Enrollment numbers increased at The University of New Mexico for Fall 2022. Total enrollment at UNM stands at 21,982 students, an increase of 1.6 percent compared with last year.  This is the first increase in total enrollment since 2012, reversing several years of declines.

Several key categories reflect continued increases and forward momentum at the State’s flagship university for the 2022-23 academic year, according to figures that are not official until submitted to the State. The fall term began on Aug. 22.

The fall freshman class grew by 14 percent for Fall 2022, increasing for the third straight year and bringing the total increase to 25.8 percent growth since 2020. Fall 2022 is also the first time since 2013 that the incoming freshman class has surpassed 3,500 students —the 3,509 new first-year students this year represents the third largest incoming class in UNM history.

The financial incentives afforded students by the new Opportunity Scholarship as well as the established Legislative Lottery Scholarship have paved the way for greater access to higher education. Across all UNM campuses, more than 11,000 students benefited from the Opportunity Scholarship this fall. “We’re fortunate to live in a state where our leaders value and have invested in ensuring that New Mexicans can successfully pursue a degree,” said Dan D. García, vice president for enrollment management.

Other enrollment increases included a 25.9 percent increase in new transfer students and continued growth in American Indian, Hispanic, and African American first-year students, making it one of the most diverse classes in UNM’s history. Additionally, UNM continues to attract highly talented first year students, many of whom are first-generation, who are arriving with an impressive 3.42 GPA.

Each of the UNM Branch Campuses —Gallup, Los Alamos, Taos, and Valencia— also grew their enrollment. Collectively UNM Branch Campus enrollments grew by 5.8 percent this fall compared with last year’s figures.

“This is an exciting time at The University of New Mexico,” said García. “Seeing the level of interest in our academic programs, the increase in diversity of our student body, and the growing number of students choosing UNM is fantastic.”

Below is a snapshot of the Fall 2022 first-time freshman class at UNM Main Campus:

  • This year’s freshman class reflects an increase of 433 more students over last year (14 percent increase).
  • Diversity increased in the freshman class, with a 25.5 percent increase in American Indian students, a 29.8 percent increase in African American students, and a 16.1 percent increase in Hispanic students compared with last year.
  • Among new first-year students, 78.1 percent are from New Mexico, 20.5 percent are from out-of-state, and 1.4 percent are international.
  • Students in the freshman class come from 23 different nations outside the U.S., and 41 U.S. states other than NM.

“I am delighted that so many new students are choosing to come to The University of New Mexico,” said UNM President Garnett S. Stokes. “I’m particularly proud that UNM is leading in removing barriers to a world-class education, while continuing to attract talented and diverse students who also reflect the vibrant culture and history of our university, New Mexico and the region.”

The University of New Mexico is classified as a Carnegie Research I University, the highest research activity, and one of just 146 —out of more than 3,000 universities in the nation— and the only R1 institution in New Mexico.

For more information on enrolling at UNM, visit UNM Admissions.