Ahead of you spreads a public research university whose Spanish name, Universidad de Nuevo México, still appears on its official seal. Founded in 1889 by the New Mexico Territorial Legislature, UNM is the state's second oldest university, a flagship institution and, with 22,630 students in 2023, the largest by enrollment. Imagine the scale: twelve colleges and schools converge here, including a medical school and the only law school in New Mexico.
Across this 800-acre (320 ha) main campus in central Albuquerque you’ll find programs that add up to 215 degree and certificate options — 94 baccalaureate, 71 master’s and 37 doctoral degrees. UNM is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity," and according to the National Science Foundation it spent over $243 million on research and development in 2021, ranking 103rd in the U.S. It is also designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with nearly half of its students Hispanic. On game days the 16 varsity programs — the Lobos — compete at the NCAA Division I level (FBS for football).
Beyond this central campus, picture its branches reaching outward to Gallup, Los Alamos, Rio Rancho, Taos and Los Lunas.