College enrollment in New Mexico has increased for the fourth year in a row, according to preliminary data released by the New Mexico Higher Education Department. The figures show that 4,016 new students are pursuing degrees in the fall 2025 semester, representing a 3.6% rise from the previous year and bringing the total number of degree-seeking students statewide to 113,991.
Since fall 2021, overall college enrollment in New Mexico has grown by 13.6%, which equals an additional 13,727 students over four years.
Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez said, “New Mexico’s commitment to expansive and inclusive free tuition is proving successful. 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. More and more New Mexicans every year are seizing the opportunity.”
The increase in enrollment was seen across all types of public higher education institutions in the state: research universities saw a 3.3% rise, comprehensive universities grew by 0.9%, branch community colleges increased by 6.5%, and independent community colleges were up by 3.4%.
Nearly every public institution experienced growth, including major schools such as the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and Central New Mexico Community College. The largest percentage increases occurred at the University of New Mexico’s Gallup branch (16.4%), Northern New Mexico College (12.4%), and UNM’s Valencia County branch (11.8%).
More information about programs like the Opportunity Scholarship and Lottery Scholarship can be found at ReachHigherNM.com.
