Online Schools and Colleges in New Mexico
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Accredited Degree Programs, Scholarships and Resources for Top Schools
Online education in New Mexico is varied and provides education for students not only in college, but also for students in grades K-12. New Mexico is home to more than 35 accredited schools, including community colleges, public four-year schools, tribal colleges and universities and private schools. Almost all of those institutions offer something in the way of online learning, from single courses to full degrees on everything from the associate to doctoral level. Students in grades K-12 can earn credit from two fully-online schools, district programs, the state virtual school or community colleges offering dual enrollment.
Best Online Colleges in New Mexico
Students in New Mexico paid an average of $7,924 for public tuition in the 2018-2019 school year. However, attending online public college or university could be free for some 55,000 in-state students in New Mexico beginning in the fall of 2020. In 2019, the legislature introduced the Opportunity Scholarship, which could provide free tuition to students at 29 state colleges and universities regardless of income. The program would cover in-state college expenses not paid for by the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship or federal loans and grants.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
- Las Cruces, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,875
- Out-of-state$21,864
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled14,296
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
New Mexico Tech
- Socorro, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,826
- Out-of-state$22,194
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled1,835
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
- Portales, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,996
- Out-of-state$5,994
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled5,685
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment69%
- AccreditationYes
New Mexico Highlands University
- Las Vegas, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,440
- Out-of-state$8,712
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,787
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Western New Mexico University
- Silver City, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,167
- Out-of-state$11,400
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled3,193
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
University of the Southwest
- Hobbs, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,000
- Out-of-state$16,000
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled875
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
New Mexico Junior College
- Hobbs, NM
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,344
- Out-of-state$1,536
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,327
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Central New Mexico Community College
- Albuquerque, NM
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,344
- Out-of-state$7,104
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled23,096
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
San Juan College
- Farmington, NM
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,176
- Out-of-state$3,720
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled6,741
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus
- Roswell, NM
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,040
- Out-of-state$5,232
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,256
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
City Spotlight: Colleges in New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM
Known as the most populous city in the state, Albuquerque remains a vibrant home to 11 postsecondary institutions, including New Mexico’s flagship university. The state has shown an expansion of online learning options to serve its diverse student population and bridge the distances between urban centers.
Education matters in New Mexico. According to the Albuquerque Department of Economic Development, 24 percent of city residents have some training or post-secondary education beyond high school while 23 percent hold an associate or bachelor’s degree. Most impressively, the state has the highest concentration of PhDs in the country, and 11 percent of Albuquerque residents have attained a graduate degree.
Colleges and Universities in Albuquerque
COLLEGE | SIZE | TUITION | TYPE |
---|---|---|---|
University of New Mexico-Main Campus | 33,304 | $4,651 | Public |
Central New Mexico Community College | 43,062 | $1,158 | Public |
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute | 995 | N/A | Public |
How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I’m Looking for in New Mexico?
You will find no shortage of online schools and colleges in New Mexico, which can make picking a degree confusing. To find the degree best suited for your career goals and interests follow this checklist:
- List your top schools
- Research the curriculum
- And determine the tuition
Click on the icon below for more details about New Mexico’s online programs.
How Much More Do College Grads in New Mexico Make?
A college degree can offer a pathway to a better paying career. In New Mexico, college graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn $44,000 a year on average, which is $17,000 more than a high school graduate according to the 2013-2017 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau. Take a look at the graph below to get a better idea of what graduates earn by degree level nationwide.
LESS THAN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE |
---|---|---|
$28,756 | $37,960 | $44,824 |
BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
---|---|---|
$62,296 | $74,568 | $94,900 |
Paying for Online College in New Mexico: Tuition and Financial Aid
New Mexico offers tuition that is cheaper than the national average. In-state public tuition and fees in New Mexico cost about $7,924 a year, compared to the national average of $9,037. The proposed Opportunity Scholarship would help in-state residents at public colleges. However, it still takes financial savvy to not go into debt, especially for out-of-state or private school students.
Review this graph to get a better understanding of the total cost of college in New Mexico and nationwide.
