Highlands University: Student Population And Campus Life

how many students attend new mexico highlands university

New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) is a public university located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, with satellite campuses in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Farmington, and Roswell. NMHU has an average annual enrollment of approximately 3,000 students, with an undergraduate enrollment of 987 students. The university is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, with a diverse student body, including many international students. NMHU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs and is particularly known for its strong Environmental Geology program. The university's athletic teams, nicknamed the Cowboys/Cowgirls, compete in the NCAA's Division II Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Characteristics Values
Type of institution Public university
Location Las Vegas, New Mexico, United States
Year founded 1893
Satellite campuses Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Farmington, and Roswell
Number of students Approximately 3,765
Undergraduate enrollment 987
Acceptance rate 100%
Average net price $9,827 per year (for room and board) and $1,144 per year (for books and supplies)
Percentage of undergraduate students receiving financial aid 85%
Percentage of students who graduated within "normal time" 18%
Most common race/ethnicity group Hispanic or Latino
Most common Master's Degree concentration Clinical Social Work
Popular majors Medical Social Work, Kindergarten and Preschool Education, Elementary Education, Business Administration & Management
Varsity athletics programs Women's soccer, men's and women's cross-country, women's track and field, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, and football

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NMHU's student body: approximately 3,765 students, 441 of whom are Hispanic/Latino

New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) is a public university located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, with satellite campuses in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Farmington, and Roswell. The university was founded in 1893 and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across six schools and colleges, as well as online.

NMHU has an average annual enrollment of approximately 3,000 students, with an estimated 3,765 students enrolled in total as of 2025. The university is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, with a significant number of Hispanic or Latino students. In 2023, 441 degrees were awarded to Hispanic or Latino students, making it the most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients at NMHU.

The university has a diverse student body, with many international students, and is known for its strong programs in fields such as social work, education, and business. NMHU's athletic teams, known as the Cowboys and Cowgirls, compete in the NCAA's Division II Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, and the university offers a range of varsity athletics programs for students.

NMHU is ranked among the top schools for economically disadvantaged students, and it is committed to providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. The university offers financial aid to a large percentage of its undergraduate students, with 85% receiving aid through grants or loans in 2023. The small campus setting offers students a charming and intimate learning environment, with small classroom sizes that facilitate a more personalized educational experience.

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85% of undergrads received financial aid in 2023

New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) is a public university located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, with satellite campuses in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Farmington, and Roswell. The university has an ethnically diverse student body, with approximately 3,765 students, the majority of whom are from New Mexico and of Latino descent. NMHU is recognised as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the US Department of Education, indicating that at least 25% of its undergraduate population is Hispanic.

In 2023, 85% of undergraduate students at NMHU received financial aid through grants or loans. This statistic reflects the university's commitment to providing accessible and affordable education, particularly for economically disadvantaged students. NMHU is ranked among the top 100 schools for such students, according to U.S. News & World Report. The university's average net price, calculated based on the costs covered by grants or scholarships from federal, state, or local governments, or the institution itself, is indicative of its affordability.

The availability of financial aid at NMHU is crucial, given the costs associated with higher education. For the 2023 school year, the average yearly cost of room and board at NMHU was $9,827, while the average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,144. These expenses can pose a significant financial burden on students, especially those from low-income backgrounds. By offering financial aid, NMHU ensures that a college education is within reach for a larger portion of its student population.

While NMHU's financial aid office provides essential support to students, some students have reported challenges with timely responses and issues that have resulted in the loss or risk of loss of scholarships. These experiences highlight the importance of efficient and effective financial aid services within the university. Nevertheless, NMHU's commitment to providing financial assistance to its students is evident in its high percentage of undergraduates receiving aid.

The university's focus on accessibility and affordability aligns with its mission to serve a diverse student body. NMHU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, and social work. With its inclusive approach and comprehensive support, NMHU empowers students from diverse backgrounds to pursue their academic goals and achieve their higher education aspirations.

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18% of students graduated within 4 years

New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) is a public university located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, with satellite campuses in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Farmington, and Roswell. The university was founded in 1893 and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across six schools and colleges.

According to the latest data, only 18% of students at New Mexico Highlands University graduated within the expected timeframe of four years. This means that out of the total number of students who started their degree programs, only 18% completed their studies and graduated in the time typically required for their respective programs.

