Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Los Alamos, New Mexico
University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$15,550Annual Cost
$44,792Grad Salary
6%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$10,050
Need-Based Aid
6% receive Pell
University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus, founded in 1980, has evolved into a comprehensive branch campus serving northern New Mexico's educational needs from its 50-acre location. The campus features state-of-the-art STEM labs benefiting from proximity to Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), including a $3.5 million Science and Engineering Building with clean rooms and advanced computing facilities. UNM-LA specializes in nuclear science, cybersecurity, and pre-engineering programs, offering unique courses in Hazardous Materials Management developed through LANL partnerships. The campus includes a public library shared with the community and outdoor learning spaces in the surrounding Jemez Mountains.
Though unranked separately from UNM's main campus, UNM-LA plays a critical role in the region's educational pipeline, serving about 1,200 students annually with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The college boasts a 100% job placement rate for its Radiation Protection graduates and maintains robust transfer pathways to UNM's engineering schools. Unique opportunities include undergraduate research positions at LANL and the nearby Valles Caldera National Preserve. The high-altitude location at 7,300 feet provides exceptional environmental science research opportunities in this small mountain community.
University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus Acceptance Rate
University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus (UNM - Los Alamos) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at UNM - Los Alamos
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus (UNM - Los Alamos) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into UNM - Los Alamos Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UNM - Los Alamos
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
UNM - Los Alamos provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Meet Eligibility Floors
Ensure you have your high school diploma or GED ready. Open admission means you are in as long as you meet the basic administrative requirements.
Placement Preparation
Focus on the ACCUPLACER or internal placement tests. Performing well here allows you to jump directly into credit-bearing Math and English.
Transfer Path Planning
If you intend to move to a more selective school later, maintain a 3.5+ GPA here to make yourself a highly competitive transfer candidate.
Career Certification
Identify specific certificate programs or internships offered by UNM - Los Alamos that connect directly to the local job market.
Note: While acceptance is guaranteed, space in specific high-demand programs (like Nursing or Tech) may still be competitive.
UNM - Los Alamos Profile
Full Name
University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus (UNM - Los Alamos)
City
Los Alamos
State
New Mexico
ZIP Code
87544
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a UNM - Los Alamos Degree Worth It?
Getting into UNM - Los Alamos can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. UNM - Los Alamos offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at UNM - Los Alamos is $49,500 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.99%.
How much does a degree from UNM - Los Alamos Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus is $15,550. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus is $10,050.
6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 1.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UNM - Los Alamos and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UNM - Los Alamos as your choice in the form.
How much does a UNM - Los Alamos Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $44,792. An average UNM - Los Alamos graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at UNM - Los Alamos
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus →
Frequently Asked Questions About UNM - Los Alamos Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $44,792 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $15,550 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Pell Grant data is not available for this institution. Contact the financial aid office directly to ask about need-based and merit-based aid options.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.