Understanding Your Options
Youth Challenge Programs
New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy is a free National Guard program for at-risk youth ages 16-18.
Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
NMMI accepts students nationally and internationally. About 65% acceptance rate. Youth Challenge serves New Mexico residents.
America's Most Affordable Military Boarding School
New Mexico is home to one of the best-kept secrets in military education: NMMI.
New Mexico Military Institute
New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell (about 3 hours southeast of Albuquerque, 2 hours north of El Paso):
- Founded: 1891
- Grades: 9-12 plus junior college
- Type: State-supported military boarding
- Cost: ~$19,000-$26,000/year total (vs $40,000-$60,000 at private schools)
- Enrollment: ~1,000
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
Why NMMI Stands Out
NMMI offers what few military schools can match:
- Affordability: State support keeps total cost at ~$19,000-$26,000/year (tuition ~$7,000-$14,000 plus room, board, uniforms)
- Full Experience: True boarding school with barracks, uniforms, and military structure
- Dual Path: Complete high school AND first two years of college
- Service Academy Pipeline: Regularly sends 30+ graduates to West Point, Annapolis, Air Force Academy
- National Reach: Accepts students from all 50 states
New Mexico Youth Challenge
For at-risk youth, New Mexico also offers a free Youth Challenge program through the National Guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is NMMI so affordable?
NMMI is a state-supported institution, meaning New Mexico taxpayers subsidize the cost. Total cost of attendance (tuition, room, board, uniforms) is approximately $19,000-$26,000 per year—compared to $40,000-$60,000 at private military boarding schools.
Is NMMI a high school or college?
Both. NMMI offers grades 9-12 (high school) plus a two-year junior college program. Students can complete high school and their first two years of college at NMMI.
Do you have to be from New Mexico to attend NMMI?
No. NMMI accepts students from all 50 states and internationally. Out-of-state students pay more (~$26,000 vs ~$19,000 in-state), but it's still far cheaper than private military schools.
What branches does NMMI have?
NMMI offers multiple ROTC programs. Graduates have gone on to all military branches. NMMI regularly sends 30+ graduates per year to service academies.