College Enrollment Rises in New Mexico, Benefits San Juan County

On November 21, 2025 the New Mexico Higher Education Department released preliminary fall data showing statewide college enrollment rose for the fourth straight year. The department reported 4,016 new degree seeking students this fall, bringing the statewide total to 113,991. Enrollment grew 13.6 percent over four years, an increase of 13,727 students since fall 2021.

Higher Education Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez framed the gains as the result of policy choices aimed at reducing financial barriers to higher education. “New Mexico’s commitment to expansive and inclusive free tuition is proving successful,” she said. “More and more New Mexicans every year are seizing the opportunity.” NMHED said increases were seen across research universities, comprehensive universities, branch campuses and independent community colleges.

Nearly every public institution in the state reported enrollment gains, including the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University and Central New Mexico Community College. The report highlighted particularly large increases at UNM’s Gallup and Valencia County branch campuses and at Northern New Mexico College. Locally, San Juan College saw steady growth from the 2021 2022 academic year through 2024 2025, rising from 8,349 students to 9,082, according to a college spokesperson.

For San Juan County residents the trend carries practical implications. More students enrolled in local colleges can strengthen the pipeline for skilled workers in health care, education, and trades. Increased access to higher education aligns with public health goals because educational attainment is closely linked to long term health outcomes, economic stability and access to care. Students from low income households and rural communities often face extra barriers, so expanded tuition access may reduce inequities that have long shaped health and economic disparities in the region.

At the same time the growth points to community needs that merit attention. Colleges that enroll more students must also expand support services, including advising, child care, mental health care and transportation. Local health providers and county planners may need to coordinate with educational institutions to ensure clinical training placements and workforce retention strategies keep pace with enrollment gains. Housing availability and affordability also affect whether students can complete programs and remain in the local workforce after graduation.

Policy makers and community leaders in San Juan County will need to monitor not only enrollment counts but also student success metrics and post graduation outcomes. Sustained investment in wraparound services and partnerships between colleges, health systems and employers will determine whether rising enrollment translates into long term improvements in health equity and economic opportunity for the region.