New Mexico Military Institute
Roswell, NM
"Duty, Honor, Achievement"
At a Glance
Founded
1891
Enrollment
1,000
Acceptance
58%
Service
Multiple Services
The Verdict
Known as "The West Point of the West," NMMI is the only state-supported, co-ed military boarding school in the nation offering both high school (9-12) and a fully accredited two-year junior college. Home to the nation's largest Army ROTC 2-Year Commissioning Program and the nation's largest Service Academy Prep Program, NMMI regularly sends 30+ graduates annually to West Point, Annapolis, Air Force Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy.
With 2026-27 total cost of attendance at $17,451 in-state and $24,665 out-of-state (vs. $40,000-$60,000 at private schools), NMMI delivers a full military boarding education at well under half the cost.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
State-supported coed military boarding school in Roswell, NM, offering grades 9-12 plus a two-year junior college. 2026-27 total cost of attendance from $17,451.
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesBoarding
$17,451
International
$34,000
Endowment
$45 million
*Total cost includes tuition, room, board, laptop, uniforms, and fees; NMMI values the full cadet experience at ~$42,858, and scholarships are available
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
open
Key Requirements
- Completed application
- Official high school or college transcripts
- ACT or SAT scores (for college placement)
- Medical and immunization records
- Physical fitness assessment
- Background check
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
300 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
1,000
Student:Teacher
14:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Reveille at 0600, followed by morning formation, breakfast, academic blocks (0800-1200), lunch formation, afternoon academics or labs (1300-1500), athletics and military training (1530-1800), dinner, Call to Quarters (study hall), and Taps at 2300. Weekends include inspections, parades, and supervised liberty for cadets in good standing.
Discipline Model
Traditional military merit/demerit system based on the Cadet Regulations (Blue Book). The Corps of Cadets is organized into a regimental structure with cadet officers and NCOs responsible for discipline and training. Cadets who accumulate excessive demerits serve punishment tours. The system emphasizes leadership development through the cadet chain of command.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
95%+
Scholarships Earned
$8+ million annually
Where Graduates Go
One of the nation's top feeders to U.S. service academies; regularly sends 30-40 graduates per year to West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy. NMMI's Early Commissioning Program allows qualified cadets to earn a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard upon completion of the two-year program.
Hall of Fame
Conrad Hilton
Founder of Hilton Hotels, one of the world's largest hospitality companies
Sam Donaldson
Emmy Award-winning ABC News correspondent and anchor of 'This Week'
Owen Wilson
Academy Award-nominated actor and screenwriter (Wedding Crashers, Midnight in Paris)
Roger Staubach
Attended NMMI before Naval Academy; Heisman Trophy winner, Super Bowl MVP, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback (Dallas Cowboys)
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All cadets participate in daily physical training and intramural or varsity athletics. The NMMI Broncos compete as an NJCAA member institution at the junior college level, with many athletes transferring to NCAA Division I programs. High school cadets participate in New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) sports.
Facilities
300-acre campus features Cahoon Armory (6,000-seat arena), a competition swimming pool, Olympic-caliber equestrian facilities supporting the renowned rodeo program, weight training center, multiple athletic fields, tennis courts, and an 18-hole golf course. The historic Pearson Auditorium and Wilson Stadium anchor the campus.
External Ratings
We don't collect or moderate reviews. Links point to trusted third-party sources.
Federal Outcomes Data
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
38%
Graduation Rate
58%
Retention Rate
(1st to 2nd year)
$57,410
Median Earnings
(10 years after entry)
$4,686
Avg. Net Cost
(after financial aid)
$10,781
Avg. Grant
(institutional aid)
78% / 22%
Male / Female
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2026-01)
View on College ScorecardOfficial Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
NCES consumer portal with costs, programs, and retention data
Comprehensive institutional data from the IPEDS survey
Department of Education outcomes and cost data
Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
Related Schools
Marine Military Academy
Harlingen, TX
Marine Military Academy is an all-boys college-prep boarding school in Harlingen, TX, serving grades 7-12 plus a post-grad year. Boarding tuition $51,500 (2026-27).
San Marcos Academy
San Marcos, TX
San Marcos Academy is a coed Baptist college-prep boarding and day school in the Texas Hill Country serving grades PK-12. Boarding tuition $55,000 (2026-27).
Tarleton State University (Corps of Cadets)
Stephenville, TX
Tarleton State's Texan Corps of Cadets, reactivated in 2016, offers Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps commissioning. In-state cost with housing $22,475 (2026-27).
Texas A&M Maritime Academy
Galveston, TX
Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston is one of six state maritime academies, training merchant marine officers. In-state cost $30,614 (2026-27).
Texas A&M University (Corps of Cadets)
College Station, TX
The Texas A&M Corps of Cadets is the largest uniformed student body outside the federal service academies—about 2,300 cadets—with no military obligation to join.
TMI Episcopal
San Antonio, TX
TMI Episcopal is a coed college-prep boarding and day school in San Antonio, grades 6-12, with an optional Army JROTC corps. Boarding tuition $65,480 (2026-27).
Guides & Resources
Post-Graduate (PG) Year at Military Prep Schools
A post-graduate (PG) year is an extra prep school year after high school graduation. See the 8 military schools with PG programs, who benefits, and what it costs.
How Much Does Military School Cost? Tuition & Financial Aid
Military school costs range from free (public academies and Youth Challenge) to $25,000-$67,000 a year for private boarding. Compare tuition, 529 plans, and state vouchers.
Using a 529 Plan for Military School Tuition
As of 2026, 529 plans can pay up to $20,000 per year of K-12 military school tuition under federal law — double the old cap. See what qualifies and the state tax caveats.
Military High Schools: Free Public, Charter & Boarding
The U.S. has 50+ military high schools — most are tuition-free. Compare public and charter academies, private boarding schools, and free Youth Challenge programs.
The Service Academy & ROTC Roadmap
A West Point or Naval Academy education is worth over $400,000. How to win an appointment or ROTC scholarship—nominations, DoDMERB exams, and timelines.
The Parent's Emotional Journey: Drop-Off to Thanksgiving
The three phases of a military school parent's first semester: the silent early weeks, the 3-week 'come get me' call, and the Thanksgiving transformation.