2025 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico
The best online colleges in New Mexico offer flexible and affordable education options, with institutions like the University of New Mexico providing accredited programs in various fields. Online students often benefit from asynchronous learning, enabling them to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Schools rated highest by students have commendable recommendation rates, with New Mexico State University holding 89% and the University of New Mexico 88% satisfaction ratings.
- Affordability is a significant feature for Western New Mexico University and Eastern New Mexico University, with tuition costs below $13,000.
- Institutions with high Salary Scores, such as the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, boast median earnings of over $88,000.
We employ a multifaceted methodology to identify the best colleges in New Mexico that have online degrees. Instead of traditional rankings, we present schools across four distinct categories — Best by Salary Score, Best by Affordability, Highest Rated by Students, and Honorable Mention — to offer tailored insights.
At a Glance:
Featured Popular Online Colleges
University of the Southwest
- Online Enrollment: 697
University of the Southwest, located in New Mexico, is a premier private Christian university offering a wide range of online degrees. Accredited and recognized for its academic excellence, it provides flexibility for working professionals. Our offerings include Bachelor of Business Administration with several specializations such as Accounting and Marketing, alongside advanced degrees like MBA, MS, and terminal degrees such as DBA and EdD. We pride ourselves on nearly five decades of educational service, free virtual healthcare for online students, and specialized accreditation from the IACBE. Our non-discrimination policy ensures an inclusive and supportive community.
New Mexico Highlands University
- Online Enrollment: 1,124
New Mexico Highlands University is dedicated to providing flexible online degree programs, fostering a family-oriented atmosphere that bridges our renowned campus experience with distance education. With over 120 years of supporting diverse learners, we maintain a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 89% of our faculty hold advanced degrees. Our programs include an ACBSP-accredited MBA, a CSWE-accredited MSW, and a CCNE-accredited RN-BSN, underscoring our commitment to academic excellence. Whether you're pursuing a degree in business, social work, or nursing, you'll benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention, and high-impact educational practices that prepare you for life's challenges.
Best by Salary Score
We often look at alumni salaries when evaluating online schools to help prospective students calculate the best long-term financial investments. This analysis generates a Salary Score for each institution based on how well their graduates perform financially across various majors. The highest earning online school in New Mexico has median graduate earnings above $88,000.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Why We Like Them:
NMT's online programs excel due to the outstanding median salaries of its graduates. With alumni earning a median salary of $88,311, the institute places within the top 4% of schools nationwide for graduate earnings potential. This is thanks to NMT's many online programs in high-paying trades like science and engineering. Complementing this financial advantage is an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, situating the institute in the top 12% for providing a personalized learning environment, even while you study remotely. Graduate students can pursue STEM degrees in hydrology, engineering management, cybersecurity, explosives engineering, and technology leadership, among other areas.
What Students Say:
"Despite the name, New Mexico Tech's real value is in its people. There are incredibly talented professors in several fields (and just about all of them are nice, too!) I highly recommend taking a look at the interests of current faculty here if you plan to pursue a graduate degree."
MT, Graduated 2018
Best by Affordability
The Best by Affordability category highlights schools offering the lowest tuition rates among eligible institutions. Schools in this category must have a consistent tuition rate across most bachelor's degree programs, with annual tuition under $30,000, as verified by OnlineU. All of our most affordable schools in New Mexico are below $13,000 in tuition costs.
Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus
Why We Like Them:
ENMU is one of the most affordable online schools in New Mexico with an annual tuition rate of $8,718. This places the university at the top in terms of affordability, ensuring you receive a high-quality education without financial strain. ENMU also boasts an impressive online enrollment figure of 2,022 remote learners, situating it comfortably within the top 23% of universities nationwide for online student populations. This combination of low tuition costs and a strong online presence makes ENMU a compelling choice for remote learners. Moreover, the university has a solid recommendation rate of 91%, indicating high satisfaction among those who have experienced its programs. ENMU offers a variety of online degree programs at various levels, including associate, bachelor's, and master's programs across disciplines such as business, education, and healthcare.
What Students Say:
"ENMU made it possible for me to complete my entire degree online. I was able to...watch lectures that had been given earlier in the day to students on campus. This made me feel like more of a 'traditional student' than with any other online learning program I have participated in. I was able to put faces with names, and learn the same information as everyone else."
Teisha Ford, Graduated 2016
Western New Mexico University
Why We Like Them:
The reason for WNMU's place in the affordability category is its annual tuition fee of $12,632, placing it in the top 30% for most affordable online degrees nationwide. This is accompanied by a notable student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, putting it among the top 23% of universities that prioritize better mentorship opportunities. WNMU is also committed to flexible learning through personalized support. Online students utilize the popular Canvas course management system and have access to 24/7 tech support and online tutoring. The university features a diverse array of online bachelor's and master's programs, including unique disciplines such as rehabilitation services, chemical dependency counseling, and instructional technology and design, catering to a wide range of professional aspirations.
Highest Rated by Students
Alumni reviews can be a great way to measure overall student satisfaction. Schools on this list must have a minimum of 20 student reviews posted on OnlineU or GradReports, our companion site, with a minimum review rating of 3.5 out of 5. The highest rated online schools in New Mexico have scores of 3.7 and above.
New Mexico State University
Why We Like Them:
NMSU has an overall review rating of 3.87 out of 5, indicating high satisfaction among students. The impressive recommendation rate of 89% further solidifies NMSU's reputation among graduates. If you were to compare NMSU's online enrollment with that of other universities or colleges, NMSU would be among the top 27% with the highest number of students studying online, which speaks to the school's robust digital infrastructure. NMSU Global Campus offers over 70 career-relevant programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees in various disciplines such as psychology, business administration, and criminal justice. With options ranging from microlearning courses to full degree programs, the institution is dedicated to providing flexible, affordable, and quality education to its students.
What Students Say:
"They have an awesome distance learning program...I would have never completed my MBA if it wasn’t for the staff and flexibility of the teachers and the overall program..."
Warren Maestas, Graduated 2015
University of New Mexico
Why We Like Them:
UNM boasts an impressive overall review rating of 3.7 out of 5, underscoring strong student satisfaction. Complementing this is the university's significant online enrollment of 3,883 students, placing it among the top 20% with the highest number of students studying online, showcasing its robust virtual community. Graduates can expect to generate $59,130 in median earnings after four years in the workforce. Some of the most popular online program offerings include psychology, dental hygiene, and business administration. There are also unique, cultural majors such as Chicana/Chicano or Native American studies.
What Students Say:
"Teachers were respectful and encouraged collaboration. They were also typically flexible and understanding. Most students worked full time in addition to school."
Anonymous, Graduated 2011
Honorable Mention
The Honorable Mention category is designed to spotlight schools that, while not fitting neatly into other predefined categories, offer unique and significant contributions to the online education landscape. We focus on specific reasons why these institutions deserve consideration, such as having an institutionally accredited status, available online student enrollment data, and a selection of fully online bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
New Mexico Highlands University
Why We Like Them:
NMHU stands out with 1,124 students participating in online programs, placing it firmly in the upper half of institutions offering online education. This is complemented by a low student-faculty ratio of 10:1, promising a supportive learning environment. Plus, with a strong recommendation rate of 92%, you can ensure you're pursuing a well-vetted institution. NMHU offers flexible online programs, including an ACBSP-accredited MBA that can be completed in just 12 months, with concentrations in entrepreneurship and healthcare administration. The university also provides a CSWE-accredited MSW program and a CCNE-accredited RN to BSN program. With such a diverse array of online degrees, NMHU caters to various professional goals and ensures high-quality education standards.
What Students Say:
"Very small classes...teachers have more time to help students one on one...teachers in the program are great and very understanding. They are always willing to help and motivate students."
Mayte Trujillo, Graduated 2016
University of the Southwest
Why We Like Them:
USW is notable for its retention rate of 83%, placing it in the top 17% compared to other institutions. This suggests a high level of student satisfaction and engagement. The school ensures its programs are accessible, with 100% of its students receiving financial aid, situating it in the top 18% for this metric. All of its online bachelor's degrees are in business administration, with unique concentration options such as energy management, e-commerce, nonprofit management, and sports management. Graduate students have several tracks in education, with majors like school counseling, STEM education, educational diagnostics, and higher education administration.
What Students Say:
"I had a wonderful educational experience during my time as a student with the University of the Southwest. My professors prepared me quite well for my career."
