NMSU vs. EWU

Comparable Facts

Compare New Mexico State University Main Campus in Las Cruces, NM with Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

New Mexico State University Main Campus is larger than EWU based on total student enrollment (15,408 students vs. 10,492 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• New Mexico State University Main Campus is located in Las Cruces, NM (Midsize Suburban setting); Eastern Washington University is in Cheney, WA (Town Fringe setting).
• New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: New Mexico State University Main Campus 16:1; Eastern Washington University 18:1.

NMSU vs. EWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NMSU or EWU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at New Mexico State University Main Campus than EWU ($10,719 vs. $14,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at New Mexico State University Main Campus are 21.1% lower than at Eastern Washington University ($12,282 vs. $15,574).
• Eastern Washington University is 4.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than NMSU (about $403 more per year; $8,586.00 vs. $8,183.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.6% higher at EWU than at New Mexico State University Main Campus (about $652 more per year; $25,959.00 vs. $25,307.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at New Mexico State University Main Campus than at Eastern Washington University (96% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by New Mexico State University Main Campus students is 44.2% larger than aid received by Eastern Washington University students ($14,420 vs. $10,001).

NMSU vs. EWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NMSU or EWU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between EWU and NMSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at New Mexico State University Main Campus (990) is the same as at EWU (990).
• Incoming NMSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at EWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: New Mexico State University Main Campus 870/1110; Eastern Washington University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: New Mexico State University Main Campus 17/24; Eastern Washington University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NMSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); EWU - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind).
• Typical fall application deadline: EWU Sep 10, 2026.
• Accepted freshman NMSU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.55) than students at EWU (3.29).
• EWU has a higher acceptance rate (90.7%) than NMSU (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at NMSU vs. 22.7% at EWU.

NMSU vs. EWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NMSU and EWU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The graduation rate at NMSU is the same as at Eastern Washington University (46% vs. 46%).
• Graduates from Eastern Washington University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than NMSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, New Mexico State University Main Campus graduates have a $3,700 lower median loan debt than EWU graduates ($17,118 vs. $20,818).
• Among borrowers, NMSU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EWU graduates ($176 vs. $215).
• More EWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NMSU students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 44%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.