New Mexico online colleges offer below-average tuition rates. Plus, New Mexico offers multiple scholarship and grant programs to help make college more affordable. Students can also save money by establishing New Mexico residency and attending an in-state public school.
Our list ranks the best colleges in New Mexico to earn an online degree in 2021. Prospective students can use the rankings to find the right fit for their interests, budget, and professional goals. This guide also covers career and salary outlooks for New Mexico college graduates.
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Featured Online Programs
These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master's or PhD programs.
Best Online Colleges in New Mexico
#1 Online Colleges In New Mexico
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
- Las Cruces, NM
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online students at New Mexico State University-Main Campus earn the same high-quality degrees as on-campus learners. The public school offers 40 online degrees. Many of the school’s online programs rank among the nation’s best. The school enrolls students in a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Factors such as affordability and flexibility draw degree-seekers to distance learning.
Online learners at the school enjoy scheduling flexibility and affordable tuition. Students transfer credits or an associate degree to accelerate degree completion. Applicants may strengthen their applications with optional test scores. Nontraditional applicants can expect a 55% admission rate. The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
New Mexico State University-Main Campus at a Glance:
School Status: Public
Students in Online Programs: 6,244
Number of Online Degrees: 40
Bachelor’s Degrees Available Online: 12
Average Cost Per Credit: Not Known
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,875
Out-of-State Undergraduate Tuition: $21,864
Admission Rate: 55%
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Online Colleges In New Mexico
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
- Portales, NM
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Featuring undergraduate and graduate degrees offered online and on its Portales campus, Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus ranks among the state's top schools. The accredited college's online programs enroll a total of 3,946 students. Online degree-seekers can choose from the public institution's 18 bachelor's and seven master's programs.
Enrollees interested in many different fields find programs at the online school to suit them, such as those in business, healthcare, and STEM. For a virtual program, remote learners complete work for their classes in an online learning environment. Degree candidates work closely with faculty mentors and academic advisors to design an individualized course of study. Online degree-seekers get help with their educational journey from the school's tutoring services, financial aid counseling, and career services.
Generally, to graduate from a bachelor's program, enrollees must complete 120 credits and to graduate from a master's program, students must complete 30 credits. Remote learners are eligible for different forms of financial aid, such as scholarships and federal aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Online Colleges In New Mexico
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
- Albuquerque, NM
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The undergraduate programs at University of New Mexico-Main Campus help professionals move into new careers or advance in their current field. In total, 9,281 online learners enroll at the school. Courses foster reliable analytical and critical thinking skills. Online enrollees can pursue degrees in various majors.
The Albuquerque institution offers a robust catalog of degrees for undergraduate and graduate students. Online learners complete a bachelor’s in 18-36 months by transferring credits. Bachelor’s programs cost $6,299 for in-state tuition. Students complete master’s degrees in two years on average. Doctoral degree-seekers often take four or more years to finish. Nontraditional learners pursuing graduate degrees pay $5,156 in-state tuition. The school awards an average aid package of $8,000. Enrollees use private and institutional scholarships to help pay for their education.
Students can explore the school’s website for details about experiential learning opportunities. The institution reports a 94% admission rate. Enrollees develop the knowledge and skills employers value. The college delivers in-person and virtual student support services, such as tutoring and career counseling. The school has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Percent Online Enrollment
41%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Online Colleges In New Mexico
Western New Mexico University
- Silver City, NM
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online students at Western New Mexico University earn the same high-quality degrees as on-campus degree-seekers. The public school delivers 36 online programs, including some of the nation’s best programs. Students prepare for a variety of careers with the school’s bachelor’s and graduate degrees. Various factors attract students to online programs.
The benefits of online learning at the school include conveniently recorded lectures and financial aid. Online learners transfer credits to finish degrees faster. Distance learners need not submit test scores for application to many institutions. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Western New Mexico University Numbers:
School Status: Public
Total Number of Online Enrollees: 2,122
Number of Online Programs: 36
Total Bachelor’s Programs Online: 16
Average Cost Per Credit: Not Known
Undergraduate Students Pay: $4,167 a year in-state; $11,400 a year out-of-state
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Why Choose New Mexico for Online Higher Education?
New Mexico offers several advantages for prospective college students. The state's below-average tuition rates make New Mexico an affordable place to earn a college degree. College graduates can pursue various career paths that offer above-average salaries.
New Mexico's key industries include biosciences, technology, manufacturing, and aerospace. Many of these industries hire professionals with a bachelor's degree.
Common Online Bachelor's Programs in New Mexico
New Mexico undergraduates can earn degrees in diverse fields. The most common online bachelor's programs in the state include business, education, and psychology.
Biology
Biology majors study living organisms and ecosystems. Undergraduates take courses on topics like microbiology, cellular biology, and biochemistry. Most biology programs incorporate laboratory courses, giving students hands-on skills. Biology graduates can work in areas like medical sciences, laboratory sciences, and education.Business
A versatile degree, business programs train students in areas like accounting, finance, logistics, and management. Learners study topics like economics, organizational behavior, and strategic leadership. Graduates can pursue careers as financial analysts, accountants, entrepreneurs, and management consultants.Education
An education degree prepares graduates for teaching jobs, like early childhood educator, elementary school teacher, and secondary school teacher. Education majors study topics like effective instructional methods, pedagogical techniques, and classroom management skills. Education programs also incorporate student-teaching experiences.Marketing
Marketing courses cover topics like consumer behavior, market research, and competitor analysis. Marketing majors may also take specialized courses in areas like internet marketing, digital marketing, and sales. A marketing degree strengthens analytical, critical thinking, and creative skills. Graduates can pursue careers as market research analysts and marketing managers.Psychology
A psychology degree focuses on human behavior. Psychology majors study topics like human development, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. Graduates with a psychology degree can work in areas like research, business, laboratory sciences, education, and social services.
