About UNM-LA

UNM-Los Alamos is a branch campus of The University of New Mexico, the state's flagship university.

UNM-LA campus from the sky

UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) is known for small classes and dedicated instructors and staff. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, we offer the type of hands-on learning usually available only at a private college, but at a community college price.

We have a number of outstanding programs and services to meet a variety of student needs and interests. We offer certificate programs and associate degree programs; community education and customized training courses; small business development seminars through our Los Alamos Small Business Development Center; Adult Basic Education programs including High School Equivalency (HSE) credential and English as a Second Language (ESL); and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program.

  • 1945: Professors working on the Manhattan Project begin to offer graduate-level classes with transferability to Harvard University.
  • 1956: The University of New Mexico (UNM) establishes the UNM-Los Alamos Center for Graduate Studies, offering graduate level degrees in scientific, engineering, management and health-related fields.
  • 1973: The UNM Northern Branch College came into existence with Los Alamos as one of its campuses.
  • 1977: As a result of legislative action, the UNM Northern Branch College was absorbed into Northern New Mexico Community College.
  • 1980: The Los Alamos Branch Campus of The University of New Mexico (UNM-LA) was founded. It began operations in the Little Valley School and later in the year, moved to its present site.
  • 1982-83: The UNM-LA facilities were remodeled and expanded. 
  • 1984: On Jan. 6, Gov. Toney Anaya dedicated the new UNM-LA facilities.  
  • 1989: Mesa Gymnasium was acquired from the Los Alamos Public Schools and was remodeled to provide additional classrooms. 
  • 1990: Building 6 was opened. 
  • 1996: The Learning Resource Center or Building 7 — an addition to the existing facility — was completed. It houses the library, Tutorial Center and the Adult Basic Education program. 
  • 2000: The remodeled Student Services Center was completed and opened. 
  • Mid-2000s: Building 8 was constructed and opened. 
  • 2023-24: Building 6 was gutted, remodeled and reopened. 

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GROWING, DIVERSE STUDENT POPULATION

2189 students, 2023-24 Academic Year Headcount increased by 27.93% over 5 years

  • 50.94% Hispanic
  • 28.96% Caucasian
  • 5.76% Native American
  • 24.3 - Average age
  • 3.20% Asian
  • 11.14% Other 
  • 55% Female
  • 86% Part-time

OUTSTANDING INSTRUCTION

  • 18:1 student to faculty ratio
  • 33% of permanent faculty possess a Ph.D.
  • 87% of all faculty possess a Master's degree.
  • The majority of faculty also work in the fields in which they teach.

EXCELLENT INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

Popular Transfer Programs
Pre-Professional Health, Pre-Engineering, Pre-Business, Computer Science, Liberal Arts

Programs Developed for our Community
Early Childhood Education, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Science, Welding, Nuclear Enterprise Science and Technology, Nuclear Waste Operator Training, Radiation Technology Certificate, Python Bootcamp, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE

Tuition
$82.00 per credit hour
$1048.00 per semester (full-time)
Financial Aid & Scholarships
State and local scholarships significantly reduce and/or eliminate out-of-pocket costs.

Admission
No minimum GPA or test score required for admission.

STUDENT SUCCESS

Student success is our priority. Support services include a vibrant academic support center, a comprehensive learning resource center, individualized academic advising and career development, internship opportunities, and transfer support.