Nalea J. Ko has worked as a journalist in Hawaii, Los Angeles, and New York covering news and entertainment. She writes about tech, with a focus on coding. Nalea received her MFA degree in fiction from Brooklyn College and bachelor in journalism for ...
Gabriela Pérez Jordán is an editor for AffordableCollegesOnline, specializing in online education degrees and programs. Gabriela previously worked as a commerce editor for ZDNET and has written for Forbes, NBC News 4, Jambalaya News, and Platea PR. G...
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Along with its international hot-air balloon festival and breathtaking national parks, New Mexico offers college tuition lower than 44 other states. Online colleges in New Mexico provide an affordable education to public four-year students who paid an average of $7,393 for in-state tuition and fees in 2020-2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Want to find the best online colleges in New Mexico? Explore the top online degrees in the state, fast-growing careers, and ways to pay for your education in New Mexico.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in New Mexico
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM
4 years
Online + Campus
Online students at New Mexico State University-Main Campus earn the same high-quality degrees as on-campus learners. The public school offers 40 online degrees. Many of the school’s online programs rank among the nation’s best. The school enrolls students in a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Factors such as affordability and flexibility draw degree-seekers to distance learning.
Online learners at the school enjoy scheduling flexibility and affordable tuition. Students transfer credits or an associate degree to accelerate degree completion. Applicants may strengthen their applications with optional test scores. Nontraditional applicants can expect a 55% admission rate. The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
New Mexico State University-Main Campus at a Glance:
School Status: Public
Students in Online Programs: 6,244
Number of Online Degrees: 40
Bachelor’s Degrees Available Online: 12
Average Cost Per Credit: Not Known
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,875
Out-of-State Undergraduate Tuition: $21,864
Admission Rate: 55%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,875
Out-of-state
$21,864
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,844
Out-of-state
$16,834
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
14,296
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Portales, NM
4 years
Online + Campus
Featuring undergraduate and graduate degrees offered online and on its Portales campus, Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus ranks among the state's top schools. The accredited college's online programs enroll a total of 3,946 students. Online degree-seekers can choose from the public institution's 18 bachelor's and seven master's programs.
Enrollees interested in many different fields find programs at the online school to suit them, such as those in business, healthcare, and STEM. For a virtual program, remote learners complete work for their classes in an online learning environment. Degree candidates work closely with faculty mentors and academic advisors to design an individualized course of study. Online degree-seekers get help with their educational journey from the school's tutoring services, financial aid counseling, and career services.
Generally, to graduate from a bachelor's program, enrollees must complete 120 credits and to graduate from a master's program, students must complete 30 credits. Remote learners are eligible for different forms of financial aid, such as scholarships and federal aid.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,996
Out-of-state
$5,994
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,044
Out-of-state
$9,342
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
5,685
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM
4 years
Online + Campus
The undergraduate programs at University of New Mexico-Main Campus help professionals move into new careers or advance in their current field. In total, 9,281 online learners enroll at the school. Courses foster reliable analytical and critical thinking skills. Online enrollees can pursue degrees in various majors.
The Albuquerque institution offers a robust catalog of degrees for undergraduate and graduate students. Online learners complete a bachelor’s in 18-36 months by transferring credits. Bachelor’s programs cost $6,299 for in-state tuition. Students complete master’s degrees in two years on average. Doctoral degree-seekers often take four or more years to finish. Nontraditional learners pursuing graduate degrees pay $5,156 in-state tuition. The school awards an average aid package of $8,000. Enrollees use private and institutional scholarships to help pay for their education.
Students can explore the school’s website for details about experiential learning opportunities. The institution reports a 94% admission rate. Enrollees develop the knowledge and skills employers value. The college delivers in-person and virtual student support services, such as tutoring and career counseling. The school has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,299
Out-of-state
$21,716
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,156
Out-of-state
$17,407
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
22,729
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico
Western New Mexico University
Silver City, NM
4 years
Online + Campus
Online students at Western New Mexico University earn the same high-quality degrees as on-campus degree-seekers. The public school delivers 36 online programs, including some of the nation’s best programs. Students prepare for a variety of careers with the school’s bachelor’s and graduate degrees. Various factors attract students to online programs.
The benefits of online learning at the school include conveniently recorded lectures and financial aid. Online learners transfer credits to finish degrees faster. Distance learners need not submit test scores for application to many institutions. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Western New Mexico University Numbers:
School Status: Public
Total Number of Online Enrollees: 2,122
Number of Online Programs: 36
Total Bachelor’s Programs Online: 16
Average Cost Per Credit: Not Known
Undergraduate Students Pay: $4,167 a year in-state; $11,400 a year out-of-state
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,167
Out-of-state
$11,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,356
Out-of-state
$8,730
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,193
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Our Ranking Methodology
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
New Mexico has $1 billion reserved to provide tuition-free college education to eligible residents.
