Whether you live in a rural part of New Mexico or in a city like Albuquerque, going to an online college can be particularly convenient. You can take classes for your associate, bachelor's, or master's degree program at times that fit well with your schedule — even if you plan to continue working or if you need flexibility for family responsibilities.
Here's an overview of online colleges in New Mexico:
GEAR UP New Mexico is a statewide initiative that aims to increase college readiness and college enrollment for students across the state — at tribal colleges, community colleges, and universities — including online schools. GEAR UP offers a number of resources to help residents prepare for success in higher education.
Read on to see the best online colleges in New Mexico as well as the most affordable ones. You can also find financial aid resources such as New Mexico-specific scholarships and loan-for-service programs that can help you pay for your distance education.
Ready to dive into comprehensive rankings of online colleges in New Mexico? Our multiple rankings approach the question of "What makes a good online college" in several different ways, but all are designed to help students find a school that satisfies their needs. All schools on these lists are accredited — some regionally by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), others through national agencies recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) — which is very important for institutions of higher learning. But what does accreditation mean? To learn more, visit our "What is College Accreditation?" page — and to learn more about accreditation specific to New Mexico, visit the New Mexico Public Education Department.
Comparing online colleges using a rankings list is a great way for aspiring students to get a feel for which schools might be best for them. Our rankings look at factors that matter for online learning, such as credit offerings, ratio of students participating in online programs, and the availability of tuition plans to help students avoid student loan debt. To learn more about the data points we chose and why that data matters, check out the "What Makes a Good Online College?" section of our "About Us" page.
Selecting a degree program is an important step that shouldn't be taken lightly. Using information from the National Center of Education Statistics, run through our customized methodology, we have created a ranking of online colleges in New Mexico based on affordability, accessibility, number of online degrees offered and other important criteria.
Visit our methodologies page to learn more about how we use official data to evaluate schools.
What is ENMU like?
As of 2019, Eastern New Mexico University is the most recently founded state university in New Mexico. It offers on-campus degrees in Portales as well as online programs supported by the Office of Distance Learning. The university came in at No.2 on last year's ranking of the best online colleges in New Mexico and this year has elevated itself to the No.1 position.
What online programs are at ENMU?
The online programs at ENMU are delivered via the Mediasite and Blackboard learning platforms. While some online courses are taught in a synchronous format, most are conveyed asynchronously.
Students can pursue an online B.A.A.S. in disciplines like business, information systems and liberal arts. An online MBA program is available as well.
What online resources does ENMU offer?
Online students at ENMU can take advantage of the Golden Library, where they can access citation management software, online textbooks, databases and the assistance of a distance learning librarian. They can also receive online tutoring services and feedback on their papers through Skype, Zoom and/or FaceTime.
What is WNMU like?
Established in 1863, WNMU is a public university with an 83-acre campus in Silver City. The school offers hundreds of online courses every semester and in the summer. It rose one spot from its position on last year's list of the best online universities in New Mexico, going from No.3 to No.2.
What online programs are at WNMU?
Distance learning at WNMU is delivered via the Canvas learning management platform, which offers 24/7 support.
One of the most flexible online degree programs at WNMU is the online M.A. in interdisciplinary studies, where students can study multiple disciplines and explore how they interconnect. This program is delivered asynchronously and involves a minimum of 36 credit hours in two or three fields of study.
What online resources does WNMU offer?
WNMU offers online students access to Smarthinking, a 24/7 online tutoring service, where they can receive support from live tutors in subjects such as biology, math and writing. The J. Cloyd Miller Library is also available to online students, offering citation tools, e-books, journals and more.
What is NMSU like?
Founded in 1888, New Mexico State University is considered the oldest public higher education institution in New Mexico. Their sports teams are called the "Aggies," a name that stems from the school's agricultural origins.
NMSU has a main campus in Las Cruces but also hosts online programs through Aggies Online, its sports-themed online learning page.
What online programs are at NMSU?
The university features degree programs that can be taken in online, hybrid or interactive television formats. The school's 2+2 bachelor's degree programs have a rather unique collaborative approach: students take the first two years of courses through NMSU Alamogordo Community College and the second two years through NMSU. Certificate programs in game design, leadership skills and web fundamentals are available as well.
What online resources does NMSU offer?
Students can access almanacs, maps, atlasas, encyclopedias and biographical information online via the NMSU Library and learn about open job and internship opportunities through the Handshake career website. They can also schedule online tutoring sessions, which are delivered via the Canvas learning management system.
