Exploring colleges in Las Cruces, NM?

Hey everyone, I'm looking at colleges in Las Cruces, New Mexico, but I'm a bit lost. I'm alright with a more laid back experience, but I also want strong academics. Anyone got any insight or recommendation?

Sure, I'd be happy to share some information! Las Cruces, New Mexico, is home to New Mexico State University (NMSU) which is the oldest public university in New Mexico. It's known for its welcoming atmosphere, solid academic programs, and robust campus life, which could definitely provide the balance between a laid-back experience and strong academics you are looking for.

Academically, NMSU offers more than 90 undergraduate programs, giving you a wide range of study fields to choose from. It has been recognized for its strong engineering, nursing, and education programs. Also, the student-to-faculty ratio at NMSU is 13:1, meaning that classrooms are relatively small and conducive for personalized attention from professors.

In terms of a laid-back experience, the campus is located in a serene setting with its campus offering views of the Organ Mountains. There are also plenty of extracurricular activities to get involved with on campus, from Greek life to intramural sports, theatres, concerts, and more. The city of Las Cruces also offers a lot of outdoor activities due to its proximity to natural parks and trails.

Lastly, NMSU has in-state tuition benefits for students from neighboring states such as Arizona, Colorado, and others, due to a regional exchange program known as the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), which might be something to look into if you're from the area.

I hope this provides a good glimpse of what to expect from the college experience in Las Cruces. Be sure to visit the campus if you can to get a firsthand feel of what life at NMSU could look like for you!