IN-STATE TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | NATIONAL AVERAGE |
---|---|---|
$7,924 | $20,061 | $9,037 (In-State)$25,657 (Out-of-State) |
TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | NATIONAL AVERAGE |
---|---|---|
$23,865 | N/A | $30,731 |
Cost Considerations for Online Students in New Mexico
The tables listed above give a general sense of the cost of tuition in New Mexico compared to national averages. However, students should take other mandatory expenses into consideration including those listed below:
Qualifying for In-State Tuition in New Mexico
The New Mexico Higher Education Department sets the rules for in-state residency. Students can establish residency in New Mexico and receive in-state tuition after residing in the state for 12 consecutive months. Exemptions often apply to students in the military or students financially dependent on parents who live in New Mexico.
Colleges approve a student’s in-state residency after they submit supporting documents, such as proof of residing in the state for 12 months preceding the first day of the semester. Online students can sometimes receive in-state residency tuition without meeting these requirements. Many schools have reciprocity agreements that offer students in neighboring states discounted out-of-state tuition. Check with your school for specific in-state residency requirements.
Paying for College in New Mexico: Scholarships and Financial Aid
Online college students can find interest-free financial aid from nonprofits, the state, and private institutions. Keep reading to find a sampling of some of the many scholarships and grants available to students in New Mexico.
Scholarships for New Mexico College Students
Carl F. Scott Scholarship Fund for Tucumcari Lodge No. 27 AF&AM
Who Can Apply: Students pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate can receive this scholarship. The scholarship is open to nontraditional students who live in Quay County.
Amount: $1,200-$2,400
“New Mexico Scholars Program
Who Can Apply: This scholarship goes to New Mexico residents who have graduated from a local high school in the top 5% or can show proof of scoring a 25 on the ACT exam. Applicants also must meet income requirements.
Amount: Varies
Opportunity Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Opportunity Scholarship improves on the New Mexico Legislature Lottery Scholarship to provide financial aid to students at one of the state’s 29 public colleges. There are no income requirements.
Amount: Varies
Trythall Family Scholarship for Excellence in Continuing Education
Who Can Apply: Up to two students 25 years or older can win this scholarship named in honor of the Trythalls, who owned a staffing company. Applicants must live in Albuquerque and show proof of a 2.8 GPA.
Amount: $3,000
Youth in Foster Care Scholarship Fund
Who Can Apply: This scholarship helps students aged 17-21 who grew up in the New Mexico foster care system. Applicants must show proof of a minimum of 2.5 GPA.
Amount: $1,000
Grants for New Mexico College Students
Who Can Apply: This grant goes to financially needy students attending a public college or university who cannot meet the requirements to receive other state grants. Applicants must take at least six credits per semester.
Amount: $1,000 per semester
Student Incentive Grant ProgramWho Can Apply: Eligible applicants for this grant include New Mexico undergraduates in considerable financial need. They must attend a public or tribal college in New Mexico.
Amount: $200-$2,500
University of New Mexico Research Grants
Who Can Apply: The Graduate and Professional Student Association offers numerous research and professional grants for graduate students at the University of New Mexico to cover travel and materials associated with a research project.
Amount: Up to $5,000
Loan For Service
Who Can Apply: Students attending college in New Mexico can receive financial aid if they agree to pursue a career in a high-need field after college. The New Mexico Higher Education Department offers numerous loan-for-service programs, including ones for future teachers or nurses.
Amount: Varies
The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in New Mexico
Accreditation serves multiple purposes. Students who attend an accredited college or university can rest assured that their education meets quality standards. With regional and national accreditation, an outside agency reviews the school’s curriculum and overall performance. Having regional accreditation, the more prestigious designation, also allows schools and students to receive federal and state financial aid. For-profit or vocation schools more frequently hold national accreditation.
Regional and National Accreditation
Seven regional bodies recognized by the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee accreditation of private and public colleges and universities across the nation. In New Mexico, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) awards regional accreditation as a mark of quality, recognizing a school’s ability to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Subject-Specific Accreditation
Professional organizations and independent organizations also evaluate programs and departments in New Mexico. For instance, chemistry programs may receive accreditation from the American Chemical Society. Similarly, the American Psychological Association accredits psychology programs. Students typically prefer degrees from programs that carry subject-specific accreditation since it guarantees that the curriculum meets professional standards.
How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited
If you believe that a program or school does not hold accreditation, you should do additional online research. Colleges and universities usually list accreditations online. However, if a school does not advertise its status, you can verify accreditation by searching the CHEA online directory, the Department of Education database, or the HLC website.