What is USW like?
USW was founded in 1962 as a private four-year Christian university. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees at its campus in Hobbs as well as online. All online courses are based on Christian values and a servant leadership philosophy.
What online programs are at USW?
Online programs at USW are offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business Administration, and College of Education. Students can enroll in the online MBA program and specialize in accounting, finance, self-design, public administration and more. An online Doctor of Business Administration, taught in a cohort format, is offered as well.
What online resources does USW offer?
Students at USW can receive access to College-Cram, a collection of e-learning resources in science, math, business and other subjects. The Scarborough Memorial Library is also available to them and offers databases from robust online platforms including ProQuest and InfoTrac. In addition, online students can utilize USW's Job Board and apply to jobs and internships.
What is CNMCC like?
Central New Mexico Community College has articulation agreements with four-year colleges across the state and offers online education through a Blackboard platform called CNM Learn. The school is the largest community college in New Mexico as of 2019, and it has jumped up one spot from its ranking on OnlineCollege's list of the best online universities in New Mexico in 2018-19.
What online programs are at CNMCC?
CNMCC offers 100 percent online courses as well as hybrid online courses where half of coursework is done online and the other half is face-to-face in the classroom. Blended courses, which involve 51-99 percent of online coursework and some face-to-face sessions, are also available.
Students at CNMCC can take online courses in subjects such as accounting, biology, and criminal justice.
What online resources does CNMCC offer?
Online students at CNMCC can work with the school's Distance Learning Achievement Coach to create goals, learn new study skills and overcome obstacles. CNMCC's EMBANET Help Desk is another resource, one that offers 24/7 online and phone support for CNM Learn at no additional cost.
What is SJC like?
Founded in 1956 as a branch of New Mexico State University, San Juan College has developed into its own institution, which educates students face-to-face at its four New Mexico campuses and online via SJC Online. SJC has increased in rankings by one spot from last year's list of the best online colleges in New Mexico.
What online programs are at SJC?
SJC offers various A.A. and A.A.S. degree programs that can be completed entirely online. These programs are available in disciplines like business administration, health information technology and liberal arts. In addition, SJC has created a Visiting Students program where students from other schools can take courses at SJC and transfer credits back to their school.
What online resources does SJC offer?
At SJC, online students can receive tutoring in writing, math, business and science. They can also work with an online advisor who can help them with academic planning, career planning, resources and referrals. In addition, they are welcome to participate in the Honors Program, which can lead to scholarship opportunities.
What is UNM like?
Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico is New Mexico's flagship university. The school offers degree programs at its campus in Albuquerque and online through UNM Online. While some programs can be completed entirely online, others are delivered in a hybrid format.
What online programs are at UNM?
At UNM, students may enroll in online degree programs with courses offered in eight-week formats. A few examples of these programs include:
What online resources does UNM offer?
Students can find help with resume preparation, job and internship placement and more via UNM's Career Services Office. The office hosts online chat walk-in hours for students on Thursday evenings.
There is also an Online Learning Center, which can give students the chance to talk to UNM peers that have taken the classes they are currently taking.
What is NMSU-Alamogordo like?
Although NMSU-Alamogordo is a public community college with degree programs in Alamogordo, near the White Sands National Monument and Holloman Air Force Base, the school also offers online courses. NMSU-Alamogordo has risen in rankings by two spots from last year's list of the best colleges in New Mexico.
What online programs are at NMSU-Alamogordo?
NMSU-Alamogordo collaborates with NMSU-Las Cruces to offer students 2+2 bachelor's degree programs. In these programs, students begin with an A.A. or a pre-business associate degree program at NMSU-Alamogordo, then advance to a 100 percent online bachelor's degree program at NMSU-Las Cruces.
The school's online courses include synchronous and asynchronous elements and are delivered via the Canvas learning management platform.
What online resources does NMSU-Alamogordo offer?
Online students who live in the area can visit NMSU-Alamogordo's campus to receive tutoring service or opt for online tutoring. NMSU-Alamogordo also offers academic advising through Adobe Connect and access to a variety of electronic resources through the school's library.
What is NMSU-Dona Ana like?
NMSU-Dona Ana is a two-year branch of New Mexico State University that offers online associate degree programs and undergraduate certificate programs through DACC Online, its online portal. This school is an excellent place to begin a college education; many students begin their online education journeys at NMSU-Dona Ana and end up transferring to other NMSU campuses after graduating from Dona Ana.
