WNMU Tuition Unchanged for Next Year

Despite $2.5 Million Revenue Loss, University Avoids Raising Costs for Students

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:00am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph featuring blurred, colorful shapes and silhouettes that suggest the bustling activity of a college campus, conveying a sense of warmth, energy, and community.The vibrant energy and community spirit of Western New Mexico University shine through the hazy, dreamlike atmosphere of its historic campus.Silver City Today

Despite a more than $2 million loss of revenue from reduced student enrollment, Western New Mexico University will not raise its tuition for the next academic year. The university's Board of Regents approved tuition and fees, along with taking the next steps toward purchasing Sixth Street Elementary School to house the Early Childhood Center and College of Education.

Why it matters

In an era of rising college costs, WNMU's decision to keep tuition flat despite budget challenges demonstrates a commitment to affordability and access for students. The acquisition of Sixth Street Elementary also represents a strategic investment in the university's early childhood and education programs.

The details

At a meeting, the WNMU Board of Regents approved tuition and fees for the upcoming year. Vice President for Business Affairs Kelley Riddle said the decrease in student enrollment this year resulted in a revenue loss of about $2.5 million. However, staff were able to balance the budget so that tuition would not have to be raised. Resident undergraduate students will pay $204.73 per credit hour, while resident graduate students will pay $219.91 per credit hour. Student fees will also remain the same.

  • The Board of Regents meeting was held on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • The budget will come before the regents for approval at their next meeting, scheduled for April 24, 2026.
  • The university plans to open the New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education in the Sixth Street building in fall 2027.

The players

Kelley Riddle

Vice President for Business Affairs at Western New Mexico University.

Carlos Carranza

President of the Associated Students of WNMU.

Jose Coll

Incoming President of Western New Mexico University, who visited the campus for a week.

Steven Neville

Chair of the WNMU Board of Regents.

Chris Maples

Interim President of Western New Mexico University.

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What they’re saying

“This could have been a time to increase tuition; however, I'm not in favor of increasing the tuition based off our lower enrollment. I don't want the current students to have to carry that on their backs.”

— Kelley Riddle, Vice President for Business Affairs

“This would keep the HSI aspect of the university thriving still at a smaller capacity.”

— Carlos Carranza, President of the Associated Students of WNMU

“I've been able to walk the halls, see the various elements of not only the campus but also our community within the city, have dinner and coffee at the various shops, and getting to learn not only the culture, but what makes this institution and this community such a rich jewel within New Mexico.”

— Jose Coll, Incoming President

What’s next

The university will present the sale proposal for the Sixth Street Elementary School to the state Higher Education Department's capital outlay hearing committee on May 13, 2026. If approved there, it will move to the state Board of Finance for approval at their June 16, 2026 meeting, which would set a closing date on the property 30 days later.

The takeaway

WNMU's decision to keep tuition flat despite budget challenges demonstrates a commitment to affordability and access for students. The acquisition of Sixth Street Elementary to house the Early Childhood Center and College of Education also represents a strategic investment in the university's key academic programs.