17 Aug, 2026 Press Releases Auriella Ortiz
Up two spots from 2025, due to affordability, enrollment and attainment
SANTA FE — New Mexico continues to rise in national rankings for higher education, reaching No. 18 in the nation for 2026, reflecting the state’s continued investment in tuition-free college, student success initiatives and strategic efforts to strengthen higher education outcomes.
New Mexico gained two places overall in the U.S. News & World Report rankings compared to last year and ranked No. 2 in the nation for “low debt at graduation” and No. 8 for “low tuition and fees,” highlighting the state’s commitment to making higher education more affordable and accessible for students and families. Since 2019, the state has leapt 22 places, up from No. 40 in the nation.
The ranking reflects measurable progress in areas including affordability, access, enrollment and attainment and demonstrates the importance of sustained investment in higher education.
“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. Our focus remains on ensuring every New Mexican has the opportunity to succeed.”
While New Mexico continues to focus on improving graduation rates, statewide completion rates have increased, demonstrating continued progress across the state’s higher education system. Enrollment also continues to grow, with more New Mexicans pursuing certificates, degrees and workforce credentials at public colleges and universities statewide.
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.
Throughout 2026, the New Mexico Higher Education Department continued expanding programs and services designed to support students, including new scholarship opportunities, loan repayment initiatives, workforce development programs and improvements to processes that strengthen support for the state’s public colleges and universities.
For fiscal year 2027, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham approved a $1.5 billion investment in higher education, the largest investment in the state’s history.
New Mexico also saw one of the largest year-over-year increases in FAFSA completion rates in the nation, 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.
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 New Mexico’s 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.
For more information about the New Mexico Higher Education Department and its programs, visit hed.nm.gov. To learn more about tuition-free college opportunities through the Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, visit ReachHigherNM.com or call the Financial Aid Help Line at (800) 279-9777.
Link: New Mexico ranks No. 18 nationally for higher education | NM Higher Education Department