New Mexico Highlands University: $7,260 Tuition

$7,260Tuition

1,561Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,937Earnings

#14 in New MexicoPublic4-yearNCAA Division IIData: 2023-24

About New Mexico Highlands University

New Mexico Highlands University serves as an access point to higher education in the rural Southwest, with 1,561 students spread across a small town campus. The university has deep roots in teacher preparation and social work, reflecting its mission to serve first-generation college students and Hispanic communities. Nearly 61% of students are Hispanic, making this one of the most diverse campuses in New Mexico. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that many students need to succeed.

The financial picture tells a story of affordability with mixed outcomes. Students pay an average net price of $14,141 after aid, with many low-income families paying around $13,501. Graduates earn a median of $45,937 ten years after leaving, though the 25.6% six-year graduation rate means many students struggle to finish. Those who do graduate typically carry $11,399 in debt with manageable monthly payments of $121.

The Cowboys and Cowgirls compete in NCAA Division II with 331 athletes across 10 sports, bringing energy to campus life. However, the 57% retention rate reveals academic challenges that mirror the rural setting's economic realities. For students seeking a supportive environment and affordable education, Highlands offers opportunity alongside the need for strong personal commitment.

Academics & Faculty

New Mexico Highlands University serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution where 61% of students are Hispanic and the majority are first-generation college students. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship that's essential for this population. However, only 26% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing work, family, and academics. The university is known for its education and social work programs, which align with its mission of serving rural and underserved communities. Business and criminal justice also draw strong enrollment. With 82% of students from New Mexico, the school functions as a regional anchor, preparing teachers, social workers, and other professionals who often stay to serve the state's rural areas.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 62.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 25.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 25.6%
Retention Rate: 56.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,937
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$81,031
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$54,192
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$51,169
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Master	$43,426
Curriculum and Instruction.	Master	$43,128
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Master	$38,289
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$35,772
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$33,637
Special Education and Teaching.	Bachelor	$32,711
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$31,314

View all 59 programs →

Campus Life

The campus sits in Las Vegas, New Mexico, roughly 65 miles northeast of Santa Fe in the high desert. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here, as elevations around 6,400 feet bring snowy winters and mild summers with intense UV rays. With housing capacity for just 518 students and total enrollment at 1,561, only about a third of students live on campus. The small-town setting means most weekend activities center around the campus itself or outdoor adventures in the surrounding mountains.

The student body is 61% Hispanic, creating a strong Latino cultural presence that shapes campus life and traditions. Nearly 82% of students come from in-state, giving the community a tight-knit New Mexican feel. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll know your professors personally. The Cowboys and Cowgirls compete in 10 NCAA Division II sports, and athletic events provide major social gathering points. When students want city amenities, the drive to Albuquerque takes about two hours through high desert landscapes.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 518 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1893

Campus Safety (2023)

7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	3	0
Rape	1	1
Dating Violence	1	0
Domestic Violence	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–45°F
July Avg: 52°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.5"
Annual Snowfall: 50.5"

Student Demographics

New Mexico Highlands draws heavily from the state's Hispanic communities, serving as a regional access point for first-generation college students. Over 80% of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's deep roots in northern New Mexico. The student body is predominantly Hispanic and female, typical of institutions with strong education and social work programs. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, positioning Highlands as an affordable pathway to higher education for working-class families. The small enrollment of 1,561 creates an intimate campus where students from rural communities can transition to college life.

Men: 37.6%
Women: 62.4%
White: 14.3%
Black: 5.6%
Hispanic: 61.0%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 81.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 46.4%

Location

New Mexico Highlands University sits in Las Vegas, New Mexico, about 65 miles northeast of Santa Fe. The town of roughly 13,000 residents nestles in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at 6,400 feet elevation. This historic railroad community offers a genuine small-town atmosphere where the university serves as a major employer and cultural center. The surrounding high desert landscape provides access to outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, and winter sports. With 81.87% of students coming from within New Mexico, the campus draws heavily from the state's rural and Hispanic communities. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare New Mexico Highlands University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,937
Median Earnings (5 years): $51,309
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $121/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,399

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to New Mexico Highlands University?

New Mexico Highlands University maintains an open admission policy typical of regional public universities serving rural communities. The school focuses on providing access to higher education for students in northern New Mexico, particularly those from Hispanic and first-generation college families who make up the majority of the student body.

What does New Mexico Highlands University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,141 annually after aid, with in-state tuition at $7,260. The university serves a primarily low-income population, with 46% of students receiving Pell Grants, making it an affordable option for families earning less than $50,000 per year.

What is the student-faculty ratio at New Mexico Highlands University?

The university maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,561 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention, though the school struggles with retention as only 57% of students return for their second year.

How successful are New Mexico Highlands University graduates in finding employment?

Graduates achieve a 95% employment rate, earning a median salary of $45,937 ten years after graduation. However, the university faces challenges with completion, as only 26% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the school's mission to serve at-risk and non-traditional student populations.

What is campus life like at New Mexico Highlands University?

The Cowboys and Cowgirls compete in NCAA Division II with 331 total athletes across 10 varsity sports. Campus housing accommodates 518 students in the remote town of Las Vegas, New Mexico, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere in the high desert landscape.

What makes New Mexico Highlands University unique as a Hispanic-serving institution?

Hispanic students comprise 61% of enrollment, making this one of the most diverse universities in the region. Founded in 1893 as a normal school to train teachers for territorial New Mexico, the university continues its mission of serving underrepresented populations with 82% of students coming from in-state.