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Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

Portales, NM | Public | University

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus is a public university in Portales, NM ranked #1415 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C+, enrolling about 3,357 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 91.7%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Air Transportation.

Day to day, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 62.0% first-year retention, and 45.1% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.

Families typically invest $4,904, about $12,094 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 71.4%, roughly 13.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $33,619. That's about $10,069 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

C+
Ranking
#1415 of 6,101
How We Rank Schools Lower tuitionPublic school option

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91.7%, annual tuition of $7,194, average net price of $4,904, and a national rank of #1415 (Grade C+), with a 45.1% six-year graduation rate, about 3,357 undergraduates, and median earnings of $33,619 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.

At a Glance
Ranking
#1415 of 6,101 (Top 23.2%)
Tuition
$7,194
Net Price
$4,904
4-Year Tuition
$28,776
Acceptance Rate
91.7%
Transfer Rate
24.7%
Student Population
3,357
Student-Faculty
18:1
Graduation Rate
45.1%
Retention Rate
62.0%
6-Yr Earnings
$33,619
ROI
71.4%

Who is Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Families tracking affordability closely
First-gen or Pell-eligible support

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#1415 of 6,101
Top 23.2% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
27.2 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
1.36 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
C+
#1,512 of 6,101
Affordability
A-
#190 of 6,101
Support
C
#1,739 of 6,101
Career Outcomes
C+
#1,502 of 6,101

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus graduates 45.1% of students within six years and keeps 62.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$3,663-$9,996 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Somewhat likely
45.1% finish within six years. 25.1% complete in four years.
What are job outcomes?
Highly likely
81.1% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $33,619. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$75,760
$18,940 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$22,068
$4,904 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 25.1% | 6-Year Rate: 45.1%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 25.1% and six-year completion is 45.1%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$18,940
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$4,904
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $7,194
Books and Supplies $950
On-Campus Room and Board $8,446
On-Campus Other Expenses $4,782
Total On-Campus Cost $18,940

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
35.7%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 35.7% of Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$3,663
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$3,080
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$5,960
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$8,388
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$9,996
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $3,663 annually, while high-income families pay $9,996. Use Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$16,484
$30K-$48K families
~$13,860
$48K-$75K families
~$26,820
$75K-$110K families
~$37,746
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $8,388/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $9,996/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
71.4%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $33,619
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $33,619
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $11,000
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 48.0%
  • Employment Rate 81.1%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $33,619 six years after enrollment — roughly 23% below the national median.
Payback Period
0.66 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus graduates earn $33,619 median six years after enrollment, -23% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
91.7%
Lightly Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 430-540
  • SAT Math 400-520
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite 17-23
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 3,357
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate 62.0%
  • Graduation Rate 45.1%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1

How to Get Into Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 91.7%, Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 91.7% acceptance rate, Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 830 and 1060 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Communication Disorders Sciences and Services draw the most students.

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 20.3%
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 8.0%
  • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services 7.5%
  • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Profe 6.9%
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections 6.2%
  • Psychology, General 4.9%
See more majors
  • Air Transportation 4.5%
  • Biology, General 4.1%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $103,079
  • 2. Air Transportation $88,085
  • 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $73,561
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Accounting and Related Services $55,294
  • 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $54,215
  • 6. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $49,919
  • 7. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions $48,443
  • 8. Biology, General $47,560
  • 9. Communication and Media Studies $46,067
  • 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $46,051

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $98,411
  • 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $96,975
  • 3. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $62,490
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Education, General (Master's Degree) $59,655
  • 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $54,961
  • 6. Communication and Media Studies (Master's Degree) $48,543

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $103,079—124% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($46,051). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $98,411 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degree, 242 graduates)
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 148 graduates)
  • Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 30 graduates)
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 22 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (26 programs)â–¼
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
  • Biology, General
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Music
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Animal Sciences
  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
  • Security Science and Technology
  • Anthropology
  • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Political Science and Government
  • Agriculture, General
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
  • Social Sciences, General
  • Culinary Arts and Related Services
  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
  • Agricultural Public Services
  • Special Education and Teaching
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
  • Agricultural Business and Management
  • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Online Master's Degrees (6 programs)â–¼
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Anthropology
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
  • Biology, General
  • Chemistry
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)â–¼
  • Special Education and Teaching
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)â–¼
  • Homeland Security

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,357
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 37.2%
  • Female Students 62.8%
  • Caucasian 35.8%
  • Asian 1.3%
  • Hispanic 45.6%
  • Black 5.8%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 35.7%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
42.7%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
50.6%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
7.9 pts
good equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus has a diverse student body, with 35.8% identifying as White. Women make up 62.8% of undergraduates.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
42.7%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
50.6%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
7.9 pts
good equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus serves as a highly accessible university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1415 nationally with a 71.4% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.

At $4,904 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $33,619 median earnings. The 45.1% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 62.0% retention suggests adequate student support.

University Value: Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's Strengths

Ranked #1415 with a C+ grade, Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.

Primary Strengths: Universitys like Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus excel at providing affordable education ($4,904 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.

Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.

Honest Assessment: Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's 62.0% retention and 45.1% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($33,619 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.

Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's 71.4% ROI and $4,904 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.

Key Takeaways

  • 45.1% six-year graduation rate sits 17.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 62.0% first-year retention is 14.8 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
  • 71.4% return on investment is 13.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $33,619 run about 23% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $4,904 is roughly $12,493 lower than the national median of $17,397.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 62.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 81.1% employment rate within three years sits 12.9 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Pell participation at 35.7% trails the national share by 3.4 points, so equity work remains important.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus, a public university in Portales, NM, secures a C+ grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1415 nationally Category results include Completion (C+), Support (C), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (A-).

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

62.0% of learners come back after year one while 45.1% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is 71.4%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $4,904 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $18,940.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $14,036 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $11,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 35.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Graduates report median earnings of about $33,619 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 23% lower.

Roughly 81.1% of graduates are employed three years out.

The ROI comes in near 71.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

91.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
1.36 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus Website →

Similar Schools

Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes

Nearby Schools

Other campuses you might consider

Other New Mexico campuses you might consider

Western New Mexico University
Silver City, NM
C+ #1544 of 6,101
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM
C #1679 of 6,101
St. John's College
Santa Fe, NM
B- #1121 of 6,101
Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development
Santa Fe, NM
C #1750 of 6,101

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's acceptance rate?

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's acceptance rate is 91.7%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.

How much does Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus cost?

At Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus, listed tuition and fees are $7,194 per year, and the average net price after aid is $4,904. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's ranking?

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus ranks #1415 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of C+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's graduation rate?

At Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus, the six-year graduation rate is 45.1%, and first-year retention is 62.0%.

What are Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's job outcomes?

Graduates of Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus report median earnings of $33,619 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's student population?

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus enrolls about 3,357 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
  • Endowment$43.6M
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate24.7%

Data Source & Methodology â–¼