Anonymous, Graduated 2013
Featured Popular Online Colleges
University of the Southwest
- Online Enrollment: 697
University of the Southwest, located in New Mexico, is a premier private Christian university offering a wide range of online degrees. Accredited and recognized for its academic excellence, it provides flexibility for working professionals. Our offerings include Bachelor of Business Administration with several specializations such as Accounting and Marketing, alongside advanced degrees like MBA, MS, and terminal degrees such as DBA and EdD. We pride ourselves on nearly five decades of educational service, free virtual healthcare for online students, and specialized accreditation from the IACBE. Our non-discrimination policy ensures an inclusive and supportive community.
New Mexico Highlands University
- Online Enrollment: 1,124
New Mexico Highlands University is dedicated to providing flexible online degree programs, fostering a family-oriented atmosphere that bridges our renowned campus experience with distance education. With over 120 years of supporting diverse learners, we maintain a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 89% of our faculty hold advanced degrees. Our programs include an ACBSP-accredited MBA, a CSWE-accredited MSW, and a CCNE-accredited RN-BSN, underscoring our commitment to academic excellence. Whether you're pursuing a degree in business, social work, or nursing, you'll benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention, and high-impact educational practices that prepare you for life's challenges.
Higher Education in New Mexico
Three dozen colleges call New Mexico home. As a post-secondary student, you can find in-state programs for earning certificates or associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees. New Mexico's community colleges outnumber its four-year schools by about two to one, but there are still more than a dozen colleges or universities offering higher level degrees. Most colleges in New Mexico are publicly funded, and two-thirds are located in rural or small town areas.
About 29.1% of New Mexico's 25-and-older population has a bachelor's degree. This is about 5% lower than the percentage for the U.S. as a whole. The state's policymakers are focused on target industries— aerospace, green energy, biosciences, and cybersecurity, for example — to move the state beyond its historical reliance on mining and ranching. For this reason, they may be glad that New Mexico's college enrollments appear to be rising after a decade of decline, possibly thanks to a new state-sponsored scholarship based on financial need.
A number of colleges offer online degree programs in New Mexico. These programs usually have asynchronous courses without scheduled meetings. Instead, you can sign in at your convenience to work on courses and chat with classmates in forums or over messaging apps. An online degree might help you balance school, work, and other obligations more effectively than if you enrolled in an in-person program.
Be sure to read our lists of online MSW programs in New Mexico and online nursing programs in New Mexico if you're considering a social work or nursing degree.
FAQs About Online Colleges in Maine
Is College Free in New Mexico?
There are two state-sponsored programs that may lead to tuition-free college for New Mexico residents. The first is the Lottery Scholarship for new high school graduates, and the second is the newer Opportunity Scholarship aimed at adults who may have some college credits but haven't finished a degree. Both programs pay up to full tuition and required fees at public New Mexico higher education institutions.
How Many Colleges Are in New Mexico?
The Land of Enchantment has 35 degree-granting colleges. This includes mostly public schools as well as a small handful of for-profit and private nonprofit institutions.
Does New Mexico Have Tuition Reciprocity With Other States?
New Mexico has separate tuition reciprocity agreements with Arizona and Colorado so that students from those states can qualify for in-state tuition in New Mexico and vice versa. New Mexico also belongs to the Western Undergraduate Exchange Program, which offers discounted tuition but not full reciprocity to students from certain states.
How Much Is College in New Mexico?
Each college has different costs, but the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has calculated averages for different types of colleges.
Using that data, we've listed the average cost for annual tuition in New Mexico below:
- Public four-year college (in-state): $7,526
- Public four-year college (out-of-state): $21,842
- Private four-year college: $27,340
- Public two-year college (in-state): $1,923
- Public two-year college (out-of-state): $6,612
Each number refers to the 2022-2023 school year, the latest with available data. To put these numbers into perspective, the U.S. average for attending a public four-year university is $9,750, making New Mexico a cheaper option than most other areas. Even the private universities are significantly cheaper than the average, which is almost $10,000 more each year.
We also want to note that most colleges do not offer in-state tuition rates for online students who are living out of state. Tuition policies vary, with many colleges charging distinct rates for online programs. Some have a flat rate for all students, while others may offer discounts for in-state residents. Prospective online students should research each college's tuition policies to understand the costs.