New Mexico State University (NMSU) has achieved the highest overall ranking among universities in New Mexico in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. The university was recognized on several national lists, including social mobility, where it placed 87th (tie), reflecting efforts to support students from varied backgrounds.
NMSU also received recognition for its undergraduate programs, appearing in nursing (160 tie), computer science (177 tie), psychology (196 tie), and business (254 tie).
“We are very gratified that U.S. News and World Report named us the top national university in the state in their latest rankings,” said NMSU President Valerio Ferme. “This recognition speaks volumes about the amazing work our staff and faculty do to provide a hands-on, quality education to our students; and to the value that the students themselves, as well as our employers and elected officials, attribute to an NMSU education, which aligns with our land grant mission to transform the lives of all New Mexicans.”
“I congratulate all faculty, department heads and deans of those programs that moved up in rankings,” said Lakshmi Reddi, interim provost. “Although U.S. News & World Report ranking criteria are popular and well-known, they do not encompass all the parameters related to student and faculty success. As an R1-designated land-grant university, NMSU offers best value to our students while providing outstanding opportunities to our faculty to excel in research and service endeavors.”
In addition to undergraduate honors, NMSU’s online and graduate programs were also recognized. Online program rankings included bachelor’s in psychology (25 tie), bachelor’s programs for veterans (46 tie), master’s in criminal justice (52 tie), bachelor’s programs overall (84 tie), bachelor’s in business (68 tie), and online MBA programs (202 tie). Graduate-level recognition included nursing-anesthesia (80 tie), social work (95 tie), English (120 tie), earth sciences (124 tie), economics (126 tie), computer science (133 tie), fine arts programs (135 tie), engineering (145 tie) and public affairs (144 tie).
The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings have been published for over forty years as a resource for students and families evaluating higher education options. The 2026 edition assessed more than 1,700 institutions using 17 measures focused on academic quality and student outcomes.
The full list of rankings is available at https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/new-mexico-state-university-2657/overall-rankings.
