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 2.75, or
  • ACT composite score of 21 or SAT score of 1060, or
  • Ranked in the top 20 percent of their graduating class

Official ACT or SAT 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 all the requirements listed above will be offered admission to NMSU. An applicant who does not meet all the requirements may also be offered admission if a review of their additional information indicates that the student will be successful at NMSU.

ACT and SAT testing

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

Aggie Pathway

In the Aggie Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program, our system of five campuses works together to navigate you toward a bachelor’s degree – even if you initially don’t meet admission’s requirements to the university. Aggie Pathway students may transition to the Las Cruces campus after successful completion of:

  • 24 credits, in addition to any required developmental courses
  • 2.0 cumulative college GPA

Students participating in the Aggie Pathway program can attend academic, cultural and athletic events on the NMSU Las Cruces campus. Students enrolling through NMSU Doña Ana have access to on-campus housing and dining. For more information, see the Aggie Pathway to the Baccalaureate Program website.

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.

Other Admissions Processes

Military and Veteran Students applying as undergraduates should start here, but additional assistance is available through NMSU's Military and Veterans Programs.

Graduate Students should start with the Graduate School.

International Students should should start with International Student and Scholar Services.