SANTA FE — Private postsecondary enrollment in New Mexico has grown 6% to reach 10,685 students as the New Mexico Higher Education Department completed state authorization renewal for 95 institutions for the 2026 academic year.
A total of 95 institutions renewed their authorization, while an additional 10 institutions remain in good standing. For the 2026 academic year, the following types of institutions received state authorization renewal:
- 44 distance education institutions
- 33 licensed institutions
- 11 registered institutions
- 7 out-of-state proprietary institutions
“The state authorization process is a safeguard for students across New Mexico,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “This ensures that all institutions are operating with transparency, accountability and a commitment to educational quality.”
State authorization is a legal and regulatory requirement ensuring private postsecondary institutions in New Mexico meet minimum standards set forth in state law and the New Mexico Administrative Code. Institutions that receive state authorization are considered to have met New Mexico state standards and are approved to operate in the state.
According to the Private Post-Secondary Division’s report for the 2024 academic year, there were 31% state authorized non-accredited institutions that granted certificates or diplomas.
“The number of New Mexico state-authorized distance education institutions has doubled in the past seven years, expanding from 22 to 44”, said Director Pascal Buser of the Private Post-Secondary Schools Division. This growth shows how the New Mexico Interstate Distance Education Act is opening doors for more students to pursue quality higher education while ensuring their investments are protected.”
All institutions were reviewed by the department’s Private Postsecondary Schools Division and determined to have met the standards under New Mexico state regulations.
For more information about state authorization and a list of authorized institutions, visit www.hed.nm.gov.