While NMSU enrollment decreases, online curriculum improves in rank

New Mexico State University’s online degree programs improved in rank, even while the student body population decreased.

“(Online education) is really impacting higher education from the standpoint of giving students more flexibility,” said Dr. Greg Fant, the deputy provost of the university.

According to NMSU, the school’s enrollment decreased from nearly 26,000 in the fall of 2015 to more than 24,00 in the fall of 2018.

However, the university’s online course rankings have improved. According to U.S. News and World Report, NMSU is tied for 49th in criminal justice online, tied for 113th in nursing online and tied for 143rd in business administration online.

Students say online coursework is more convenient and easy to schedule.

“When I’m too busy, I can just postpone some assignments and do it with my own time,” said Wendy Bissuett.

However, other students continue to choose in-person classes to enhance their educational experience.

“You have more interaction with the teacher and with other students,” said Luis Montes, a sophomore majoring in wildlife conservation. “It’s a lot easier to me, I prefer them over online classes.”

“It’s easier to get ahold of people and the instructor too,” said Misraim Robledo. “It just makes you get up in the morning.”