1. University of New Mexico (UNM)
Overview of University of New Mexico
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico (UNM) is the state’s flagship public research university. Known for its strong programs in engineering, health sciences, and business, UNM is also a hub for research in fields like renewable energy, space exploration, and Native American studies. The campus is known for its distinctive Pueblo Revival architecture, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #212 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 22,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 215 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Average SAT Score: 1030-1240
Extracurricular Activities
- UNM Lobos Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Student Government Association
- KUNM Radio (student-run radio station)
- Greek Life
- LoboTHON (Dance Marathon for charity)
Famous Alumni
- Hank Azaria – Actor, The Simpsons
- Gary Johnson – Former Governor of New Mexico and Presidential candidate
- Steve Alford – Former NBA player and coach
- Pete Domenici – Former U.S. Senator
- Lenny Roybal – Former U.S. Olympic skier
Top Employers of Graduates
- Sandia National Laboratories
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Presbyterian Healthcare Services
- UNM Health Sciences Center
- Intel Corporation
2. New Mexico State University (NMSU)
Overview of New Mexico State University
Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Established in 1888, New Mexico State University (NMSU) is a public land-grant research university. Known for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and aerospace, NMSU has strong ties to NASA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The university also emphasizes its role in research and innovation, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #277 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 14,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 180 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Average SAT Score: 990-1210
Extracurricular Activities
- NMSU Aggies Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Student Government Association
- Model United Nations
- Engineering Without Borders
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Alvy Ray Smith – Co-founder of Pixar
- Sim Bhullar – First NBA player of Indian descent
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson – Actor, Modern Family
- Patricia Madrid – Former New Mexico Attorney General
- Joe Pisapia – Professional baseball player
Top Employers of Graduates
- NASA
- Sandia National Laboratories
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- General Dynamics
- White Sands Missile Range
3. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech)
Overview of New Mexico Tech
Location: Socorro, New Mexico
Founded in 1889, New Mexico Tech is a public research university that specializes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. It is known for its programs in earth sciences, physics, and petroleum engineering. The university is highly regarded for its research contributions, particularly in geophysics and explosive technologies, working closely with government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #126 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,600
- Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Average SAT Score: 1150-1350
Extracurricular Activities
- New Mexico Tech Miners Athletics (intramural sports)
- Astronomy Club
- Society of Physics Students
- Student Government Association
- Outdoor Adventure Programs
Famous Alumni
- Vernon L. Smith – Nobel Prize-winning economist
- Harrison Schmitt – Apollo 17 astronaut and former U.S. Senator
- Daniel H. Lopez – Former President of New Mexico Tech
- William E. Pogue – NASA astronaut
- Jack Williamson – Science fiction author
Top Employers of Graduates
- Sandia National Laboratories
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- NASA
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Chevron
4. Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU)
Overview of Eastern New Mexico University
Location: Portales, New Mexico
Founded in 1934, Eastern New Mexico University is a public university known for its programs in education, business, and fine arts. As the state’s largest regional comprehensive university, ENMU provides affordable education with a focus on personal attention and student success. The university is also known for its performing arts and digital film-making programs.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #95 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: Approximately 5,800
- Degrees Offered: Over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average SAT Score: 950-1150
Extracurricular Activities
- ENMU Greyhounds Athletics (NCAA Division II)
- Student Government Association
- Theatre and Music Productions
- Greek Life
- Film and Media Clubs
Famous Alumni
- Ronny Cox – Actor, Deliverance
- William Wooten – New Mexico Supreme Court Justice
- Earl G. Graves Sr. – Founder of Black Enterprise magazine
- Ralph Maradiaga – Filmmaker and artist
- Patricia Madrid – Former New Mexico Attorney General
Top Employers of Graduates
- Cannon Air Force Base
- Eastern New Mexico University
- Roosevelt General Hospital
- New Mexico Public Schools
- City of Portales
5. Western New Mexico University (WNMU)
Overview of Western New Mexico University
Location: Silver City, New Mexico
Founded in 1893, Western New Mexico University (WNMU) is a public university known for its programs in education, criminal justice, and social work. WNMU serves a diverse population, including a significant number of Hispanic and Native American students, and provides flexible learning options such as online degree programs. The university is a vital educational hub in the southwestern region of New Mexico.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #95 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: Approximately 3,500
- Degrees Offered: Over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Average SAT Score: 930-1150
Extracurricular Activities
- WNMU Mustangs Athletics (NCAA Division II)
- Student Government Association
- Outdoor Adventure Programs
- Criminal Justice Club
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Ruben Kihuen – Former U.S. Congressman
- Frank E. Young – Former Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Janie Santana – Community activist
- Eddie Montoya – Former New Mexico State Representative
- Manuel Lujan Jr. – Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior
