NMSU raises tuition again as enrollment drops

New Mexico State University has increased tuition by 6 percent for the upcoming school year.

The Board of Regents approved the increase Friday, saying that scholarships and tuition discounts have reduced out-of-pocket costs for most students. They said the extra revenue will allow NMSU to make strategic investments and increase employee salary.

Regents increased tuition by 3.5 percent last year.

But despite the increases, NMSU is struggling with a budget shortfall of $3.8 million that’s in part due to years of decreasing enrollment. This spring, the university had about 22,400 students enrolled in all of its campuses, a 4 percent decrease over the prior year, which had itself seen a 2.4 percent drop.

NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu said the school still officers the most competitive average net cost in the region.

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