New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Step into the vibrant legacy of New Mexico State University (NMSU), the state's oldest public institution of higher education and its original land-grant university. Situated in the scenic Las Cruces area, NMSU is a dynamic public land-grant research university with a profound commitment to education, discovery, and service. It's recognized for its "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production" designation, placing it among the nation's top research institutions. Beyond its main campus, NMSU's influence extends statewide through satellite campuses and its Cooperative Extension Service, impacting all 33 counties.

NMSU's story began on September 17, 1888, as Las Cruces College, founded by Indiana educator Hiram Hadley. Just a year later, it was designated as New Mexico's land-grant college under the Morrill Act and renamed the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, a reflection of its vital mission to support the state's agricultural and mechanical industries. This pioneering spirit continued as it opened its doors to students in 1890, steadily growing its offerings and reach. In 1960, to better encapsulate its expanding academic scope, the institution proudly adopted its current name, New Mexico State University.

Today, NMSU offers an impressive array of over 180 degree programs, including 28 doctoral, 58 master's, and 96 baccalaureate options, ensuring a diverse range of academic pursuits for its approximately 15,408 students on the Las Cruces campus. With a favorable faculty-to-student ratio of roughly 1 to 16, students benefit from personalized attention and engaging learning environments. Beyond academics, NMSU fosters a spirited campus life with its NCAA Division I athletic teams, the Aggies, competing in Conference USA. As a lead institute for the New Mexico National Space Grant Consortium, NMSU is also a hub for innovation, inviting prospective students and families to join a community dedicated to exploration and impact.