New Mexico has improved in the national rankings for higher education, gaining two places overall in the U.S. News & World Report compared to last year and reaching No. 18.
In a news release, the Higher Education Department said the ranking reflects the continued investment by the state in tuition free college, student success initiatives and efforts to strengthen higher education outcomes.
The report also ranked New Mexico No. 2 in the nation for low debt at graduation and No. 8 for low tuition and fees. Since 2019, the state has jumped 22 places, up from No. 40 in the nation.
“Earning a diploma or credential to fulfilling and high-paying careers right here in New Mexico has never been more achievable for New Mexicans,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “New Mexico’s higher education landscape has been comprehensively transformed over these past eight years. It is gratifying to see national rankings reflect the tremendous investment and strategic efforts that have been made on behalf of New Mexico students.”
The NMHED said while the state continues to focus on improving graduation rates, completion rates have increased, demonstrating the continued progress across the higher education system.
“Enrollment also continues to grow, with more New Mexicans pursuing certificates, degrees and workforce credentials at public colleges and universities statewide,” the department said in the news release.
Since the launch of the Opportunity Scholarship, more than 118,000 New Mexicans have benefited from tuition-free college opportunities while pursuing career training certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and graduate degrees at public colleges and universities across the state.
According to the NMHED, throughout 2026, programs and services designed to support students are expanding, including new scholarship opportunities, loan repayment initiatives and workforce development programs.
For fiscal year 2027, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham approved a $1.5 billion investment in higher education, the largest investment in the state’s history.
The state also saw one of the largest year-over-year increases in FAFSA completion rates in the nation, according to the NMHED, joining only three other states to achieve a 20% increase as national FAFSA completion rates reached an all-time high.
“This progress reflects the state’s continued commitment to helping students access financial aid and pursue higher education opportunities,” the department said.
To help strengthen campus safety and address critical infrastructure needs, the department also established the Higher Education Major Projects Fund. This fund supports significant capital improvements at public colleges and universities, allowing institutions to advance long-term planning, address facility needs and enhance student learning environments.
“Adult Education programs continue to play an important role in strengthening New Mexico’s workforce, ranking No. 20 in the nation for measurable skill gains through its adult education system,” said the department.