great, it can be hard for some students to focus during class and complete work on time. If either of these is a concern to you, a synchronous online format might work better. With this format, classes are streamed online at a set time and often include in-class participation. Check out these high quality asynchronous and synchronous college programs in New Mexico.
Community Health Education at the University of New Mexico Online (Asynchronous)
The University of New Mexico’s online campus offers a series of accelerated asynchronous programs. One of the most notable is the school’s bachelor’s degree in community health education, offered to students who have already earned general education and prerequisite credits. As with all the school’s accelerated degrees, community health education students take courses in an eight-week format. They can start the program at any time during the year and simply take prerecorded online modules whenever it works for them. As long as they get all coursework completed within the eight-week time-frame, students can complete the assignments at their own pace. The accelerated program is also on a fixed-tuition schedule, meaning for the two years it takes students to get their accelerated bachelor’s, they’ll pay the exact same tuition rate.
Mathematics at Western New Mexico University (Synchronous)
Western New Mexico University offers a fully online bachelor’s degree in mathematics. While some coursework can be completed in your free time, all virtual class sessions are offered at set class times. In-class participation is expected from students in discussions and course labs. The school offers online MATLAB subscriptions and virtual textbooks, both at a reduced cost for students. These tools will enable you to better interact with course materials. Compared to other online programs, Western New Mexico’s math degree does a stand-out job of integrating online tools and labs into their synchronous course sessions. For many courses, pulling up MATLAB and working synchronously with classmates on assignments is expected.
Part-Time and Full-Time
Many students attend school on a full-time basis, meaning they have classes and assignments throughout the week, making it difficult to balance a full-time job with their degree. If you’re trying to balance both or have other non-work obligations which take up a large portion of your time, a part-time online program might be a better fit. Both options are common in New Mexico and at many schools in the state, you can elect if you want to take any program on a part-time or full-time basis. To learn more, check out a top-ranked part-time and full-time program.
Master of Computer Science at New Mexico Tech (Part-Time)
To accommodate working professionals, New Mexico Tech offers a series of advanced degrees which can be taken on a part-time basis. One of the most popular is the master’s in computer science, which can be completed part-time in as little as three years. All classes in the program are offered online, though they do fall within a typical semester schedule. Students can also customize their degree further by choosing a concentration and whether they want to complete a thesis or independent study project in their area of concentration. Concentrations include networking, cybersecurity, data analytics, and machine learning. If students don’t want to commit to the full master’s, they can get a graduate certificate. Successful applicants should already have some computer science education and work experience.
General Business at New Mexico Highlands University (Full-Time)
Anyone looking to complete their bachelor’s in business should consider the accelerated program from New Mexico Highlands University. In this program, students take all their courses online and can graduate in as little as 21 months. The courses are also designed in an asynchronous format so students can take class sessions at any time which suits their schedule. While the online, asynchronous format offers maximum flexibility, this accelerated course is a full-time commitment. The workload is quite heavy, so most students would find it difficult to balance a full-time job with this degree program. During the week, students can expect to watch prerecorded lessons, complete class assignments, and communicate with their professors via email or during virtual office hours.
Accreditation & Online Colleges in New Mexico
When looking at online programs, it’s important to choose an accredited program. If a program is not accredited, employers and other institutions won’t recognize your degree. You also won’t be eligible for state and federal aid and might not have the same high-quality curriculum as you would in an accredited program.
In New Mexico, you want to look for a program that’s regionally or nationally accredited. The regional accreditation board which oversees New Mexico Institutions is the Higher Learning Commission. While this is the best type of accreditation, there are some high-quality programs that are nationally accredited. There are also subject or program accreditors that review individual programs. Having national accreditation for a specific program could be important for certain degrees which require state licensure, such as nursing and social work.
