About

About New Mexico State University-Main Campus

public research universityhigh acceptance rateengineering and business focushispanic serving institution

New Mexico State University-Main Campus is a public research university in Las Cruces, NM, known for its public research university, high acceptance rate, and engineering and business focus. With an acceptance rate of 78%, NMSU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,325 students each year. NMSU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 900–1140, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. NMSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $11,970 per year; the sticker price of $40,658 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

New Mexico State University-Main Campus acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

78%
Overall Accept Rate
1020
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 900 – 1140 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to New Mexico State University-Main Campus

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Test Score Strategy
NMSU is test optional, so if your score is below the 50th percentile range for admitted students, leave it off your application and let your GPA and activities carry the weight.
Essay Strategy
NMSU takes pride in its land grant mission and its deep ties to the Borderlands region, so if any part of your background or goals connects to agriculture, community service, or the broader US and Mexico border region, bring that into your personal statement.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What New Mexico State University-Main Campus actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$41k/yr$6.6k
30k-48k~$41k/yr$7.4k
48k-75k~$41k/yr$9.9k
75k-110k~$41k/yr$13.1k
110k+~$41k/yr$14.0k

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Personalize this page

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

52%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$33k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
9,845
Undergrad Enrollment
New Mexico State University-Main Campus Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch