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9th Annual New Mexico RN Program Rankings by RNCareers.org

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both New Mexico and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 17 ADN degree programs and 6 BSN degree programs in New Mexico. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in New Mexico to provide our state rankings. View our methodology. 

RN Programs in New Mexico

Best ADN Programs in New Mexico

#1 Associate Degree in Nursing

San Juan College BSN & UNM BSN Aggregated

96.31% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 4601 College Blvd, Farmington, NM - 87402-4699
  • (505) 326-3311
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.31%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 151
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,618
  • Book and Supplies: $1,680
  • Percent Received Aid: 92%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,495
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 23%

SJC BSN & UNM BSN Aggregated School of Health Sciences Nursing School is a public institution in Farmington, New Mexico. The nursing program at SJC BSN & UNM BSN Aggregated is ranked in the top five in the state and in the top 30 in the entire country. Its three-year average NCLEX-RN passing rate is 96% which is a major reason for its high ranking.

Nursing students are prepared to jump-start their careers in healthcare by receiving instruction from expert faculty in multiple settings such as classrooms, simulation labs, as well as local clinical settings.  Under the guidance of these faculty and other healthcare professionals, students also learn to work directly with patients in nursing homes, hospitals, home care agencies, and skilled facilities.

San Juan College takes pride in being a challenging yet affordable place to earn an associate degree or certificate. As part of that commitment, they work to provide financial assistance to anyone in need. 91 percent of San Juan College's first-year students receive financial assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, student employment, federal student loans, and private student loans.

Undergraduate Programs: The nursing program at San Juan College provides three convenient routes to a rewarding and in-demand career. Their 8-week, 2-year, and 4-year programs will help students begin their nursing careers, depending on their goals.

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program takes two years to complete over five semesters. The curriculum consists of classroom instruction as well as practical simulation laboratories and healthcare facilities.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is delivered in 8 semesters in the traditional semester format. Students will receive both an associate degree and a bachelor's degree in nursing as a result of a collaboration with the University of New Mexico. San Juan College also offers a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program that can be completed in as little as eight weeks.

Students who complete the ADN or BSN nursing programs are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses.

#2 Associate Degree in Nursing

Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus

96.20% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 52 University Blvd, Roswell, NM - 88202-6000
  • (575) 624-7000
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.20%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 45
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,256
  • Book and Supplies: $5,616
  • Percent Received Aid: 78%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,592
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 35%

Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus nursing school is a public institution in Roswell, New Mexico. The University proudly states its high NCLEX-RN pass rates and high ranking among similar institutions in New Mexico as well as the country.

At ENMU, nursing students are taught to focus on improving health outcomes and patient conditions through education, practice, and service. The practical hours in clinical simulation labs allow students to practice their skills to perfection before moving on to real-life patients. Similarly, the clinical practice in multiple healthcare facilities across the area allows students to engage in professional nursing practice that is client-centered, compassionate, culturally appropriate, and ethical for individuals, families, and diverse communities.

Students attending ENMU-Roswell can apply for a variety of scholarships. Scholarships are given out for a variety of reasons, such as academic achievement, financial need, campus/community involvement, leadership positions, and work experience. Several outside organizations also provide scholarships to area students to help with educational expenses.

Undergraduate Programs: ENMU-Nursing Roswell's Associate of Science in Nursing Program typically takes three years to complete. This includes a year of prerequisite classes as well as two years of nursing. Entry-level nursing positions are well compensated and in high demand.

After graduating, candidates take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and begin a career as entry-level nurse generalists.

#3 Associate Degree in Nursing

New Mexico State University-Carlsbad

96.10% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 1500 University Drive, Carlsbad, NM - 88220
  • (575) 234-9200
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.10%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 33
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,176
  • Book and Supplies: $4,008
  • Percent Received Aid: 84%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,291
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 14%

New Mexico State University Carlsbad's school is a public institution in Carlsbad, New Mexico. With its three-year average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 97% percent, New Mexico State University-Carlsbad is one of the best nursing colleges in the state and a prime destination for out-of-state students as well.

NMSU Carlsbad provides a wide range of high-quality educational opportunities. Nursing provides mobility, flexibility, and a wide range of opportunities across the United States. NMS U's nursing curriculum uses a career mobility format to prepare students for entry-level nursing positions in a variety of health care settings. Nursing education at this university is highly affordable and is provided by highly trained healthcare professionals. Graduates of this university are known to have a solid foundation for entry into practice at the appropriate level. The university also boasts high employment rates of its previous graduates as well as high program completion rates in the past few years. Acute care hospitals, physician's offices, clinics, long-term care settings, health departments, home health care agencies, and hospice care units are some examples of nursing opportunities for the graduates of NMSU.

Undergraduate Programs: New Mexico State University Carlsbad's nursing program provides two degree options.

The first is a one-year Practical Nursing certificate that allows students to the National Council Licensure Exam, which leads to licensure as a Practical Nurse. Similarly, students can also go for an Associate Degree in Nursing, which prepares them for their NCLEX-RN examination. 

Additionally, New Mexico State University also offers a fully RN to BSN program that is coordinated through the Las Cruces campus.