The school is a member of ENLACE, an initiative that focuses on improving the quality of education available for Latino and Latina students.
What online programs are at NMSU-Dona Ana?
Online students at NMSU-Dona Ana can pursue online associate degrees in business management, health information technology and public health. Online certificate programs in computed tomography and community healthcare work are available as well.
The Canvas learning management system is used to deliver online courses at NMSU-Dona Ana.
What online resources does NMSU-Dona Ana offer?
Students can utilize the Library Media Center for e-books, subject guides, online videos and databases. They can also work with an academic advisor to plan their online degree program and receive assistance with resumes, job searches and interviews via Career Services.
What is CCC like?
When CCC began in 1969, its focus was offering evening college level courses at Clovis High School. It has evolved over time in accordance with its mission statement: "Creating Opportunities -- One Student at a Time." One of the ways it accomplishes its mission is by offering online associate degree and certificate programs.
What online programs are at CCC?
Online students at CCC can pursue an online A.A. in early childhood education and partially fulfill the requirements for New Mexico Department of Education licensure in early education. CCC also offers an online A.A.S. in legal assistant studies that can be completed in five semesters. Online degree programs in behavioral science, computer information systems and general studies are available as well.
What online resources does CCC offer?
Students at CCC may utilize the CCC's Career and Development Center, which offers resume assistance, interview preparation, social media check-ups and scholarship assistance. They can also take advantage of Brainfuse, a 24/7 online tutoring platform, and the Writing Center, which can help them become more confident writers.
The following list presents a few of the schools in New Mexico that offer online degrees at low tuition costs.
New Mexico offers its students multiple loan-for-service programs, particularly in the fields of education and health services, in order to address the state's shortages in these areas. For each of these loans, students promise to put their degree to use and practice their field of study within the state of New Mexico after they've graduated. In doing so, 100 percent of the loan is eligible to be forgiven as long as the entire service agreement is fulfilled. However, whether or not you intend to study in one of these fields, you should always look into all of your scholarship and grant options first before applying for a state, federal, or private loan. If you do seek federal financial assistance for your degree, keep in mind that you will need to fill out the FAFSA with details about your family's financial situation in order to apply.
Find out more about student loans in our Ultimate Guide to Student Loans.
Much can be said for attending college in the same state as you graduated high school, but perhaps you want to go out of state for an all-out college experience, or perhaps your job as taken you to a new state and you still want to attend college right away. Whatever the circumstances, you can make it work, even if cost does tend to be higher if you are coming from out of state. But not to worry — many states, including New Mexico, do offer some programs that should help defray costs.
If you want to attend New Mexico's flagship university, the University of New Mexico, and you hail from the neighboring state of Colorado and prefer the desert to the mountains, then you are in luck: since 1985, Colorado and New Mexico have had a reciprocity agreement that allows students from both states to enroll in the other state for in-state tuition.
UNM also grants in-state tuition to members of any Indian tribe that's at least partially located in New Mexico, retirees, those who relocate due to employment, those married to a New Mexico resident, active duty military, etc. Before you think out-of-state tuition is out of reach be sure to talk to an admissions counselor at the New Mexico university of your choice.
According to Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, 63 percent of the most in demand jobs in New Mexico are expected to require a bachelor's degree by 2020. With the focus New Mexico's government is putting into higher education, a lot of students should be able to meet this goal. However, earning a degree doesn't help you if it's not in a subject that can help you reach your career goals as well.
To help students decide on a career path before enrolling, let's talk about good jobs to have in New Mexico. With the salary and employment data displayed below, you can compare the best jobs in New Mexico and figure out which major you should pursue in order to start down that path.
| Employment | Employment Growth | Median High School Salary | Median Bachelor's Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 861,820 | 6.7% | $26,874 | $45,017 |
*Industry rankings determined by annual mean wage, employment, projected growth and location quotient. Data is sourced from the BLS, 2019 dataset.
| Top Industries | Employment | Projected Growth | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ambulatory healthcare services | 587,610 | 7% | $59,772 |
| Pipeline transportation | 225,400 | 6% | $68,427 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 656,990 | 7% | $58,556 |
| Oil and gas extraction | 327,040 | 6% | $65,163 |
| Utilities | 419,700 | 6% | $60,936 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 720,750 | 6% | $56,468 |
| Insurance carriers and related activities | 445,220 | 5% | $58,056 |
| Telecommunications | 345,580 | 4% | $61,618 |
| Postal service | 223,850 | 5% | $61,095 |
| Petroleum and coal products manufacturing | 293,980 | 5% | $61,166 |
Since oil and gas companies provide more than $2 billion in tax revenue for New Mexico each year and the state ranks third nationally in oil production, it's no surprise that the oil and gas extraction and transportation industries are booming, creating many of the best jobs in New Mexico. On a related note, petroleum and coal products manufacturing is also big in New Mexico. This is largely because the state is home to 2.5 percent of the nation's estimated recoverable coal reserves.
