Best Colleges in New Mexico

A major center of education and research in Albuquerque, UNM ranks as the largest four-year university in the state, serving more than 26,000 students annually. UNM also ranks among the best online colleges in New Mexico, with a distance education program that oversees undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs. Online students choose from more than 20 programs, including dental hygiene, elementary education, liberal arts, Native American studies, and space systems engineering. UNM also hosts several "managed" online programs, which offer an even higher level of flexibility. These programs feature several annual start dates and accelerated, eight-week courses. The school's managed online programs include graduate tracks and bachelor's completion programs, with options such as business administration, construction management, and Chicana and Chicano studies. Managed online programs are taught by the school's on-campus faculty, and students pay the same fixed tuition rate whether they reside in New Mexico or another state.

Another major center of education in New Mexico, NMSU is also the oldest institution of higher learning in the state, with a history dating back to 1888. Today the school serves more than 12,000 students from its main campus in Las Cruces and thousands more through branch campuses and a significant distance education program. Online students can seek degrees at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. Students can also choose from hybrid options, combining campus and online courses. NMSU offers more than 500 online courses and 65 degrees in many popular fields, such as business administration, criminal justice, family and child sciences, electrical engineering, and public health. At the undergraduate level, the school offers several degree completion programs, which require students to earn their lower-division credits from another institution (or on campus at NMSU) before completing their upper-division credits online.

Home to more than 30 online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, ENMU ranks among the best online colleges in New Mexico. Based in Portales -- about 20 miles south of Clovis and 30 miles from the Texas border -- this public school also ranks as a major Hispanic-serving institution. More than 35% of its ~5,700 students identify as Hispanic. Online learners at ENMU choose from a wide selection of fully online degrees, including accounting, aviation science, computer science, history, and religion. ENMU's online programs use a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous elements, and some courses require students to log on at set times for live class meetings. Most programs occur entirely online, though some may require students to visit campus for select activities, such as presentations or orientation sessions. The school provides free tutoring to online students. Learners can typically complete proctored exams at approved sites within their own community, as well.

Northern New Mexico College was established as a teacher training school in 1909. Today, the institution serves about 1,100 students, most of whom come from rural communities surrounding Espanola. Prospective first-year learners need to submit ACT, SAT, or COMPASS test scores. On top of traditional academics, Northern offers dual-credit coursework that helps local high school juniors and seniors jumpstart their college education. The college also delivers online learning opportunities through Blackboard. For candidates interested in practical career training, Northern offers technical certificates in areas like radiation protection and administrative assistant. Associate programs consist of allied health, renewable energy, and crime and justice studies. Learners can also enroll in a two-year nursing program, which prepares them to work as registered nurses. Active RNs may earn a bachelor's degree by enrolling in an accelerated program that emphasizes holistic and relationship-centered care. Additional baccalaureate offerings include biology, environmental science, and education. Northern also oversees a bachelor of business administration program that is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Business Schools and Programs.