New Mexico State University

Accreditation is a process that evaluates the quality of an institution’s academic programs, operations, and support services and provides a road map for improvement. At NMSU many units, including colleges and programs, are accredited by specialized accreditation agencies. As a whole, NMSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). For more information about the HLC, you can go to the HLC website at hlcommission.org or call 800.621.7440.

NMSU’s relationship with the HLC goes back a long time and as a result of the last successful review and subsequent reaffirmation of accreditation the Las Cruces campus was put on the Open Pathways option. Open Pathways has many benefits, including the independence to engage in a project geared toward campus needs and aspirations, referred to by the HLC as the Quality Initiative. Through some reflection, the decision was made to focus on student writing as NMSU’s project, which increased efforts and placed a greater focus on existing resources that had a positive impact on student writing.

In the United States, the accreditation process is organized through regional accrediting commissions and member institutions. Accreditation is critical not only to the institution, but also to our students. Information about accreditation in the United States and other avenues for institutions to receive Title IV funding can be found on the following websites.

• Accreditation in the United States
• Accrediting Agencies Recognized for Title IV Purposes

The NMSU Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness is responsible for oversight of all NMSU-system accreditations, including each campus’ regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and all specialized professional accreditations. The Associate Provost monitors and maintains updated information on all of NMSU’s accreditations, and provides guidance and support as needed to those who are directly engaged in maintaining accreditations for their college and/or program(s).

All Accreditation Liaisons (ALOs and PALs) are responsible for maintaining ongoing and open communication with the Associate Provost of Institutional Effectiveness and their respective Dean or VP, regarding all accreditation matters. 

Next: 2027 – 2028 Comprehensive Evaluation

NMSU's next comprehensive evaluation is scheduled to occur during the 2027–2028 academic year. NMSU has been institutionally accredited since 1926, with uninterrupted accreditation as a doctoral degree granting institution since 1963. NMSU is on the Open Pathway for reaffirmation of accreditation. The HLC is a regional accreditation agency that accredits degree-granting colleges and universities that are based in a 19-state region of the United States. 

In preparation, NMSU has developed Criterion Writing Teams made up of experienced, knowledgeable, and committed members of the campus community to specifically address the four criteria and a branch campus report for the Grants Campus, which is also accredited with the Las Cruces campus. The HLC identifies 4 Criteria for Accreditation in addition to adherence to assumed practices and federal compliance, that the institution must address in the form of an Assurance Argument to retain its accreditation status. The Assurance Argument (self-study) will be completed early Summer 2027. 

Completed: 2021 – 2022 Assurance Review

NMSU completed its four-year interim Assurance Review to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) during the 2021-2022 academic year. HLC reaffirmed accreditation for New Mexico State University after meeting all criteria with no concerns in 2018 after the Comprehensive Evaluation, with official notification of continued accreditation occurring February 20, 2018. 

Institutional Accreditation Writing Teams

Criterion 1. Mission

The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations. 

Criterion 2. Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct

In fulfilling its mission, the institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible. 

Criterion 3. Teaching and Learning for Student Success

The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. The rigor and quality of each educational program is consistent regardless of modality, location or other differentiating factors. 

Criterion 4. Sustainability: Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning

The institution's resources, structures, policies, procedures and planning enable it to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its educational programs, and respond to future challenges and opportunities. 

View the Core Components