Top Employers of Graduates
- Western New Mexico University
- Silver City Public Schools
- Gila Regional Medical Center
- New Mexico State Government
- U.S. Forest Service
6. Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA)
Overview of Institute of American Indian Arts
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Founded in 1962, the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is a federally chartered art college that focuses on Native American art, culture, and contemporary expression. The school offers a unique and specialized education in creative fields such as studio arts, creative writing, museum studies, and cinematic arts. IAIA is one of the leading institutions for Native American art education in the United States.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 500
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in fine arts and creative disciplines
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Art Exhibitions
- Indigenous Performance Groups
- Literary Magazine (Drifts)
- Native Student Clubs
- Outdoor Adventure Club
Famous Alumni
- Sherman Alexie – Author and filmmaker
- Joy Harjo – U.S. Poet Laureate
- Douglas Miles – Apache artist and activist
- T.C. Cannon – Renowned painter and printmaker
- N. Scott Momaday – Pulitzer Prize-winning author
Top Employers of Graduates
- Institute of American Indian Arts
- Santa Fe Indian Market
- Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
- Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
- Heard Museum
7. St. John’s College – Santa Fe
Overview of St. John’s College – Santa Fe
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Founded in 1964 as the second campus of the renowned St. John’s College, the Santa Fe location is known for its Great Books curriculum, emphasizing classical education through original texts in philosophy, literature, science, and history. St. John’s offers a rigorous liberal arts program that fosters critical thinking and dialogue, making it unique among higher education institutions.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #63 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Approximately 300
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Liberal Arts
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Average SAT Score: 1300-1450
Extracurricular Activities
- The King William Players (theater troupe)
- Outdoor Adventure Club
- Great Books Discussion Groups
- Debate Society
- Intramural Sports
Famous Alumni
- Francis Scott Key – Author of The Star-Spangled Banner
- Robert A. George – Bloomberg Opinion writer
- David Townsend – Professor of Political Science
- Walter Isaacson – Biographer and journalist
- Lex Fridman – AI researcher and podcaster
Top Employers of Graduates
- St. John’s College
- Library of Congress
- National Endowment for the Humanities
- Smithsonian Institution
- National Archives and Records Administration
8. Navajo Technical University
Overview of Navajo Technical University
Location: Crownpoint, New Mexico
Founded in 1979, Navajo Technical University is a tribally controlled public university that primarily serves the Navajo Nation. The university is known for its programs in engineering, veterinary technology, and culinary arts. NTU emphasizes hands-on, vocational education alongside academic programs that support the economic development of the Navajo Nation.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,800
- Degrees Offered: Over 20 undergraduate and associate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Navajo Cultural Clubs
- Student Government
- Outdoor Education and Adventure
- Traditional Navajo Arts and Crafts Club
- Intramural Sports
Famous Alumni
- Dr. Shannon Johnson – Veterinarian and tribal advocate
- Tylor Begay – Engineer and tech entrepreneur
- Carla Slim – Community organizer
- Jennifer Yazzie – Healthcare administrator
- Nathan Tso – Navajo Nation legislator
Top Employers of Graduates
- Navajo Nation Government
- Navajo Technical University
- Indian Health Services
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Bureau of Indian Affairs
9. Southwest University of Visual Arts (SUVA)
Overview of Southwest University of Visual Arts
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Founded in 1983, Southwest University of Visual Arts is a private art and design college specializing in graphic design, animation, illustration, and fine arts. The school’s programs are designed to prepare students for creative careers in industries such as advertising, animation, and digital media. SUVA offers small class sizes and hands-on learning with industry-standard technology.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 300
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s programs in Fine Arts and Design
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Art Exhibitions and Shows
- Graphic Design Club
- Animation Festivals
- Photography Club
- Digital Media Competitions
Famous Alumni
- Maya Lin – Artist and architect
- Steven Newcomb – Animator and digital artist
- Karen Walker – Fashion illustrator
- Bill Rosser – Concept artist
- Mark Freeman – Art director
Top Employers of Graduates
- Disney Animation Studios
- Pixar Animation Studios
- DreamWorks
- Adobe Systems
- Warner Bros. Studios
10. Northern New Mexico College
Overview of Northern New Mexico College
Location: Española, New Mexico
Founded in 1909, Northern New Mexico College is a public college that provides affordable education with a focus on STEM fields, business, and liberal arts. The college offers several associate and bachelor’s degree programs designed to serve the diverse needs of its predominantly Hispanic and Native American student population. NNMC emphasizes community engagement and workforce development.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,200
- Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate and associate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Student Government
- Robotics Club
- Indigenous Culture Clubs
- Outdoor Adventure Programs
- Business and Entrepreneurial Clubs
Famous Alumni
- Sandra Cisneros – Author, The House on Mango Street
- Leonora Curtin Paloheimo – Ethnobotanist and writer
- Tony Trujillo – Environmental advocate
- Eva Martinez – Community health activist
- Carlos Gutierrez – Business executive and tribal leader
Top Employers of Graduates
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Northern New Mexico College
- Intel Corporation
- Northern New Mexico Health Services
- New Mexico State Government