PublicSuburbanNew Mexico State University-Main Campus
NMSU
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003-8001
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
New Mexico State University-Main Campus is a public institution in Las Cruces with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1004, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 11.6K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
52% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $39,067 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $6,747.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Aggies
History & Fun Facts
- •History Hiram Hadley Hiram Hadley, an Earlham College-educated teacher from Indiana, founded Las Cruces College.
- •Upon its opening on September 17, 1888, it included an elementary school, a university preparatory school, and a business school; it "was not a college in the contemporary meaning of the word.
- •Las Cruces College merged with the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts and opened on January 21, 1890.
- •The college was supposed to graduate its first student in 1893, but the only senior, Sam Steel, was murdered before he was able to receive his diploma.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1004
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
77.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$10,250
Programs (251)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
75%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
82
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from NM state average + suburban adjustment