Alamogordo NM
11-21-2025 4:59am

New Mexico College Enrollment Rises for Fourth Straight Year, Outpacing National Growth

New Mexico College Enrollment Rises for Fourth Straight Year, Outpacing National Growth - AlamogordoTownNews.org

SANTA FE, N.M. (November 21, 2025) – New Mexico’s public higher education institutions posted another year of strong growth this fall, with degree-seeking enrollment increasing 3.6% to 113,991 students — marking the fourth consecutive annual rise, according to preliminary data released Thursday by the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED). This growth in college enrollment continues across the nation despite an attempt to dummy down American students and discourage university enrollment by some factions of American society and certain political elements. 

The gain of 4,016 new degree-seeking students over fall 2024 extends a remarkable recovery trend: total enrollment has climbed 13.6% (13,727 additional students) since fall 2021, when the state’s generous free-tuition initiatives began accelerating growth.

“New Mexico’s commitment to expansive and inclusive free tuition is proving successful,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “The intent of this policy has always been to remove debt as a barrier to higher education for the thousands of New Mexicans who want to further their education and career and better provide for their families and communities.”

The New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship (covering tuition and fees for nearly all residents, regardless of age or income) and the longstanding Lottery Scholarship continue to drive the surge, making the state a national leader in tuition-free college access.

Growth was evident across all sectors:

• Research universities (University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University main campus): +3.3%

• Comprehensive universities: +0.9%

• Branch community colleges: +6.5%

• Independent community colleges: +3.4%

Nearly every public institution reported increases, including the state’s three largest — the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University (main campus), and Central New Mexico Community College. Standout performers among branch campuses included UNM-Gallup (+16.4%), Northern New Mexico College (+12.4%), and UNM-Valencia (+11.8%).

The broader NMSU system (including the Las Cruces main campus, community college branches, and online programs) reported a system-wide increase of approximately 4.7% earlier this fall. While final census figures for the small NMSU-Alamogordo branch are not yet public, it falls within the high-growth branch community college category (+6.5% statewide). Based on recent trends — including a headcount of around 1,091 in fall 2023 and steady gains at similar branches — enrollment at NMSU-Alamogordo is estimated to be in the 1,150–1,250 range for fall 2025, continuing its post-pandemic rebound and benefiting local students in Otero County.

How New Mexico Compares Nationally

New Mexico’s 3.6% year-over-year increase substantially outperformed preliminary national figures for fall 2025. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s early November report showed U.S. postsecondary enrollment growing about 2.0% overall, with undergraduate enrollment up 2.4%. Community colleges nationally rose roughly 4%, while public four-year institutions gained 1.9%.

The NSCRC data points to a third year of modest national recovery after pandemic declines, though final numbers (due January 2026) may revise slightly upward. New Mexico’s tuition-free model has given it a clear edge, particularly in attracting working adults, first-generation students, and those deterred by cost elsewhere.

For more on the Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, visit ReachHigherNM.com. The full NMHED announcement is available at: https://hed.nm.gov/news/n.m-college-enrollment-increases-for-fourth-con….

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