Enrollment numbers are in for Fall 2021 at the University of New Mexico, and several key categories reflect continued increases and forward momentum at the State’s flagship university for the 2021-22 academic year. The fall term began on Aug. 23.

Even as colleges and universities across the nation continue to see declining enrollments of new students in the wake of COVID-related challenges, UNM saw a 10 percent increase in first-year students and a 19 percent increase in new graduate students in Fall 2021. Similarly, enrollment of new Native, Hispanic, and African American first-year students continued to increase.

“This is an exciting time at the University of New Mexico. 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,” said Dan D. García, vice president for enrollment management.

Below is a snapshot of the Fall 2021 first-time freshman class at UNM Main Campus:

  • This year’s freshman class reflects an increase of 287 more students over last year (10.3 percent increase).
  • There was a 26 percent increase in American Indian students, a 65 percent increase in African American students, and a 7.5 percent increase in Hispanic students in the freshman class compared with last year. International student enrollment increased by 74 percent.
  • Among new first-year students, 76.8 percent are from New Mexico, 21.4 percent are from out-of-state, and 1.8 percnet are international.
  • Students in the freshman class come from 25 different nations outside the U.S., and 41 U.S. states other than NM.

The growth in new graduate students at UNM Main Campus also reflects a major increase. In Fall 2021, UNM saw an increase of 201 students or 19 percent over last year’s figure.

“I am delighted that so many new undergraduate and graduate students are choosing to come to The University of New Mexico,” said UNM President Garnett S. Stokes. “As we emerge from a global pandemic, we have worked hard to ensure our Lobo students have access to a great education, and that our students have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. I am particularly pleased to see the increasing diversity of our student body, which reflects the vibrant culture and history of our university and the entire Lobo community.”

Total enrollment at UNM stands at 21,710 students, declining slightly by 2.4 percent or 541 fewer students compared with last fall; the overall decrease is within UNM’s target projection for enrollment.

The University of New Mexico is classified as a Carnegie Research I University, the highest research activity, and one of just 131—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 Enrollment Management