Head-to-head · 2026
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus vs New Mexico Highlands University
Compare average net price ($4,904 at Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus; $14,838 at New Mexico Highlands University), ROI score (19.65 vs 7.74), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($38,550 vs $45,937), and admissions context (91.7% at Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus; Open / not reported at New Mexico Highlands University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | New Mexico Highlands University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 19.65 ✓ | 7.74 |
| Avg net price | $4,904 ✓ | $14,838 |
| 4-year avg net price | $19,616 ✓ | $59,352 |
| In-state tuition | $7,194 | $7,416 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $9,174 | $12,336 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $38,550 | $45,937 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 91.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 45.1% ✓ | 26.2% |
| Retention rate | 62% ✓ | 49.8% |
| Median debt | $16,500 | $11,399 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,357 | 1,451 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 964 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | New Mexico Highlands University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $3,663 ✓ | $13,511 |
| Family income $30–48k | $3,080 ✓ | $13,947 |
| Family income $48–75k | $5,960 ✓ | $15,175 |
| Family income $75–110k | $8,388 ✓ | $16,508 |
| Family income $110k+ | $9,996 ✓ | $16,530 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | New Mexico Highlands University |
|---|---|---|
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | 3.9% | 24.8% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 24.5% | 2.1% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 8.5% | 15% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 6.3% | 15.1% |
| Psychology, General | 3.4% | 5.3% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 3.8% | 3.9% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 2.5% | 4.4% |
| Special Education and Teaching | 2.6% | 4.2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus reports the lower average net price by $9,934 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $39,736 difference over four years ($19,616 vs $59,352).
New Mexico Highlands University reports $7,387 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($45,937 vs $38,550). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 62% at Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus and 49.8% at New Mexico Highlands University. Median federal debt among completers is $16,500 vs $11,399, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
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Frequently asked
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus vs New Mexico Highlands University, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus is cheaper — average net price $4,904 per year vs $14,838 at New Mexico Highlands University. The annual difference of $9,934 adds up to about $39,736 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
New Mexico Highlands University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $45,937 vs $38,550 at Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus. The gap in the federal data is $7,387. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.