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New Mexico Military Institute

Roswell, NM

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Quick Facts

Duty, Honor, Achievement

1891
Founded
High School & Junior College
Type
342
Total Students
$7K
Tuition (In-State)
$14K
Tuition (Out-State)
$5K
Avg Net Price
58%
Acceptance Rate
Associate's Colleges
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About New Mexico Military Institute

Forge character and leadership at the West's only state-supported military high school & junior college.

New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) stands as a beacon of leadership development and academic excellence in the American West. As the only state-supported military junior college and high school west of the Mississippi, NMMI offers a distinctive educational experience rooted in tradition, discipline, and a commitment to service. Nestled in Roswell, New Mexico, this historic institution, founded in 1891, cultivates cadets through its unique military structure, preparing them for success in higher education, military careers, and life beyond.

NMMI's journey began as the Goss Military Institute, growing to become a territorial and then state-recognized institution. Despite facing early financial challenges that briefly forced its closure, the institute persevered, reopening stronger to become a vital pipeline for future leaders. Its storied halls have seen thousands of graduates serve with distinction in both World Wars, including Medal of Honor recipient John C. Morgan and hospitality titan Conrad Hilton. Today, NMMI continues its legacy of shaping individuals who exemplify its motto: "Duty, Honor, Achievement."

With an average class size of just 15, NMMI provides a focused learning environment for its nearly 1,000 cadets across high school (grades 9-12) and junior college (freshman-sophomore) levels. A cornerstone of the cadet experience is the deeply ingrained Cadet Honor Code, "A Cadet Will Not Lie, Cheat, or Steal, Nor Tolerate Those Who Do," fostering an unyielding commitment to integrity. For those aspiring to military service, NMMI boasts an exceptional Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program and consistently sends nearly 100 cadets each year to prestigious United States Service Academies. The co-educational campus also offers a vibrant athletic scene, with teams like the Broncos (college) and Colts (high school) competing in various sports.

Key Highlights

  • The only state-supported military junior college and high school located in the western United States.
  • Commissions approximately 30 cadets annually as U.S. Army second lieutenants through its Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program (ECP).
  • Sends nearly 100 cadets each year to one of the five United States Service Academies.
  • Upholds a strict Cadet Honor Code: "A Cadet Will Not Lie, Cheat, or Steal, Nor Tolerate Those Who Do."
  • Provides a focused learning environment with an average class size of 15 students for its 914 cadets.
  • Offers both high school (grades 9-12) and junior college (freshman-sophomore) programs.
  • Boasts notable alumni including Medal of Honor recipient John C. Morgan and hotelier Conrad Hilton.

Timeline

1891
Founded as Goss Military Institute by Colonel Robert S. Goss and Captain Joseph C. Lea.
1893
Recognized by territorial legislature and renamed New Mexico Military Institute.
1895
Forced to close on 'Bad Friday' due to lack of funding.
1898
Reopened at its current location, thanks to donated land.
1921
The Cadet Honor Code, 'A Cadet Will Not Lie, Cheat, or Steal, Nor Tolerate Those Who Do,' was unanimously adopted.
1977
Became fully coeducational.
1987
New Mexico Military Institute Historic District added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
🏛️
135 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within New Mexico Military Institute

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High School Program

Offers grades 9-12 education within a military environment, with athletic teams known as the Colts.

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Junior College Program

Provides freshman and sophomore level college education, with athletic teams known as the Broncos.

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