Online Colleges In New Mexico

Explore the best online colleges in New Mexico to choose the right school. Learn about college costs and find state-specific scholarships.
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Updated September 21, 2023

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

New Mexico online colleges offer below-average tuition rates. Plus, New Mexico offers multiple scholarship and grant programs to help make college more affordable. Students can also save money by establishing New Mexico residency and attending an in-state public school.

Our list ranks the best colleges in New Mexico to earn an online degree in 2021. Prospective students can use the rankings to find the right fit for their interests, budget, and professional goals. This guide also covers career and salary outlooks for New Mexico college graduates.

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.

Featured Online Programs

These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.

Best Online Colleges in New Mexico

#1 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 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 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 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

Why Choose New Mexico for Online Higher Education?

New Mexico offers several advantages for prospective college students. The state's below-average tuition rates make New Mexico an affordable place to earn a college degree. College graduates can pursue various career paths that offer above-average salaries.

New Mexico's key industries include biosciences, technology, manufacturing, and aerospace. Many of these industries hire professionals with a bachelor's degree.

Common Online Bachelor's Programs in New Mexico

New Mexico undergraduates can earn degrees in diverse fields. The most common online bachelor's programs in the state include business, education, and psychology.

Cost of Attending an Online College in New Mexico

In New Mexico, public four-year colleges charge less than private colleges. Public two-year colleges offer the most affordable route to a college degree, with average tuition rates at around $1,700 per year.

The cost of online college also varies. Students at New Mexico online colleges may receive tuition discounts. Plus, many distance learners save on the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as transportation, childcare, and living expenses.

Many of the best colleges in New Mexico charge tuition rates below the national average. Nationally, public four-year colleges charge around $9,000 per year in tuition and fees, while New Mexico's public colleges cost under $7,000 per year. Similarly, New Mexico's public community colleges cost around half of the national average.

Average Undergraduate Tuition in New Mexico
Location Public Four-Year College Private Four-Year College Public Two-Year College
In-State $6,902 $30,137 $1,705
Out-of-State $18,350 N/A $6,698

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Career and Salary Outlook for Students in New Mexico

Professionals in New Mexico earn a mean salary of around $47,000 per year. The career and salary outlook improves for professionals with a bachelor's degree, who work in many high-paying roles. For example, engineers, healthcare managers, and tech professionals can all earn six-figure salaries in New Mexico.


Highest Paying Careers With a Bachelor's Degree in New Mexico
Career Median Annual Salary Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029)
Marketing Managers $98,330 8.1%
Computer and Information Systems Managers $118,020 11.3%
Medical and Health Services Managers $126,820 17.6%
Personal Financial Advisor $124,790 7%
Chemical Engineers $122,140 6.2%

Source: BLS, ProjectionsCentral

New Mexico Scholarships and Grants

New Mexico college students qualify for many scholarship and grant opportunities. For instance, the New Mexico Higher Education Department offers multiple scholarships and grants for students at New Mexico online colleges. The following list outlines several scholarships for students at online colleges in New Mexico.


New Mexico Scholarships and Grants
Scholarship Amount Who Can Apply

New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship

Varies New Mexico residents who graduated from high school in the state qualify for this opportunity. Applicants must be enrolled full time at a public college in New Mexico. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.

New Mexico Scholars

Tuition New Mexico high school graduates who graduated in the top 5% of their class or earned at least a 25 on the ACT or a 1140 on the SAT qualify. Recipients must attend an eligible college and demonstrate a combined family income of less than $60,000 per year.

Student Incentive Grant Program

$200-$2,500 This grant supports New Mexico students attending a public college or tribal college in the state. Applicants must demonstrate substantial financial need and hold a high school diploma or the equivalent.

College Affordability Grant

Up to $1,500 per semester New Mexico's college affordability grant supports students with financial need who do not qualify for other scholarships and grants offered by the state. Recipients must attend a New Mexico public college.

New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship

Tuition Students enrolled in a two-year program at a public college or tribal college in New Mexico qualify. Applicants must be New Mexico residents, complete the FAFSA, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.

FAQ's for New Mexico Online Colleges


Do online credits cost more or less in New Mexico?

Tuition rates vary depending on the institution. For example, UNM Online charges $369 per credit for its accelerated online programs, while Western New Mexico University charges around $240 per credit.

What is the most affordable college in New Mexico?

New Mexico's public two-year colleges charge the lowest tuition rates, followed by public four-year colleges. Private colleges typically charge the highest tuition rates.

How long do you have to live in New Mexico to get in-state tuition?

Students must live in New Mexico for 12 consecutive months to qualify for in-state tuition rates. In-state tuition offers a significant discount over out-of-state tuition.

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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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