Pricing Your Online Degree in New Mexico
Getting your degree is costly, but how does the average cost in New Mexico stack up to other states? The average cost of education in the United States is $21,035 a year for in-state programs and $27,091 for out-of-state programs. New Mexico’s average cost is lower, with students paying $16,193 for in-state and $21,645 for out-of-state on average.
Many factors can make a college program more or less expensive. Attending a program that offers in-state tuition or getting financial aid can bring down the cost. Attending an online program can also help students save on various in-person student fees, the cost of commuting to and from campus, and on rent money to live near campus.
To get a better idea of how much you can expect to pay, check out the average tuition for both in-person and online degrees from five popular New Mexico universities.
| School Name | On-Campus In-State | On-Campus Out-of-State | Online In-State | Online Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Mexico | $27,471/ year | $43,777 / year | $7,106.40 / year | $7,106.40 / year |
| Eastern New Mexico University | $6,738 / year | $8,718 / year | $6,738 / year | $8,718 / year |
| New Mexico State University | $25,181 / year | $43,507 / year | $8,409 / year | $26,735 / year |
| New Mexico Highlands University | $3,492.00 / year | $5,916.00 / year | $3,492.00 / year | $5,916.00 / year |
| Western New Mexico University | $4,785.90 / year | $8,929.35 / year | $5,235.90 / year | $9,379.35 / year |
* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.
Financial Aid for New Mexico Online Students
While the upfront tuition price of most schools may look expensive at first glance, it can often be lowered through financial aid. Financial aid refers to any program which can help mitigate the cost of college. Some popular financial aid options include:
- Federal grants and scholarships
- Federal student loans
- Private student loans
- Private scholarships and grants
- School-funded scholarships and grants
- Work-study programs
There’s plenty of financial aid available at the national level. To learn more, check out our guide to financial aid and our guide to national scholarships.
There are also some state-specific programs you’ll want to investigate. If you’re a resident of New Mexico, you could be eligible for grants, scholarships, and loans from the state. In New Mexico specifically, the state offers state-funded loans, scholarships, grants, and 529 education savings plans. There’s also private organizations and universities which provide scholarships to New Mexico students. For example, the New Mexico Higher Education Department runs a statewide version of FAFSA to provide scholarships to those who demonstrate financial need.
To learn more about New Mexico-specific financial aid, check out the state government’s financial aid resource page.
Top Careers for New Mexico College Grads
If you’re still deciding on your major, you might want to consider the following ten careers. These careers are currently in high demand in New Mexico, meaning you can expect more job offers and higher salary potential after graduating. Check out the faster-growing careers in New Mexico:
| Career | Job Growth (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Self-enrichment education teachers | 64.1% | $44,660 |
| Nurse practitioners | 55.7% | $118,480 |
| Museum conservators | 55.6% | $42,160 |
| Multimedia artists and animators | 53.5% | $47,040 |
| Information security analysts | 42.9% | $119,650 |
| Meeting and event planners | 40.5% | $45,590 |
| Writers and authors | 39.1% | $63,890 |
| Physical therapy assistants | 37.7% | $55,450 |
| Sound engineering technicians | 37.5% | $50,020 |
| Art directors | 35.7% | $73,940 |
Online College Resources for Students in New Mexico
Online College Readiness Guide
The University of New Mexico university system created a readiness guide to help students determine if they’re ready for online college. It also provides resources to help cultivate the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a virtual learning environment.
The state government offers a state-wide search engine so students can find different accredited universities to suit their needs. It’s a great place to look for both two-year and four-year institutions.
New Mexico Higher Education Department
This organization offers FAFSA help as well as state specific financial aid scholarships for those who demonstrate need. They also run a lottery where anyone can apply and possibly get a $500 scholarship.
To help the indigenous population, New Mexico’s state government has set up this free hub with resources, scholarships, and networking opportunities to help indigenous students graduate from university.
A free resource which outlines the state-funded financial aid opportunities for New Mexico residents. It also has a free guide for both parents and students about how to save for university.