The telecommunications industry also creates high demand careers in New Mexico. A report by CompTIA, a leading technology association, discovered that in 2018, the New Mexico tech sector had an estimated direct economic impact of $9 billion -- about 10.4 percent of the total economy in the state.
If the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship and GEAR UP New Mexico weren't big enough hints for you, New Mexico is also a great state to consider teaching- and education-based careers. Governor Lujan Grisham created multiple education support initiatives during the 2019 legislative session, including raises for college faculty, investment in educator diversity and implementation of more than $10 million in scholarship funds. With this kind of support, it's no wonder that education is thriving in the Land of Enchantment.
Let's take a closer look at the best jobs in New Mexico's most prominent metro areas, so that you can figure out which careers may be right for you based on your interests and location.
The electrical and aerospace engineering industries are high demand jobs in Albuquerque — demand that has been created by numerous corporations in the area, including SolAero Technologies Corp, Honeywell, and Amtech Systems.
Albuquerque also needs postsecondary health specialties teachers to work at institutions such as the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. Considering the shortage of nurses and physicians across the nation, teachers who can educate the next generation of medical professionals are more important than ever before.
| Best Careers | Minimum Education | Average Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Doctoral or professional degree | $156,100 | 1,380 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | Bachelor's degree | $174,350 | 1,110 |
| Information Security Analysts | Bachelor's degree | $111,060 | 520 |
| Electrical Engineers | Bachelor's degree | $119,540 | 1,070 |
| Aerospace Engineers | Bachelor's degree | $111,390 | 320 |
*Career rankings determined by annual mean wage, employment, projected growth and location quotient. Data sourced from the BLS, 2019 dataset.
Las Cruces has had a problem with property crime in the past, but with hard work, the Las Cruces Police Department was able to reduce property crimes by 18 percent in 2018. The need for more detectives and criminal investigators to help keep crime under control has caused these positions to become particularly high demand jobs in Las Cruces.
One of the biggest employers in Las Cruces is the Las Cruces Public Schools system. Considering the need for skilled professions like engineers and software developers in Las Cruces (with employers like Convergys/ Stream Global and General Dynamics), it makes sense that the area also needs good teachers who can educate students in the skills they need for these roles.
| Best Careers | Minimum Education | Average Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | High school diploma or equivalent | $83,680 | 580 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Bachelor's degree | $71,220 | 970 |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | Bachelor's degree | $96,240 | 230 |
| Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Bachelor's degree | $79,090 | 550 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | Doctoral or professional degree | $124,220 | 130 |
*Career rankings determined by annual mean wage, employment, projected growth and location quotient. Data sourced from the BLS, 2019 dataset.
The biggest employer in Santa Fe is the CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, a center for general and specialty care with almost 200 staffed beds. This central facility generates massive need for nurse practitioners (NPs), especially since NPs have prescriptive authority in New Mexico, allowing them to prescribe medication as a doctor would.
Other major employers in Santa Fe include Holland & Hart LLP, Sommer Udall, and Montgomery & Andrews, three major law firms that employ many lawyers in the area. The city of Santa Fe itself is also a prominent employer for its people; the city hosts a plethora of community foundations, such as the Santa Fe Community Foundation and the Frontier & Native American Communities Initiative. These organizations are often sources of work for social/ community service managers and environmental scientists/ specialists.
| Best Careers | Minimum Education | Average Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | Bachelor's degree | $97,330 | 1,680 |
| Lawyers | Doctoral or professional degree | $95,710 | 530 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Master's degree | $103,120 | 130 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | Bachelor's degree | $68,990 | 150 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | Bachelor's degree | $67,600 | 210 |
*Career rankings determined by annual mean wage, employment, projected growth and location quotient. Data sourced from the BLS, 2019 dataset.