Western New Mexico University (WNMU) Academics and Admissions

Academics

Located in Silver City, New Mexico, Western New Mexico University was founded in 1893. Known then as the New Mexico Normal School, the school first offered class in a Presbyterian church eventually moving to its 20 acre campus on donated land. Today, the over 2,000 undergraduate students at WNMU choose between more than 70 majors, and its association with the Gallup Graduate Studies Center known for its School of Education, Occupational Therapy, Business Management, Nursing and Social Work programs. With an open admissions policy and over 100 online courses offered, academic resources like the J. Cloyd Miller Library, the campus museum, and satellite campuses like the Gardner Learning Center, area residents benefit greatly from the presence of WNMU.

Academic departments at WNMU include applied technology, the school of business administration & economics, criminal justice and chemical dependency, the school of education, expressive arts, humanities, mathematics & computer science, natural sciences, the nursing department, occupational therapy & rehabilitation services, social sciences, social work, the school of health sciences & human performance, and kinesiology. Students may earn associate and baccalaureate, as well as certificates and diplomas while at WNMU. They may also participate in programs like WILL (Western Institute for Lifelong Learning) designed specifically for students 50 years of age and older. Additionally, WNMU Adult Educational Services provides instruction in programs like ESL, GED, Math, Reading, and Computerized ABE. The virtual campus offers flexible, affordable class schedules and degree programs that can be accessed from any internet connection. Online programs include career and technical teacher education, the RN to bachelor of science in nursing, the bachelor of applied science in criminal justice, the bachelor of arts in rehabilitation services, the master of arts in interdisciplinary studies and more. Another program, Western Online Writing provides students with a virtual writing lab.

The community of Western New Mexico benefits from services offered at WNMU like the Small Business Development Center. Serving the southwest four county area of Catron, Grant, Hidalgo and Luna, the SBDC exists to improve business and management skills, create business problem solution alternatives, develop new services and products, and investigate new business opportunities. Community members may receive free counseling, resources, international trade education, and contract training, and may participate in workshops. The Extended University of WNMU has many facets as well, including degree and certificate programs focused on workforce development, distance education, flexible programming, and more. Facilities include the Mimbres Valley Learning Center in Deming, the Gardner Learning Center in Truth or Consequences, and the WNMU Gallup Graduate Studies Center. The Gila Instructional Consortium and Virtual Campus are also considered part of the Extended University.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 14th in New Mexico and 2016th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	63.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$22,454
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	14 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	64% / 18%
Enrollment Total (all students)	3,248

Admissions

The campus Office of Admissions is the place to begin the process of enrolling at WNMU. With an open door admissions policy, nearly all applicants are accepted after the noncompetitive process. Services provided by the Office of Admissions include in-state tuition waivers, Early Freshman admissions, competitive scholarships assistance, international student processing, residency appeals, academic probation appeals and transcript credit evaluations.

Graduate student admissions to the master of arts, master of arts in teaching, master of business administration, master of occupational therapy, and master of social work programs is handled separately from regular undergraduate admissions, and separate standards and requirements may apply. Special admissions requirements will also apply to both undergraduate and graduate level international applicants.

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Financial Aid

Students wishing to apply for financial aid should begin by contacting the WNMU Financial Aid program. Based upon academic performance, athletic ability, artistic ability and/or need students may qualify for grants, loans, work-study and scholarship programs. Students should begin by filling out the FAFSA and inquiring with the Financial Aid program for more information about private scholarships. Students may qualify for the Federal Family Educational Loan Program, the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan, the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, the Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students, the Nursing Student Loan-for-Service, and the Federal Perkins Loan Program, however, WNMU does not participate in the Paul Douglas Loan program or the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. Applicants may also qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and/or the New Mexico State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG).

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3836th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in New Mexico.

Students

At WNMU students may choose to stay on campus and take advantage of WNMU residence halls and food services. Designed to enhance student independence while providing room for social and academic growth as well, students enter into a contractual lease agreement for one full academic year when entering student housing. Basic services include a unit, which may come furnished including beds, desks, chairs, closets, and a dresser. Services like local telephone service and basic cable are provided. Family student housing is available by way of apartments for students who are married or for family groups. Only full-time students are eligible for family housing. Single-student housing is available at Centennial Hall, Eckles Hall and Ritch Hall on campus. For security purposes the campus at WNMU is patrolled by a full-service campus police agency.

Dining Services at WNMU offers both student residents and commuter students meal plans and programs. Special events are held regularly in the dining halls to encourage socializing. Regular meals are held in dining venues like the Mustang Café, and the Mustang Deli.

While on campus student can get involved with the Students’ Government. The SG organization develops campus policies and programs, discusses important issues, and oversees organizations like the Associated Students, the Executive Council, the Student Supreme Court, and the Student Senate. Committees within the student government include athletics, cultural events, curriculum and instruction, evaluation, instructional resource, teacher education, graduate council and more.

Additionally, many campus services are available to students through Student Services, like health and counseling services, the campus ministry, computer labs and information technology services, and special needs services. The academic support center also provides assistance in the form of advising, testing, tutoring, career exploration and early alert services to WNMU students.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The Western New Mexico University Mustangs field intercollegiate athletics teams in women’s basketball, cross country, golf, softball, tennis and volleyball; and men’s basketball, cross country, football, golf and tennis. WNMU teams participate as part of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Western New Mexico University