Head-to-head · 2026
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana vs Western New Mexico University
Compare average net price ($6,048 at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana; $8,522 at Western New Mexico University), ROI score (16.15 vs 11.47), ten-year median earnings ($39,067 vs $39,095), and admissions context (Open / not reported at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana; Open / not reported at Western New Mexico University) using federal College Scorecard data. New Mexico State University-Dona Ana 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 State University-Dona Ana | Western New Mexico University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 16.15 ✓ | 11.47 |
| Avg net price | $6,048 ✓ | $8,522 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $39,067 | $39,095 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 19.4% | 32.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $17,095 ✓ | $23,000 |
| Enrollment | 5,177 | 2,026 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Western New Mexico University costs $2,474 more per year than New Mexico State University-Dona Ana ($8,522 vs $6,048). Western New Mexico University graduates report $28 higher median earnings after ten years ($39,095 vs $39,067). On EduGradify's model that puts New Mexico State University-Dona Ana ahead on projected ROI (16.15 vs 11.47, 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 State University-Dona Ana vs Western New Mexico University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is New Mexico State University-Dona Ana or Western New Mexico University the better value?
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana has the higher EduGradify ROI score (16.15 vs 11.47), 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 $8,522 at Western New Mexico University. The annual difference of $2,474 adds up to about $9,896 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Western New Mexico University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $39,095 vs $39,067 at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana. The annual gap in the federal data is $28.
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 State University-Dona Ana reports a A value grade; Western New Mexico University reports A.