History
New Mexico State University (NMSU) was founded in 1888 as the state’s land-grant university. Through serving the educational needs of New Mexico’s diverse population, NMSU has provided comprehensive programs of education, research, extension education and public service. Upon its founding, NMSU was known as Las Cruces College and later renamed New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.
Education
The mission of the New Mexico State University system is to serve the diverse needs of the state through comprehensive programs of education, research, extension and outreach, and public service. As the state’s land-grant and space-grant university, and as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, NMSU fosters learning, inquiry, diversity and inclusion, social mobility, and service to the broader community.
Research
The strategic goals outlined in NMSU LEADS 2025 reflect the university’s mission and vision and are vital to NMSU’s success. These include advancing student success; elevating research and creativity; amplifying extension and outreach; and building a robust NMSU system.
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
801
2024
801
2023
801
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
973 -66
2023
907
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
The Office of the Dean of Students provides a mechanism when you can’t find the help you need or you simply want to go on record letting the University’s administration know about problems you have encountered.
Housing services
Located close to Corbett Center Student Union, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, and academic classes, our traditional residence halls all offer furnished, suite-style rooms, large lobbies and plenty of outdoor space. Each residence hall has its own personality and environment, offering a variety of choices while providing all the amenities, social interaction, and academic support that students need. All residence halls are available exclusively to first-year residents.
Library services
Zuhl Library has 7 group study rooms, including these specialty rooms:
- Two Collaboration Rooms with plug-ins for lap-tops or other devices and a large screen monitor.
- One Presentation/Practice Room with a lectern, computer and large screen monitor.
ICT services
ICT Help Desk provides many technology services and support options for NMSU staff and students:
- Security & Anti-Virius Support
- myNMSU Account Services
- Instructions & Guides
- Student Computer Maintenance Services
- Digital Signage Services
Campus life
NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at five campuses, a satellite learning center in Albuquerque, cooperative extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers and through distance education.
Student clubs
- Alpha Nu Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) ...
- Campus Christian Fellowship (CCF) ...
- League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) ...
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Club (STEM) ...
- Social Science Club (SSC) ...
- Student Government (NMSU-ASG)
Accreditation
NMSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).