#4 Associate Degree in Nursing

New Mexico State University - Doña Ana Community College

92.53% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 2800 N. Sonoma Ranch Blvd., Las Cruces, NM - 88011
  • (575) 528-7000
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.53%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to BSN

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 125
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,776
  • Book and Supplies: $5,664
  • Percent Received Aid: 89%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,405
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 14%

New Mexico State University- Doña Ana CC's nursing school is a public institution in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The college is a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the transfer and workforce needs of Doña Ana County.

Intentional and creative use of technology, a focus on "real-world" practical experience, diverse perspectives and viewpoints, and informed risk-taking practices of the college allow nursing students to find their path and excel in patient care. Doña Ana CC’s nursing graduates are trained to be professionally and academically skilled and valued by transfer institutions and leading employers.

Grants, Loans, Work-Study, and Scholarships are the four major types of financial aid provided by the college. DACC also provides FAFSA Workshop Sessions to assist students with completing their FAFSA applications. These events are available to both new and returning students.

Undergraduate Programs: Registered Nursing is one of the degree types available at New Mexico State University- Doña Ana CC, and the school offers its services to students on campus. Nursing students can pursue Associate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, RN to BSN level degrees.

Graduate Programs: Graduate programs offered by DACC include BSN to DNP, Doctor of Nursing, Master, MSN to DNP level degrees. All of these programs intend to produce a specialized workforce in nursing that can become a part of the rapidly advancing health delivery system of the present and the future.

#5 Associate Degree in Nursing

University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus

90.45% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 280 La Entrada, Los Lunas, NM - 87031-7633
  • (505) 925-8500
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.45%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 38
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,878
  • Book and Supplies: $1,194
  • Percent Received Aid: 89%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,490
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 15%

#6 Associate Degree in Nursing

University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus

86.09% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 705 Gurley Ave., Gallup, NM - 87301
  • (505) 863-7500
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.09%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 64
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,932
  • Book and Supplies: $1,194
  • Percent Received Aid: 94%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,412
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 21%

Best BSN Programs in New Mexico

#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

University of New Mexico College of Nursing

College of Nursing- Health Sciences Center

82.95% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 1700 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM - 87106
  • (505) 277-0111
Nurse Admin: Christine Kasper, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACSM
Title: Dean And Professor
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 82.95%
  • Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 2046
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,905
  • Book and Supplies: $1,194
  • Percent Received Aid: 96%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,327
  • Percent Admitted: 96%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 28%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%

#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

San Juan College BSN & UNM BSN Aggregated

76.39% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 4601 College Blvd, Farmington, NM - 87402-4699
  • (505) 326-3311
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 76.39%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 151
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,618
  • Book and Supplies: $1,680
  • Percent Received Aid: 92%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,495
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 23%

#3 Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Western NM University/BSN

School of Nursing

73.89% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 1000 W. College Ave, Silver City, NM - 88061
  • (505) 538-6336
Nurse Admin: Kimberly Petrovic, PhD, MSN, MA, RN
Title: Associate Dean
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 73.89%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, RN to BSN

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 100
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,558
  • Book and Supplies: $1,600
  • Percent Received Aid: 97%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,780
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 28%

About RN Programs in New Mexico

  • There are 26 nursing schools in New Mexico. The CCNE accredits 9 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 16 schools in New Mexico.
  • Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
  • The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in New Mexico is between 56.92% and 100.00%.
  • The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in New Mexico is between 72.90% and 98.35%.
  • The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
  • Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in New Mexico can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.

Nurses make a positive impact on the residents in New Mexico every day. Nursing schools in New Mexico provide students with the education they need to be an even bigger impact. The New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium is aimed to increase the number of nurses with Bachelor’s degrees in order to improve efficiency, quality and health outcomes through higher education. Schools in New Mexico are designed to meet the needs of busy registered nurses by providing flexible class scheduling and providing advisers to discuss professional goals. There are also online options available to increase flexibility.

There is an expected 40% vacancy rate for registered nurses in the state of New Mexico by the year 2025. It is also reported that only 37% of the registered nurses in New Mexico have obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Upon the completion of a BSN, nurses will find a wide array of job openings that would not have been available before. New Mexico RNs earn a mean average income of $69,110 annually.

RN Programs Offered by New Mexico Schools

  • Registered Nursing: 26
  • Family Nurse Practitioner: 2
  • Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1

New Mexico Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

New Mexico RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Compare RN Programs ADN BSN
Number of Nursing Programs 17 11
Average NCLEX Passing Rate 83.80% 85.56%
NCLEX Passing Rate Range 56.92% to 100.00% 72.90% to 98.35%

Become a Nurse Practitioner in New Mexico

Research the best New Mexico NP programs, and find comprehensive guides to the following NP careers:

Become an APRN in New Mexico

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

RN Licensing Requirements in New Mexico

Comprehensive guide to New Mexico Nursing License Requirements Renewals RN and APRN.

New Mexico State Board of Nursing
6301 Indian School Road NE
Suite 710
Albuquerque, NM 87110
(505) 841-8340

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