Cost of Attending an Online College in New Mexico
In New Mexico, public four-year colleges charge less than private colleges. Public two-year colleges offer the most affordable route to a college degree, with average tuition rates at around $1,700 per year.
The cost of online college also varies. Students at New Mexico online colleges may receive tuition discounts. Plus, many distance learners save on the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as transportation, childcare, and living expenses.
Many of the best colleges in New Mexico charge tuition rates below the national average. Nationally, public four-year colleges charge around $9,000 per year in tuition and fees, while New Mexico's public colleges cost under $7,000 per year. Similarly, New Mexico's public community colleges cost around half of the national average.
Average Undergraduate Tuition in New Mexico
| Location |
Public Four-Year College |
Private Four-Year College |
Public Two-Year College |
| In-State |
$6,902 |
$30,137 |
$1,705 |
| Out-of-State |
$18,350 |
N/A |
$6,698 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Career and Salary Outlook for Students in New Mexico
Professionals in New Mexico earn a mean salary of around $47,000 per year. The career and salary outlook improves for professionals with a bachelor's degree, who work in many high-paying roles. For example, engineers, healthcare managers, and tech professionals can all earn six-figure salaries in New Mexico.
Marketing Managers
Marketing managers analyze data to understand demand for new products and services. Marketing managers also identify potential new markets and research pricing strategies to maximize profits. As managers, they work closely with executives in areas like advertising, public relations, and sales to reach their organization's goals.Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and information systems managers, also known as IT managers, oversee an organization's computer and technology needs. They determine the organization's IT needs, implement computer systems, and maintain network security. Computer and information systems managers may also oversee computer specialists, including software developers and information security analysts.Medical and Health Services Managers
Medical and health services managers, also known as healthcare executives, oversee the business side of healthcare organizations. They set long-term departmental goals, implement plans to increase the quality of patient care, and supervise staff. These professionals also manage finances, including billing and budgeting.Personal Finance Advisors
Personal financial advisors recommend investment and savings strategies for clients. They research savings vehicles, including stocks and bonds, and explain financial services to clients. Personal financial advisors also monitor their clients' accounts, select investments, and answer questions about savings vehicles and investment risks.Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers create manufacturing processes, design equipment to create fuel or pharmaceuticals, and test production methods. Some chemical engineers focus on research and development, while others create processes for using chemicals. Chemical engineers typically hold a bachelor's in engineering.
Highest Paying Careers With a Bachelor's Degree in New Mexico
| Career |
Median Annual Salary |
Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
| Marketing Managers |
$98,330 |
8.1% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers |
$118,020 |
11.3% |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
$126,820 |
17.6% |
| Personal Financial Advisor |
$124,790 |
7% |
| Chemical Engineers |
$122,140 |
6.2% |
Source: BLS, ProjectionsCentral
New Mexico Scholarships and Grants
New Mexico college students qualify for many scholarship and grant opportunities. For instance, the New Mexico Higher Education Department offers multiple scholarships and grants for students at New Mexico online colleges. The following list outlines several scholarships for students at online colleges in New Mexico.
New Mexico Scholarships and Grants
| Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarship |
Varies |
New Mexico residents who graduated from high school in the state qualify for this opportunity. Applicants must be enrolled full time at a public college in New Mexico. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. |
New Mexico Scholars |
Tuition |
New Mexico high school graduates who graduated in the top 5% of their class or earned at least a 25 on the ACT or a 1140 on the SAT qualify. Recipients must attend an eligible college and demonstrate a combined family income of less than $60,000 per year. |
Student Incentive Grant Program |
$200-$2,500 |
This grant supports New Mexico students attending a public college or tribal college in the state. Applicants must demonstrate substantial financial need and hold a high school diploma or the equivalent. |
College Affordability Grant |
Up to $1,500 per semester |
New Mexico's college affordability grant supports students with financial need who do not qualify for other scholarships and grants offered by the state. Recipients must attend a New Mexico public college. |
New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship |
Tuition |
Students enrolled in a two-year program at a public college or tribal college in New Mexico qualify. Applicants must be New Mexico residents, complete the FAFSA, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. |
FAQ's for New Mexico Online Colleges
Do online credits cost more or less in New Mexico?
Tuition rates vary depending on the institution. For example, UNM Online charges $369 per credit for its accelerated online programs, while Western New Mexico University charges around $240 per credit.
What is the most affordable college in New Mexico?
New Mexico's public two-year colleges charge the lowest tuition rates, followed by public four-year colleges. Private colleges typically charge the highest tuition rates.
How long do you have to live in New Mexico to get in-state tuition?
Students must live in New Mexico for 12 consecutive months to qualify for in-state tuition rates. In-state tuition offers a significant discount over out-of-state tuition.
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