Online College and Adult Education in New Mexico
Out-of-state students or those living in rural areas can earn a degree by attending online classes. As you will see below, states and schools also offer numerous initiatives to help adult learners return to college.
By the Numbers: Adult Education in New Mexico
Did you know that in New Mexico an estimated 64,864 residents hold a bachelor’s degree?
The Opportunity Scholarship could make New Mexico the 21st state to provide “tuition-free” degrees to adult learners.
Some 27% of residents in New Mexico hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Adult Education Programs for New Mexico Students
- Adult Education Justice Initiative: The Adult Education Justice Initiative gives grants to adults 22 years or older who have criminal backgrounds and need a pathway to college.
- High School Equivalency Program: The New Mexico Higher Education Department helps adult learners achieve a high school diploma by earning their GED or passing the High School Equivalency Test. The program offers both distance learning and traditional classes.
- Opportunity Scholarship: The proposed New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship would contribute funds to eligible applicants attending one of the state’s 29 public colleges and universities. Adult learners returning to college can receive up to two years of financial assistance.
Online College Resources for New Mexico Students
Students in New Mexico can access countless online resources to help them at all stages of their college journey. Take a look below to find free online resources, including websites for financial aid opportunities, FAFSA workshops, and scholarships.
- Adult Education Division: The New Mexico Higher Education Department offers funding, high school equivalency opportunities, and other resources to help adult learners pursue a college degree.
- National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements: See if your school participates in the NC-SARA reciprocity agreement, which reduces the cost of tuition for out-of-state students.
- Albuquerque Community Foundation: Current and returning college students can find and apply for scholarships online through the Albuquerque Community Foundation.
- New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation: Research scholarships and grants through the NMEAF website, where you can also find information about FAFSA workshops and college fairs.
- New Mexico State Library: In addition to library resources available through a school, students can access newspaper archives and find journal articles through El Portal, a 24/7 online service. Students can also access online tutoring services through the library’s Brainfuse HelpNow service.
Who Can Apply: Eligible applicants for this grant include New Mexico undergraduates in considerable financial need. They must attend a public or tribal college in New Mexico.
Amount: $200-$2,500
Who Can Apply: The Graduate and Professional Student Association offers numerous research and professional grants for graduate students at the University of New Mexico to cover travel and materials associated with a research project.
Amount: Up to $5,000
Who Can Apply: Students attending college in New Mexico can receive financial aid if they agree to pursue a career in a high-need field after college. The New Mexico Higher Education Department offers numerous loan-for-service programs, including ones for future teachers or nurses.
Amount: Varies
Accreditation serves multiple purposes. Students who attend an accredited college or university can rest assured that their education meets quality standards. With regional and national accreditation, an outside agency reviews the school’s curriculum and overall performance. Having regional accreditation, the more prestigious designation, also allows schools and students to receive federal and state financial aid. For-profit or vocation schools more frequently hold national accreditation.
Seven regional bodies recognized by the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee accreditation of private and public colleges and universities across the nation. In New Mexico, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) awards regional accreditation as a mark of quality, recognizing a school’s ability to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Professional organizations and independent organizations also evaluate programs and departments in New Mexico. For instance, chemistry programs may receive accreditation from the American Chemical Society. Similarly, the American Psychological Association accredits psychology programs. Students typically prefer degrees from programs that carry subject-specific accreditation since it guarantees that the curriculum meets professional standards.
If you believe that a program or school does not hold accreditation, you should do additional online research. Colleges and universities usually list accreditations online. However, if a school does not advertise its status, you can verify accreditation by searching the CHEA online directory, the Department of Education database, or the HLC website.
Out-of-state students or those living in rural areas can earn a degree by attending online classes. As you will see below, states and schools also offer numerous initiatives to help adult learners return to college.
Did you know that in New Mexico an estimated 64,864 residents hold a bachelor’s degree?
The Opportunity Scholarship could make New Mexico the 21st state to provide “tuition-free” degrees to adult learners.
Some 27% of residents in New Mexico hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Students in New Mexico can access countless online resources to help them at all stages of their college journey. Take a look below to find free online resources, including websites for financial aid opportunities, FAFSA workshops, and scholarships.
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