Best MSN Programs in New Mexico – 2025


Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

In the Land of Enchantment, what’s the fastest way to transition into a specialized area of nursing? A Master’s of Science in Nursing program! MSN programs in New Mexico can help you become an executive nurse leader, a nurse educator, a family nurse practitioner, or a rural healthcare specialist. An MSN in New Mexico can increase your earning potential to an average salary of $133,290 a year. Employment opportunities for MSN-educated RNs are rising all the time: In ten years’ time, there will be 65 percent more of them than there are today. Find out more about how a nursing master’s degree can benefit you by reading this list of the best MSN programs in New Mexico.



WHAT ARE THE BEST MSN PROGRAMS IN NEW MEXICO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Best Master of Science in Nursing Programs in New Mexico (Online & Campus) for 2025.


1. New Mexico State University - Las Cruces


Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Leadership & Administration

MSN Program Details: New Mexico State University offers an excellent Master of Science in Nursing program. The program, which is designed for bachelor’s-prepared registered nurses, is available with the option to specialize in Nursing Leadership & Administration. This MSN program in New Mexico features a distance education format that utilizes a variety of educational methodologies for content delivery. Most courses blend asynchronous and synchronous learning. The distance-learning format makes this program a great option for nurses who want to advance their careers but must continue working. Additionally, you have the flexibility of choosing a full-time two-year plan of study or a part-time three-year plan.

Classes are admitted in the fall of each academic year. The MSN Nursing Leadership & Administration program features a 32-credit curriculum. You will study Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Leaders, Quality Improvement for Healthcare Leaders, Innovations & Healthcare Organizations, and Management of Fiscal & Human Resources.

The MSN program includes 320 practicum hours. At NMSU, you are responsible for identifying potential preceptors and submitting documentation to the MSN Specialty Track Director for approval. Clinical faculty will work with you to arrange clinicals close to your home region, when possible.


MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates interested in attending the MSN program at New Mexico State University must have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (or graduate GPA greater than 3.0), a current, unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or its territories, and completion of an undergraduate or graduate statistics course. You must begin by completing an NMSU Graduate School application. Additionally, you must upload a current curriculum vitae or resume, a copy of your RN license, unofficial transcripts from any college or university you have attended, a letter of intent specifying your career goals and how the MSN will help advance your career, and the names and contact information for two colleagues from your clinical practice. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the School of Nursing. Once all other admission criteria have been met, applicants may be invited to attend an interview with program faculty.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• New Mexico State University’s MSN program boasts experienced faculty with decades of combined experience. Their knowledge and passion for the nursing profession and nursing leadership will be instrumental in guiding you as you prepare for a graduate-level role in nursing.
• Something I encourage prospective students to consider when choosing where to go to nursing school is the program’s reputation. For example, are students satisfied with the program? Does the program have good retention and graduation rates? What about employers? Are they happy with the graduates that they hire? NMSU seems to check all the boxes with excellent retention and graduation rates and high national certification pass rates. Additionally, graduates of the New Mexico State University MSN program are known to be highly educated and well-prepared for advanced nursing leadership positions. Employers who complete and return surveys to the school report high satisfaction rates with the individuals they hire who have completed the program. These are great indicators that the program is well-designed and will prepare you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a career in nursing leadership and administration.


2. Eastern New Mexico University - Portales


Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nurse Educator

MSN Program Details: Eastern New Mexico University offers one of the best online MSN programs in New Mexico. The program is designed to give professional registered nurses the opportunity to earn a graduate nursing degree and become nurse educators in two years or less.

The MSN program is a 36-credit pathway. The curriculum includes 12 credits of master’s core coursework and 24 credits of nursing education coursework. In this program, you will study in classes such as Roles, Responsibilities, & Relationships of the Nurse Educator, Integrated Concepts of Disease Management, Educational Psychology, and Instructional Design for Educators. Clinical practicum experiences, which are embedded in the curriculum, prepare you for the role of an educator in associate and baccalaureate nursing professional development programs.


MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at ENMU, applicants must hold a valid, unrestricted United States RN license, reside within the United States or its territory, and have an earned BSN degree within the U.S. In some cases, eligible students in the senior year of their BSN program may be admitted to the accelerated MSN pathway. Candidates must apply to both the Graduate School and the MSN program. Additionally, you must provide official college and university transcripts, have a cumulative college GPA of at least 3.0, and submit an admissions essay and three letters of recommendation.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• When choosing an MSN program, I believe it is important to consider the type and amount of student support the program offers. At East New Mexico University, you will have a dedicated advisor who works with you throughout your time in the program. The school also offers free job placement assistance to all students.
• East New Mexico University reports its MSN program has excellent retention rates and that graduates score exceptionally well on national certification examinations. It is important to consider these factors when choosing a school because retention rates usually indicate student satisfaction, and certification success rates indicate the program prepares students with the knowledge they need.


3. Western New Mexico University - Silver City


Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Community & Rural/Frontier Health

MSN Program Details: The Master of Science in Nursing program at Western New Mexico University is another excellent option for RNs interested in earning a graduate degree. This MSN program in New Mexico offers special training in community and rural/frontier health. The program admits students three times per year in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.

The MSN program is presented entirely online and can be completed in as little as one year. The 33-credit curriculum features classes, including Issues in Contemporary Healthcare Environments, Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan, Innovation in Informatics & Healthcare Technology, and Theory & Science in Nursing. You will learn to integrate theory and research into the application of evidence-based nursing practices and the application of epidemiology in the assessment and delivery of quality patient care. The program includes 135 hours of face-to-face clinical practicum, which may be held in the rural/frontier area where you live.


MSN Admission Requirements: This MSN program in New Mexico admits baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses with a BSN who hold a valid, unencumbered U.S. registered nurse license. Candidates must have a nursing grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for full admission. Students with a GPA of 2.75 to 2.99 may be considered for conditional admission and academic probation but must complete two concurrent 3-credit courses with passing grades to remain in the program. Applicants must have taken and passed a college-level statistics course within seven years of beginning the program. In addition to completing an admissions application, candidates must submit two professional letters of recommendation, a written narrative essay in the form of a Personal/Professional Statement, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions they have attended.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Western New Mexico University has a strong reputation for offering an affordable graduate nursing program. In my experience, this is an important factor to consider, as many potential students must weigh whether to continue working while in school. For some, it is difficult to balance school and work, but the idea of paying for school without their income is even more challenging. Finding a school with an affordable MSN program makes the dream of achieving academic and career goals possible.
• If you have a desire to work with rural or frontier communities, Western New Mexico University’s MSN program is an excellent choice. The program is designed with a focus on the unique health issues and challenges faced by these communities. You will learn from seasoned faculty with years of experience caring for underserved populations who are dedicated to helping you become the best nurse you can be.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED


1. Who Accredits MSN Programs In New Mexico?




2. How Many Schools Offer Accredited MSN Programs In New Mexico?


3


3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In New Mexico?


Hourly$64.08
Weekly$2,563
Monthly$11,110
Annual$133,290


4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level MSN Graduates Make In New Mexico?


Hourly$47.14
Weekly$1,886
Monthly$8,170
Annual$98,060


5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced MSN Graduates Make In New Mexico?


Level of ExperienceHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
1-4 Years of Experience$53.35$2,134$9,250$110,960
5-9 Years of Experience$62.97$2,519$10,920$130,980
10-19 Years of Experience$70.13$2,805$12,160$145,860
20 Years or More Experience$83.80$3,352$14,530$174,310


6. What Is The Average MSN Salary In New Mexico By Metro?


MetroHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Albuquerque$63.58$2,543$11,020$132,240
Farmington$59.91$2,396$10,380$124,610
Las Cruces$57.19$2,288$9,910$118,950
Santa Fe$62.87$2,515$10,900$130,760


7. Average MSN Salary In New Mexico Vs. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In New Mexico


Job TitleAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Dentist$190,530-$57,240-30.04%
Podiatrist$152,490-$19,200-12.59%
Optometrist$146,280-$12,990-8.88%
Nurse With MSN$133,290$00.00%
Physician Assistant$133,140+$150+0.11%
Pharmacist$131,420+$1,870+1.42%
Veterinarian$121,430+$11,860+9.77%
Occupational Therapist$100,740+$32,550+32.31%
Speech-Language Pathologist$100,470+$32,820+32.67%
Physical Therapist$98,290+$35,000+35.61%
Dental Hygienist$92,100+$41,190+44.72%
Audiologist$81,880+$51,410+62.79%
Chiropractor$76,840+$56,450+73.46%


Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.



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