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Last Updated: September 19, 2021

New Mexico - Land of Enchantment

The state of New Mexico lies in the southwest and western portion of the US. The southern and eastern sides of the state are bordered by Mexico and Texas respectively. Most parts of New Mexico experience a semi-arid to arid climate throughout the year. However, some areas have an alpine and continental climate. The total population of this American state in the year 2021 is around 2.1 million out of which approximately 50 percent is Hispanic. New Mexico with its diverse population offers unique and exciting experiences and opportunities for the residents. The popular languages spoken in this state are Spanish and English.

The public university system of the state is considered one of the best in the nation. There are several universities in the state of New Mexico where students can pursue higher education such as the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Technical School of Mines, Western New Mexico University New Mexico Highlands University, and Eastern New Mexico University.

The University of New Mexico has good programs for Engineering, Photography, Medicine, and Law. The School of Medicine of the University of New Mexico ranks amongst the premium 50 primary care-oriented medical schools in the nation. Those students who want to pursue a career in arts and humanities should enroll in the private College of Santa Fe. New Mexico State University, a land grant institution, has excellent programs for Agriculture, Education, and Engineering.

Major Cities in New Mexico

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is the biggest city in New Mexico, with an estimated population of around 560,000. The city was founded in the year 1706. It was named after the Duke of Alburquerque, Francisco Fernández de la Cueva. Given that it is a major financial, commercial, and industrial epicenter, unemployment rates are less in this city. Manufacturing, health services, tourism, and farming are the major industries in this city. The city is also home to top institutes like the University of New Mexico-Main Campus and the National American University-Albuquerque.

Las Cruces

This is the second-largest city with a population of about 102,000. The city was founded in 1849 and established as a city in the year 1907. The name of the city is a Spanish term which means 'the crosses' or 'The City of Crosses". One of the popular reasons for the city to have such a name is the number of wooden crosses visible on the graves of the city's martyrs. The famous New Mexico State University-Main Campus is situated in this city. Popular attractions include New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage, Dripping Springs Natural Area, Zuhl Museum: Home of the Zuhl Collection, and Prehistoric Trackways National Monument.

Rio Rancho

Founded in 1961, the city of Rio Rancho is not very old compared to other cities. But on digging deeper into its roots, the city was founded by the Spanish in 1710. It is the third-largest city with a population of around 97,000. Due to its affordability and diversity, the city is the most livable one in New Mexico. Intel, Chalmers Ford, Lovelace Health System, and KLA are the major companies located in this city.

Santa Fe

With a population of about 84,000, the city of Santa Fe is the fourth-biggest in New Mexico. Founded in 1610, it is one of the oldest cities with a rich history and is also the state's capital city. The famous liberal arts college St. John's College is situated here. The cost of living is greatly different compared to other cities and is higher than the national average. It is also a major tourist destination with places like Canyon Road, Santa Fe Opera House, the Plaza, Museum of International Folk Art, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, etc.

Economy/Job Market

Tuition Fee and Living Cost in New Mexico

The cost of living in New Mexico is around 90, which is lower than the national average (100 is the US average). The median household income here is around $53,000 (the national median is around $67,000). The cost of living in cities like Roswell, Clovis, and Las Cruces is a lot lesser, whereas the city of Santa Fe is the costliest. In fact, the city's cost of living is higher than the national average. Considering the state as a whole, the cost for health services, housing, and transportation are the cheapest, whereas, utilities cost slightly higher than the national average.

Educational costs are also slightly cheaper than in major cities like New York. It is most affordable for in-state students studying in a public institution. For instance, the cost of education for undergraduate in-state students in the University of New Mexico-Main Campus, and the New Mexico State University-Main Campus is just around $8,400. With the availability of various financial aid and scholarships, pursuing education in this state is extremely affordable.

List of Few Major Universities/Colleges

The top institutes of higher learning in this state are:

Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students

Tourism

New Mexico got its popular nickname "Land of Enchantment" because of its beautiful landscapes, exotic culture, artistic, unique architecture, and rich heritage. The term was coined by Lilian Whiting, an American journalist, and author. It will be indeed believable once the place is explored. Popular tourist destinations are Carlsbad Caverns National Park, White Sands National Park, White Sands National Park, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Petroglyph National Monument, Taos Ski Valley, Wheeler Peak Wilderness, and a lot more. One should make time to attend the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in this state. It is best to experience the beauty of the state between September and November, which will help visitors to enjoy its pleasant yet chilly weather. Popular dishes of this state are Blue Corn Pancakes, Carne Adovada, Posole, Chile Rellenos, and Tacos.

Universities & Colleges in New Mexico

University (city) Total StudentsUG (in) / UG (out)G (in) / G (out)
University of New Mexico-Main Campus (Albuquerque) 28080$8363 / $25090$7318 / $19863
New Mexico State University-Main Campus (Las Cruces) 16143$8363 / $25090$6272 / $18818
St. John's College (Santa Fe) 466$37636 / $37636$30318 / $30318
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (Socorro) 2099$9409 / $25090$9409 / $26136
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus (Portales) 5725$5227 / $11499$6272 / $12545
Southwest Acupuncture College-Santa Fe (Santa Fe) 72$N/A / $N/A$18818 / $18818
University of the Southwest (Hobbs) 1059$15681 / $15681$13590 / $13590
Southwestern College (Santa Fe) 168$N/A / $N/A$28227 / $28227
National American University-Albuquerque (Albuquerque) 301$14636 / $14636$N/A / $N/A
Southwest University of Visual Arts-Albuquerque (Albuquerque) 52$24045 / $24045$22999 / $22999
Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture (Santa Fe) 873$6272 / $6272$13590 / $13590
Western New Mexico University (Silver City) 4138$7318 / $14636$5227 / $11499
Northern New Mexico College (Espanola) 1125$5227 / $14636$4181 / $6272
National American University-Albuquerque West (Albuquerque) 188$14636 / $14636$N/A / $N/A
Southwest Acupuncture College-Albuquerque (Albuquerque) 0$N/A / $N/A$18818 / $18818
University of Phoenix-New Mexico (Albuquerque) 953$11499 / $11499$14636 / $14636
Santa Fe University of Art and Design (Santa Fe) 919$30318 / $30318$N/A / $N/A
New Mexico Highlands University (Las Vegas) 3673$7318 / $11499$7318 / $12545

*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
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