Head-to-head · 2026
New Mexico Highlands University vs New Mexico State University-Dona Ana
Compare average net price ($14,838 at New Mexico Highlands University; $6,048 at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana), ROI score (7.74 vs 16.15), ten-year median earnings ($45,937 vs $39,067), and admissions context (Open / not reported at New Mexico Highlands University; Open / not reported at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana) using federal College Scorecard data. New Mexico Highlands University has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. New Mexico State University-Dona Ana leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | New Mexico Highlands University | New Mexico State University-Dona Ana |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.74 | 16.15 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,838 | $6,048 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $45,937 ✓ | $39,067 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 26.2% ✓ | 19.4% |
| Median debt | $11,399 ✓ | $17,095 |
| Enrollment | 1,451 | 5,177 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
New Mexico Highlands University costs $8,790 more per year than New Mexico State University-Dona Ana ($14,838 vs $6,048). New Mexico Highlands University graduates report $6,870 higher median earnings after ten years ($45,937 vs $39,067). On EduGradify's model that puts New Mexico State University-Dona Ana ahead on projected ROI (16.15 vs 7.74, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (New Mexico State University-Dona Ana) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
New Mexico Highlands University vs New Mexico State University-Dona Ana, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is New Mexico Highlands University or New Mexico State University-Dona Ana the better value?
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana has the higher EduGradify ROI score (16.15 vs 7.74), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana is cheaper — average net price $6,048 per year vs $14,838 at New Mexico Highlands University. The annual difference of $8,790 adds up to about $35,160 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
New Mexico Highlands University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $45,937 vs $39,067 at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana. The annual gap in the federal data is $6,870.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. New Mexico Highlands University reports a B value grade; New Mexico State University-Dona Ana reports A.