10 Fast-Growing Careers in New Mexico
New Mexico's healthcare sector leads in employment growth projections. According to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, registered nurses, physicians, physical therapists, and licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are among the occupations with the highest number of online job postings.
The department projects the healthcare workforce to expand due to a growing elderly population and a focus on preventive healthcare. Job growth projections in other industries also look encouraging. The New Mexico Health Care Workforce Committee Report forecasts that New Mexico's employers will add 7,237 healthcare and technology jobs from 2020-2030.
Majors to Consider to Prepare for New Mexico's Job Market
Consider your interests and New Mexico's booming industries when selecting a college major. Many majors offer crossover career opportunities to work in various sectors. Discover the advantages of majoring in the following areas.
Business Administration
Business administration majors enjoy career freedom. This major can prepare New Mexicans to pursue fast-growing jobs as compensation and benefits managers, marketing managers, and medical and health services managers.
New Mexico predicts a significant long-term demand for marketing managers. A marketing degree can lead to careers as fundraisers, event managers, and social media coordinators.
Nursing
Driven by New Mexico's aging population, the healthcare industry predicts an increased demand for nurses at all licensing levels. Employers need registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, and respiratory therapists.
Compared to the most costly states to live in, such as New York and California, New Mexicans pay significantly less for housing. Transportation in New Mexico requires a comparable expenditure to other high cost-of-living states.
Consider that Californians pay an estimated $10,665 annually in transportation costs, while New Mexicans pay $9,687. Online learners can reduce their transportation costs by eliminating commutes to campus.
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in New Mexico
While you cannot negotiate college tuition rates, you can use scholarships and grants to reduce your overall financial burden. Consider these scholarships, grants, and other cost-saving programs to lower your tuition commitment.
Graduate Scholarship
New Mexico's Graduate Scholarship prioritizes aid to candidates from minority communities with the highest financial need. If you want to apply, contact the financial aid advisor at your college or university. The scholarship provides up to $7,200 every year. To receive the scholarship, you must work an unpaid internship or assistantship for 10 hours each week.
New Mexico Scholars
The New Mexico Scholarship program offers funding to cover full tuition and books for high school students attending college. To qualify, a candidate must be a New Mexico resident with a minimum score of 25 on the ACT or 1140 on the SAT. Each applicant also must meet financial requirements with an annual family income of no more than $60,000.
Student Incentive Grant Program
The Student Incentive Grant Program provides funding to New Mexican students in great financial need. This grant offers $200-$2,500 per year to New Mexico residents enrolled as undergraduates at public colleges or tribal institutions.
Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship Program Scholarship
New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships offer eligible part-time and full-time students a free full ride to attend public colleges and universities. Candidates can qualify while enrolled in associate, bachelor's, and professional certificate programs.
Your financial aid office can help you determine eligibility after completing a FAFSA form. There's no separate application. Find qualifying colleges and universities by searching the New Mexico Higher Education Department (HED) directory.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in New Mexico
Tuition reciprocity is an agreement between state agencies that allows non-resident students to get deals on tuition.
The New Mexico HED and the Colorado Department of Higher Education maintain a tuition reciprocity agreement, allowing New Mexican residents to attend college in Colorado and vice versa, at no extra cost.
Also, New Mexico participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange. This agreement allows students in certain states to pay reduced tuition rather than typical out-of-state costs. The Western regional graduate program offers similar benefits for graduate students in participating states.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in New Mexico
Do online credits cost more or less in New Mexico?
For online and on-campus programs, New Mexico public colleges and universities charge significantly cheaper tuition than most states. At public four-year colleges in the 2021-2022 school year, New Mexican students paid $17,516 for tuition and fees, plus room and board. Connecticut charges $28,816 in the same year.
Online tuition per credit varies by school. Central New Mexico Community College charges $179 per credit hour, while undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in accelerated online programs at the University of New Mexico pay $394-$428 per credit.
What is the most affordable college in New Mexico?
Public colleges in New Mexico typically offer the most affordable options. New Mexico State University charged residents $6,189 in tuition and fees in the 2023-2024 school year. The University of New Mexico's resident tuition is $11,126 per year.
What is the best online college degree to get in New Mexico?
The best degree in New Mexico positions you to take advantage of the state's fastest-growing occupations. The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions identifies the most sought-after jobs for those with bachelor's degrees as general and operations managers, human resources specialists, and interpreters and translators.
How long do you have to live in New Mexico to get in-state tuition?
To obtain residency and the accompanying college tuition benefits, an individual must reside in New Mexico for 12 consecutive months. You also need financial independence, apart from your guardians, to achieve New Mexican residency. Exceptions to this rule exist for people married to legal New Mexicans or military service members.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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