Western New Mexico University

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This school appears in our ranking Top 30 Online Master's in Liberal Studies Degree Programs.


Founded in February 1893, Western New Mexico University was created as a normal school for the education and training of teachers. Over the course of a century, the school evolved to span 83 acres surrounded by 3.3 million miles of National Forest land. Students at the university enjoy a natural and historical setting combined with modern amenities that make attending classes here more enjoyable. The school boasts an on-campus movie theater as well as a nearby golf course, which full-time students can use for free. Students of history will appreciate the school's collection of Mimbres pottery, the largest permanent collection in the world.

Despite its small size, Western New Mexico University hosts students from 18 countries. Total enrollment for online and in-person students tops 3,500, but classes remain small with an average of about 18 students per class. The university awards 500 degrees each year. It's also a designated Hispanic Serving Institute. Half of the school's undergraduate population is Hispanic.

Students who attend college here can choose from 70 fields of study at varying levels, including certificates, associate's degrees, bachelor's programs and graduate-level degrees. Along with traditional on-campus degrees, the school offers a variety of fully online degree programs. The school holds memberships with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, the American Association of University Women, and the American Library Association.

Western New Mexico University Accreditation Details

Western New Mexico University holds general university accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Several of the school's individual programs and colleges hold accreditation from varying accrediting agencies. The School of Business, for example, is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs for certain programs, including the online Master's of Business Administration. The Bachelor's of Social Work, also offered online, holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.

Western New Mexico University Application Requirements

The most convenient way to apply to Western New Mexico University is via the school's online application system. There's a $30 fee for undergraduate students. Applicants should submit a completed application, official high school transcripts or GED scores, official testing scores from the ACT or SAT, and a completed FAFSA to determine financial aid. Incoming freshmen may also need to take a placement test.

Graduate students follow a similar procedure, but test scores will be relevant to individual fields of pursuit, such as the GRE or GMAT. The graduate application fee is $40, and graduate applicants should check with individual programs for specific information about required application materials other than the standard transcript from previous schools. Graduate applicants need a GPA of at least 2.75 to be admitted on probational basis to Western New Mexico University. Final admission in good standing depends on a GPA of at least 3.0.

For students who plan to attend courses online, the university offers an introductory course in Canvas, the delivery format that the university uses for its internet-based courses. Online degree programs may be delivered entirely via this format, so students should become familiar with the technology required once they apply for an online program. The school also provides a list of equipment and browser specifications for online students. These are considered prerequisites for attending online courses at the school.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition and fees vary based on enrollment type and program. At the undergraduate level, in-state students pay about $253 per credit hour while non-resident students pay about $313 per hour. Graduate students pay more. In-state graduate students pay around $265 per hour while out-of-state graduate students pay about $331 per hour. For online students, the school charges a fee of $30 per course hour in addition to any standard tuition fees associated with the program.

Students who need help paying for college will find several options at this school. For starters, Western New Mexico University guarantees tuition rates for undergraduate students who maintain a 2.0 GPA and enroll in 30 credit hours per year, and for graduate students who maintain a 3.0 GPA and enroll in 18 credit hours per year. Along with a locked-in rate, students can explore scholarships, grants and loans, work-study opportunities, and out-of-state tuition awards. The school's Office of Admissions also offers several scholarships specifically for incoming freshmen, and students should look into individual programs for major-specific opportunities.

Online Degrees Available

At Western New Mexico University, online programs are centered on small class sizes taught by highly trained faculty. Students here can choose from a wide variety of online degree programs, including five graduate-level programs, 12 undergraduate bachelor's programs and five programs at the associate's level. Graduate programs primarily focus on education and business. For business students, the school offers an MBA program that ranks number four on Top Management Degrees' list of the 50 most affordable MBAs. Classes are offered on a rotating basis so that students can complete all core requirements within the same year.

At the bachelor's level, students can explore subjects ranging from criminal justice and rehabilitation services to elementary education and social work. The Bachelor's of Science in Rehabilitation Services prepares students to work in a broad range of careers, primarily with people with disabilities. Graduates of the program will be qualified to work in entry-level positions and to pursue graduate-level education. The social work program helps students to prepare for work in this industry. According to the school's website, 67 percent of social work graduates already had jobs or got jobs in their field of study within nine months of graduating.

For students without a set career path in mind, the school offers a two-year Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies. This degree program offers students the chance to explore different course offerings, the goal of which is to prepare for transitioning into a four-year degree program. The associate's degree requires at least 64 credits, and courses can be taken entirely online. It's an ideal degree path for students who aren't sure about a major.

Going to school in person isn't always convenient or possible for some students, which is what makes online degree programs particularly appealing. Students can further their careers, learn new skills and learn from top-notch professors at highly rated universities without putting their lives on hold. For those who need flexibility and affordability in an online degree program, Western New Mexico offers a bevy of options to new and returning students alike.

Western New Mexico University Website