First-Time Freshmen

You are eligible for regular admission to NMSU if you are a graduate of an accredited high school, and meet one of the following Freshman Admission Requirements listed below.

Freshman admission requirements

  • A cumulative high school GPA of 2.5, or
  • SAT score of 1060, or ACT composite score of 21
  • Ranked in the top 20 percent of their graduating class
  • A GED cumulative score of 480 or HiSET cumulative score of 45

Official SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission. However, it is beneficial for you to have them on file to maximize your scholarship opportunities and for Math and English placement when you enroll.

We encourage all students to apply for admission to NMSU. Applicants who meet at least one of the above criteria will be admitted to NMSU. An applicant who does not meet admission requirements will be given automatic admission to one of our system community colleges through Aggie Pathway.

SAT and ACT testing

  • NMSU’s SAT code is 4531 – see the SAT website for information and upcoming test dates.
  • NMSU’s ACT code is 2638 – see the ACT website for information and upcoming test dates.

Aggie Pathway

In the Aggie Pathway program, the NMSU system works together to assist students who do not meet the admission requirements to the university or choose to start at one of the system's community colleges.   

Aggie Pathway students begin at one of NMSU's community college campuses. They may transition to the university campus upon meeting the following requirements:  

  • Successful completion of 24 credits  
  • 2.0 cumulative college GPA

Students enrolling through NMSU Doña Ana Community College campus also have access to NMSU Las Cruces campus housing and dining.  

Visit the Aggie Pathway website for more information.

Home school students

Students enrolled in a home school program may be accepted to NMSU if they meet the requirements for regular admission. In addition, the home school educator must submit a transcript or document that lists the courses completed and grades earned by the student.  This transcript or document must also indicate the date the student completed or graduated from the home school program.

Home school students who are New Mexico residents must submit proof to the Undergraduate Admissions Office of registration with the New Mexico Public Education Department to qualify for the Lottery Success Scholarship and other institutional scholarships.