This is Why the University of New Mexico is the Talk of the Town

Flagship universities tend to receive more state funding than any other public institution.

It allows for the acquisition of state-of-the-art research facilities and other resources. Similarly, they attract eminent faculty members and renowned academics and researchers.

There are two flagship universities in New Mexico.

One of them is the University of New Mexico. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, it’s the biggest of the two enrollment-wise, boasting approximately 200,000 graduates globally.

UNM is a great school for Hispanics as they share the same roots with around 51% of the campus population — nearly 70% of attendees are from minority and underrepresented groups.

So, if you want diversity, it will be a wonderful addition to your college list.

Some of its top-notch undergraduate programs are engineering and business. Coupled with it being an R1: Doctoral University, you can focus on pursuing knowledge and inspiring innovations related to your intended industry.

How It Fares Against National and Local Public Institutions

UNM is indeed one of the foremost institutions of higher education in New Mexico.

According to Niche, it’s #4 in Top Public Universities in New Mexico — New Mexico Tech and Eastern New Mexico University take the #1 and #2 spots, respectively.

Nationally, though, Niche ranks it #211 in Top Public Universities in America.

Ranking of it by US News: looks better: #129 in Top Public Schools.

The popular college ranking site highly ranks some of the undergraduate programs at UNM, such as:

• Business
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Engineering
• Nursing
• Psychology

UNM is also in a couple of listings by The Princeton Review:

• The Best 389 Colleges
• Best Southwest

What It’s Like to Study at a Hispanic-Serving School

UNM consists of 12 colleges and schools.

The University of New Mexico School of Law is one of them, the only law school in the state — it’s the one to attend if you want to become a lawyer as an in-state student.

The general acceptance rate of UNM is 96%, and it has a rolling admissions policy.

Students who successfully get into it have an average high school GPA of 3.4.

Around 14% of them have a perfect 4.0 GPA.

UNM’s admissions officers do not consider various criteria during the review process. They prefer to stick to traditional college readiness measures such as GPA and test scores if submitted — UNM is test-optional.

You Need to Have a Major AND a Minor

As a UNM undergraduate, you can choose from 115 majors.

Some of the most popular majors around are:

• Business
• Marketing
• Management
• Engineering
• Biomedical Sciences
• Psychology
• Computer Science
• Political Science and Government
• Elementary Education
• Spanish Language and Literature

It’s worth noting that business and engineering are undergraduate programs that tend to attract the most degree-seeking students — they’re some of the best UNM has to offer.

Here’s something you need to know about being an undergraduate student at UNM: Besides declaring a major, you should also commit to a minor that complements the concentration of your liking.

So, choosing the right minor is a great way to graduate and boost your job market value!

UNM offers a wide range of programs, with some significantly stronger than others. STEM programs are very research-based. Ample opportunity/requirement to explore courses in different degree programs.

Niche.com

Research Opportunities for Undergraduates Galore

As an R1: Doctoral University, there are plenty of research opportunities.

Undergraduate students can grab some of them, too!

UNM says that research is integral to the education of its students — it allows them to develop skills and obtain insight necessary for their academic journey and career prospects.

Students can research in numerous settings: laboratories, studios, informal research groups, and projects with faculty and staff members on a one-on-one basis.

Refrain from assuming that research is limited to graduate students.

As proof, here are some on-campus research programs available for undergraduates:

• El Puente Research Fellow Program
• Faculty-Mentored Research Award (FMRA)
• First-Year Research Experience (FYRE)
• Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD)
• Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF)
• Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Physics and Astronomy
• Undergraduate Pipeline Network Summer Research Experience
• Undergraduate Research, Arts & Design Network (URAD)
• UNM Alliance for Minority Participation

Life in a Highly Diverse Public Research University

UNM’s campus, which has an urban setting, is 769 acres.

It’s in Albuquerque, a progressive city and the most populous one in New Mexico. Making its great community even more inviting to many is that there are plenty of places to explore, and the cost of living is affordable.

The beautiful campus is home to a diverse student body of more than 21,980 students — around 72% are undergraduate students, and only 15% are first-time, first-year students.

The Student Union Building is where most things happen on campus.

Besides student government and organization offices, it also has things students need in order to unwind and be happy, such as a theater, food court, and various recreational facilities.

First Years Must Live in One of the Eight Dorms

Here’s news for those who want to stay with their family members or rent their apartment for the first time: all first-year students at UNM must reside on campus for academic excellence and personal and professional development.

However, there are exceptions to the rule:

• Older than 20 years of age
• Married
• With a legally dependent child
• Living with parents or guardians within a 30-mile radius of campus
• With a medical circumstance

There are eight residence halls, including a couple of apartment complexes.

UNM takes pride in the implementation of a multi-layer security system, including a 24/7 safety staff and a campus police department, to keep students residing on campus safe and sound.

As a result, up to 60% of students say they feel extremely safe on campus.

This university is a great option for those wanting to attempt a bachelor’s program. The staff are kind and always willing to lend a hand. The professors are very well-spoken and want to see their students succeed. The campus is very modern and welcoming. Overall, the University of New Mexico is the place to be.

Niche.com

Greek Life and Parties: Important Part of Campus

Great news if you’re into brotherhood or sisterhood: there are 20+ fraternities and sororities at UNM.

In addition, the campus actively recruits members — the Fraternity & Sorority Life recommends that all prospective Greek-letter association members complete the FSL 101 Orientation beforehand.

Greek life at UNM dates back to more than 120 years ago.

However, based on its most recent Common Data Set (CDS) available, only about 6% of undergraduate students are members of on-campus fraternities and sororities.

While the Greek system has a strong focus on academic performance, leadership development, and making a difference in the community, it also devotes time and energy to partying.

There are decent frat and sorority parties in their respective houses on weekends.

Speaking of which, UNM is an ideal campus for students who like to party.

Niche ranks UNM #3 in Top Party Schools in New Mexico (out of eight surveyed party schools in the state) — New Mexico State University and Eastern New Mexico University hold the top two spots, respectively.

The biggest revelries happen during football games, often in the form of tailgate parties and red rallies.

The Lobos are the Boss When It Comes to Sports

There are 16 varsity teams at UNM. They are known as the New Mexico Lobos or the Lobos.

They compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. The football team, however, competes in the Mountain West Conference (MW or MWC) only.

The Lobos have 93 national championships under their belt, believe it or not!

It’s in the following sports where they shine the brightest:

• Basketball
• Cross country
• Football
• Skiing
• Soccer

Serving the interest of UNM students in various sports and recreational activities is the Club Sports Program, which consists of groups that hold intercollegiate competitions or intra-club events and activities.

Athlete or not, you can join in any of the available sports clubs, including:

• Burque Volleyball Club
• Club Soccer
• Club Softball
• Men’s Lacrosse Club
• New Mexico Rugby
• Running Club
• UNM Club Hockey
• Women’s Ultimate Frisbee