This low graduation rate within the expected timeframe may be indicative of various factors influencing the student body's academic progress. It is important to consider the challenges that students may face during their time at the university, which could contribute to an extended duration of study. For example, students have reported issues with financial aid processes, which can impact their ability to continue their studies without interruption.

Additionally, there have been reports of challenges related to campus infrastructure. Specifically, the science building was closed due to safety violations and a chemical spill, affecting STEM students' access to laboratory facilities and resources. These types of disruptions can impact the timely completion of degree requirements, especially in fields where hands-on learning and laboratory work are essential components of the curriculum.

The low four-year graduation rate at New Mexico Highlands University highlights areas for improvement and underscores the importance of addressing student concerns. It is crucial for the university to identify and mitigate potential barriers to academic progress, ensuring that students can complete their degrees in a timely manner and take advantage of the educational opportunities afforded by the institution.

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NMHU ranks among the top 12% in the 2022 Social Mobility Index

New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) is a public higher education institution located in San Miguel County, New Mexico. It was founded in 1893 and currently offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. While the exact number of enrolled students at NMHU is unclear, the university awarded degrees to 474 women and 328 men in 2023, indicating a significant gender imbalance.

In terms of academic programs, Clinical Social Work was the most popular Master's Degree concentration at NMHU in 2023, with 140 degrees awarded. This was followed by General Business Administration & Management (69 degrees) and School Counseling & Guidance Services (45 degrees). The university also conferred degrees in other fields, with varying levels of specialization.

NMHU has a diverse student body, with Hispanic or Latino students comprising the largest racial/ethnic group among degree recipients in 2023. This group received 441 degrees, outnumbering the next closest group (white students) by 2.16 times. Additionally, 4.98% of students did not report their race.

Regarding completion rates, 18% of NMHU graduates in 2023 finished their programs within the expected time frame (100% "normal time"). A larger proportion, 27%, completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, while 28% took 200% of the standard time. NMHU's completion rates are comparable to those of other institutions within the Masters Colleges and Universities Carnegie Classification group.

NMHU has been recognized for its commitment to social mobility, ranking among the top 12% in the 2022 Social Mobility Index. This ranking highlights the university's role in helping students advance economically and socially. Additionally, NMHU is ranked #87 in the 2025 edition of Regional Universities West by U.S. News.

In terms of student support, 85% of undergraduate students at NMHU received financial aid through grants or loans in 2023. The average yearly cost of room and board at the university was $9,827 in the same year, with a slight decrease of 5.07% from 2022. The cost of books and supplies remained stable, averaging $1,144 per year.

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47% of students attend varsity sporting events

New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) is a public university located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, with satellite campuses in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Farmington, and Roswell. The university has an ethnically diverse student body, with approximately 3,765 students, the majority of whom are from New Mexico and identify as Latino. NMHU is recognised as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, reflecting its significant Hispanic undergraduate population.

While varsity sporting events are not a dominant aspect of campus culture, 47% of students report attending them. NMHU's athletic teams, nicknamed the Cowboys and Cowgirls, compete in the NCAA's Division II Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The university offers ten varsity athletics programmes, including popular sports such as men's and women's basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, and football.

The university's ranking as one of the top 100 schools for economically disadvantaged students underscores its commitment to accessibility. NMHU's small classroom sizes, diverse student body, and range of academic programmes attract students from various backgrounds. The university's annual enrolment of approximately 3,000 students includes undergraduate and graduate students across its various campuses and online programmes.

NMHU provides a well-rounded educational experience, with a focus on academics, athletics, and social awareness. The university's programs explicitly cater to its multiethnic student body, celebrating the Latino and American Indian cultures distinctive of New Mexico. While varsity sports participation stands at 47%, the university fosters a sense of community and encourages student engagement through organisations like Vatos Rugby, Fire Escape Club, and NMHU Cheerleaders.

Despite some challenges, such as the closure of the science building due to safety concerns, NMHU students express a sense of community and a desire to enhance their campus experience. The university's ranking in the Social Mobility Index, which considers tuition costs and post-graduate employment, highlights its dedication to providing opportunities for students from diverse economic backgrounds.

Frequently asked questions

New Mexico Highlands University has an average annual enrollment of approximately 3,000 students.

There are 987 undergraduate students enrolled at New Mexico Highlands University.

The majority of students at New Mexico Highlands University are from New Mexico and identify as Latino/Latina. The university is recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education.

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