New Mexico State University-Main Campus vs St. John's College
St. John's College is selective with a 49.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than New Mexico State University-Main Campus (75.7%). Graduates of St. John's College earn $5,918 more per year at the 10-year mark ($44,985 vs $39,067). For families earning $48k–$75k, New Mexico State University-Main Campus is more affordable at $9,861 net price vs $18,836.
Admissions & Outcomes
St. John's College has a higher yield rate (34.5%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. St. John's College has a higher median SAT (1360 vs 990).
Las Cruces, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), New Mexico State University-Main Campus is more affordable at $6,648 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $14,049 vs $35,017.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. New Mexico State University-Main Campus enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (40%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
- 1 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$73,635
- 2 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering$71,575
- 3 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$62,384
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$61,814
- 5 Engineering Technology, General$59,253
St. John's College
- 1 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities$20,140
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Criminal Justice and Corrections
- 3 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 4 Mechanical Engineering
- 5 Psychology, General
St. John's College
- 1 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
- International students6%
- Tuition (international)$22,507
- Est. total cost/year$33,995
- School typePublic
St. John's College
- International students12%
- Tuition (international)$35,000
- Est. total cost/year$49,580
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into New Mexico State University-Main Campus or St. John's College?
St. John's College is more selective with a 49.5% acceptance rate, compared to 75.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: New Mexico State University-Main Campus or St. John's College?
St. John's College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $44,985 compared to $39,067. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: New Mexico State University-Main Campus or St. John's College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), New Mexico State University-Main Campus has a lower net price at $9,861 per year vs $18,836. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at New Mexico State University-Main Campus vs St. John's College?
St. John's College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 60.0%, compared to 53.8%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: New Mexico State University-Main Campus or St. John's College?
St. John's College has a larger international student population at 12% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at New Mexico State University-Main Campus and St. John's College?
At New Mexico State University-Main Campus, Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduates earn a median of $73,635 within two years. At St. John's College, the top-earning major is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $20,140. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.