Best Nursing Programs in New Mexico (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 170 accredited nursing programs across 41 schools in New Mexico. The fastest listed completion time is 11 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $108,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 85.0% first-time pass rate. RNs in New Mexico earn $79,340/year on average (BLS).
170
Programs
41
Schools
11 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
85.0%
Avg NCLEX (8)
95
Online / Hybrid
$79K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
New Mexico nursing programs at a glance
- 170 accredited nursing programs across 41 schools in New Mexico (1 LPN, 6 ADN, 8 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 11 months (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Lincoln College of Technology).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 91.79% (Western Governors University).
- 95 online or hybrid programs serve New Mexico students (5 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in New Mexico: $79,340 (BLS) · 6.8% projected job growth through 2032.
New Mexico nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 170 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 41 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 1 LPN · 6 ADN · 8 BSN · 62 MSN · 23 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | LPN (Practical Nursing) at Lincoln College of Technology — 11 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $108,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 85.0% average across 8 programs with published data · high: 91.79% (Western Governors University) |
| Delivery formats | 90 online · 5 hybrid · 5 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $79,340/yr (BLS) · 6.8% projected growth through 2032 |
ADN Programs in New Mexico
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Showing 100 of 170 programs from our directory for New Mexico.
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How to choose a nursing program in New Mexico
New Mexico is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (170 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in New Mexico ($79,340/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in New Mexico is projected to grow 6.8% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in New Mexico means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our New Mexico directory, the fastest listed completion time is 11 months. We track 170 accredited nursing programs in New Mexico — including 14 entry-level RN, 1 LPN/LVN pathways. New Mexico is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once New Mexico is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma.
Key takeaways
- Screen New Mexico programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in New Mexico.
- New Mexico is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- New Mexico offers both LPN (1) and entry-level RN (14) pathways — match the credential to your timeline and whether you need full RN scope immediately.
- Listed tuition in New Mexico spans $13,500 to $108,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 95 online or hybrid programs serve New Mexico students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- CE at renewal
- 30 hours per 2 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $79,340 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in New Mexico
Programs by Degree Type
62
MSN Programs
23
DNP Programs
8
BSN Programs
6
ADN Programs
1
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in New Mexico
41 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln College of Technology | 2 | ADNLPN | 70.9% | View |
| Brookline College | 2 | ADN | 78.6% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Central New Mexico Community College | 1 | ADN | 89.0% | View |
| San Juan College | 1 | ADN | 91.0% | View |
| University of New Mexico – College of Nursing | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | 89.0% | View |
| Western Governors University | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Pennsylvania | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Liberty University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| University of Phoenix | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Arizona State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in New Mexico?
There are 170 accredited nursing programs available in New Mexico across 41 schools — including 1 LPN, 6 ADN, 8 BSN, 62 MSN, and 23 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in New Mexico?
Nursing program tuition in New Mexico starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $108,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in New Mexico?
The fastest nursing programs listed in New Mexico can be completed in 11 months (LPN (Practical Nursing) at Lincoln College of Technology). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in New Mexico?
Registered nurses in New Mexico earn an average of $79,340 per year ($38/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in New Mexico is projected to grow 6.8% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in New Mexico?
Yes. There are 95 online and hybrid nursing programs (90 fully online, 5 hybrid) available to New Mexico residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within New Mexico.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in New Mexico?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Western Governors University leads at 91.79% first-time pass rate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)). Average across 8 programs with data: 85.0%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in New Mexico?
To practice nursing in New Mexico, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the New Mexico Board of Nursing. New Mexico is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years with 30 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in New Mexico?
Yes. Like most states, New Mexico is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 6.8% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in New Mexico?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in New Mexico vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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