Western New Mexico University: $7,868 Tuition

$7,868Tuition

1,935Students

35%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,095Earnings

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

About Western New Mexico University

Western New Mexico University serves 1,935 students in the mountains of southwestern New Mexico. The school has built its reputation around teacher education and social work programs that serve the region's diverse communities. With 68% of students being women, the campus reflects the university's strong focus on education and helping professions. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know their students personally.

Students pay an average net price of $7,912 after financial aid, making this one of New Mexico's most affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $39,095 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $23,000. The math works for students entering education and social services, where starting salaries align with the modest debt load. Monthly loan payments average $244, which represents a manageable burden for teachers and social workers.

The student body is 57% Hispanic, reflecting the border region's cultural identity. Only 53% of students return for sophomore year, and just 35% graduate within six years, suggesting the university serves many first-generation college students who face significant life challenges. The Mustangs compete in Division II athletics across 13 sports, with 229 student-athletes receiving over $2 million in athletic scholarships.

Academics & Faculty

Western New Mexico University serves as a regional full university with a strong focus on teacher education and social work programs that reflect the needs of rural New Mexico communities. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that many students need, though the 34.9% six-year graduation rate indicates academic challenges persist. The university has built a reputation for training teachers and social workers who often return to serve Hispanic and Native American communities across the Southwest. Business and criminal justice programs also draw students seeking practical career preparation. With 68.4% female enrollment, the campus culture centers around education and human services fields where women traditionally pursue leadership roles.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 46.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 33.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 34.9%
Retention Rate: 53.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,095
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	$81,333
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,641
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$50,000
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$49,644
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Associate	$44,384
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Master	$38,289
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$37,748
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$33,993
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$32,569
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$30,409

View all 86 programs →

Campus Life

Silver City sits 140 miles northwest of Las Cruces in the high desert foothills of the Gila Mountains. Winter nights drop below freezing, so you'll need a coat, but sunny days make campus comfortable year-round. Only 20% of the 1,935 students live in the residence halls, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere where many students drive home on weekends.

The campus feels intimate with its 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and professors know most students by name. Hispanic students make up 57% of enrollment, reflecting the strong regional ties to nearby mining communities and ranching families. Women outnumber men nearly 2-to-1 at 68% of the student body. The Mustangs compete in 13 Division II sports, drawing modest crowds to football and basketball games. Students often head to the nearby Gila Wilderness for hiking or visit the historic downtown district's galleries and cafes. Many work part-time jobs in town since 75% are New Mexico residents staying close to home. Campus quiets down on weekends as commuter students return to family obligations.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 382 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1893

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	3	1	2
Burglary	3	0	0
Stalking	2	1	0
Domestic Violence	1	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–50°F
Annual Precipitation: 23.0"
Annual Snowfall: -1,539.8"

Student Demographics

Western New Mexico University draws primarily from New Mexico and the Southwest, with three-quarters of students calling the state home. The student body is majority Hispanic, reflecting the region's demographics and the university's commitment to serving local communities. Women outnumber men, largely due to strong education and nursing programs that have historically attracted female students. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing WNMU's role as an affordable pathway to higher education for working-class families in rural New Mexico.

Men: 31.6%
Women: 68.4%
White: 25.9%
Black: 3.9%
Hispanic: 57.3%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 74.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.9%

Location

Silver City, New Mexico sits in the high desert mountains about 175 miles northwest of El Paso, Texas. The town of 10,000 residents doubles in size when Western New Mexico University's 1,935 students arrive each fall. Silver City earned its name from historic mining operations and maintains a rugged, frontier character surrounded by the Gila National Forest. The elevation of 6,000 feet creates four distinct seasons with mild summers and snowy winters. About 75% of students come from within New Mexico, drawn to the small-town atmosphere and outdoor recreation opportunities. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare Western New Mexico University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Silver City, New Mexico 88061

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,095
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,227
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 37.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $244/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition like at Western New Mexico University?

The university enrolls 1,935 students with a distinctive demographic profile. Hispanic students make up 57.31% of enrollment, reflecting the school's strong connection to regional communities in southwestern New Mexico. Women outnumber men at 68.37% versus 31.63%.

How much does Western New Mexico University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,912, making it quite affordable for a four-year degree. In-state tuition runs $7,868 while out-of-state students pay $14,354. The school serves many low-income students, with 41.86% receiving Pell Grants.

What are the graduation rates at Western New Mexico University?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 34.90%, with a four-year rate of 33.03%. The retention rate of 53.77% suggests many students take breaks or transfer before completing their degrees. The school has historically focused on serving first-generation and working students who often need flexible pathways to graduation.

What can graduates expect to earn after attending Western New Mexico University?

Alumni earn a median of $39,095 ten years after graduation, with graduates typically carrying $23,000 in student debt. The employment rate reaches 90.6%, showing strong job placement despite modest salary outcomes. The school prepares students for careers in education, social work, and regional industries.

What is campus life like at Western New Mexico University?

The small campus in Silver City houses just 382 students in residence halls, creating an intimate atmosphere. The Mustangs compete in NCAA Division II with 229 athletes across 13 varsity sports as part of the Lone Star Conference. The student-faculty ratio of 13:1 allows for personalized attention in this close-knit mountain community.

Where is Western New Mexico University located and what makes it unique?

The university sits in Silver City, a remote mountain town near the Gila National Forest that was founded during the mining boom era. Established in 1893, the school has deep roots in training teachers and serving rural communities across the region. The town-remote setting offers outdoor recreation opportunities but limited urban amenities.