Accounting Schools in New Mexico
The universities and colleges in New Mexico offer a wide variety of programs and degrees in accounting. This overview of accounting schools in the state will help you navigate your options in order to find the program that fits your schedule, interests, and career goals. New Mexico schools offer different concentrations, curriculum formats, and experiential learning opportunities. Read on below to find out more about program options and career outlooks in accounting in New Mexico.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of Schools and Programs
- Top-Ranked Schools in New Mexico
- Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rates
- School Profiles
- New Mexico CPA Requirements
- Career Opportunities for Graduates
- Additional Resources
Comparison of New Mexico Accounting Schools and Programs
The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in New Mexico to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options.
| School | Accreditation | Accounting Degree(s) | Acceptance Rate10 | Grad Rate1 | Avg Net Price1 | Median Debt*10 | Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry**10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central New Mexico Community College | ACBSP | Grad Cert-CPA Academic Requirements | N.Av. | 28% | $4,742 | $6,612 | $35,094 |
| Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | — | BBA-Accounting; MBA-Accounting | 32.5% | 41% | $8,702 | $16,500 | $36,355 |
| Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus | — | UG Cert-Bookkeeping/Accounting | N.Av. | 35% | $6,291 | $16,500 | $36,355 |
| New Mexico Highlands University | ACBSP | BBA-Accounting | N.Av. | 25% | $10,852 | $11,399 | $40,872 |
| New Mexico State University-Alamogordo | — | UG Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 20% | $7,778 | $17,095 | $38,178 |
| New Mexico State University-Main Campus | AACSB | BAcc; Minor-Accounting; MAcc | 57.3% | 51% | $10,407 | $17,095 | $38,178 |
| Northern New Mexico College | ACBSP | BBA-Accounting; UG Cert-Bookkeeper | N.Av. | 40% | $8,383 | $6,000 | $39,149 |
| University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus | — | UG Cert-Accounting | N.Av. | 30% | $10,947 | $18,450 | $42,925 |
| University of New Mexico-Main Campus | AACSB | BBA-Accounting; Accelerated BBA-Accounting/MAcc; MAcc; MAcc-Accounting and Assurance; MAcc-Professional Accounting; MAcc-Tax Accounting; MBA-Accounting | 97.3% | 52% | $10,633 | $18,450 | $42,925 |
| University of the Southwest | IACBE | BBA-Accounting; MBA-Accounting | N.Av. | 27% | $20,533 | $21,303 | $44,729 |
| Western New Mexico University | ACBSP | BBA-Accounting | N.Av. | 31% | $10,676 | $23,000 | $36,398 |
Table Notes:
*Median Debt: The median debt is the cumulative federal loan debt, excluding PLUS loans, at the time of graduation for students who completed an undergraduate program (certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree) as reported by College Scorecard for academic year 2020-2021 based on National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) data.
**Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry: Median earnings are the middle value of earnings, at which half earned more and half earned less, measured 10 years (2020-2021) after the first year of study (2010-2011) for all students, institution-wide, who received federal loans and who are employed but not enrolled in school. Note that this value includes those who completed their program of study as well as those who discontinued study without receiving an award.
Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in New Mexico
College rankings can be a useful tool to measure the overall reputation of a school or program. Weighing multiple rankings when evaluating your college choices can be helpful because different publishers may use different ranking factors in their methodologies. While the best program for your goals may rely on a combination of factors not typically considered in overall rankings, such as location or funding, seeing a program ranked on multiple lists can be a strong indication of reputation and academic quality.
College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023
- Central New Mexico Community College (#243)2
US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023
- New Mexico State University (#44 tie)5
Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree
The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases a report including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in New Mexico in 2019 (the most recent report available*) for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall pass rate for first-time test-takers in New Mexico being 49.4%:
- New Mexico State University 57.1%
- University of New Mexico 40.2%
*As NASBA makes significant changes to the CPA Exam as part of the CPA Evolution initiative, new candidate score reports by state are not anticipated until at least mid-2024.
Schools in New Mexico with Accounting Degrees
To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in New Mexico, we have profiled select programs below. Be sure to visit the websites of programs of interest for more detailed information on courses, admissions requirements and deadlines, and faculty.
Undergraduate Accounting Programs
New Mexico State University
Students at New Mexico State University (NMSU) can complete an AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Accountancy (BAcc) designed to prepare graduates to work in public accounting, business, government, or nonprofit organizations. This degree is offered through the Accounting and Information Systems Department in the College of Business at the main NMSU campus in Las Cruces. Students learn foundational knowledge in business and accounting as well as interpersonal and communication skills. Accounting courses include Cost Accounting; Auditing Theory and Practices; Accounting for Nonprofit Organizations; and Fraud Examination and Prevention. Students interested in obtaining CPA licensure can also complete a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) at the NMSU Las Cruces campus, which provides the necessary credits to meet the CPA Exam education requirements. The MAcc requires 18 credits of undergraduate accounting courses before entering the program, making it ideal for those with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Western New Mexico University
At Western New Mexico University (WNMU), students can earn an ACBSP-accredited Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting degree. This program focuses on a broad foundation in accounting, covering the skills and functional knowledge needed in the industry. Students learn practical skills such as tax filing, financial statement analysis, and the process of auditing. WNMU also emphasizes critical thinking and business communication strategies. Required classes include both business core courses like Principles of Managerial Accounting and Principles of Finance as well as accounting concentration courses such as Accounting Systems, Financial Accounting, Tax Accounting, and Auditing. Students can take advantage of career services support and pursue opportunities in public accounting, federal, state, and local government, and many different private industries.
Graduate Accounting Programs
New Mexico State University
At the College of Business at New Mexico State University (NMSU), students can earn an AACSB-accredited Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree. This program is ideal for those interested in professional accounting careers in public, private, or governmental organizations. While the MAcc is open to accounting and non-accounting majors, all candidates must have an undergraduate degree from an AACSB-accredited institution and have completed 18 credits in accounting courses before being considered for the program. Students learn research skills and critical thinking strategies so they can stay up-to-date with industry trends. Through their coursework, students gain an understanding of both the theoretical and technical knowledge used in the accounting industry. Required courses include Federal Tax Research; Auditing Theory and Practices; Financial Accounting Research; and Professional Accountancy. Graduates meet the educational requirements to sit for the CPA examination, and many choose to pursue this or other professional designations.
University of New Mexico
The Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico (UNM) offers an AACSB-accredited Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree. The MAcc program offers three tracks: Accounting and Assurance; Professional Accounting; and Tax Accounting, all of which comprise 33 credits. Those without an undergraduate accounting background can pursue the Professional track, which includes more prerequisite accounting courses. Students with an accounting background can choose from either the Accounting and Assurance track, which emphasizes general accounting and business courses, or the Tax Accounting track, which includes three additional tax accounting courses in lieu of electives. Regardless of concentration, all students take courses in advanced areas of taxation, information assurance, auditing, finance, fraud, and managerial accounting. This graduate program prepares students to sit for the CPA examination. Students can also pursue study abroad opportunities or join student organizations. Undergraduates already at UNM can integrate their BBA in Accounting and MAcc curriculum to complete the two degrees on an accelerated timeline.
Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs
Eastern New Mexico University
Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting that can be earned on campus or entirely online to prepare students for the Uniform CPA Exam and meet CPA education requirements. Candidates who do not already hold an undergraduate degree in accounting will need to complete several prerequisite courses to prepare them to successfully complete the MBA. The 30-credit hour program is based on an interdisciplinary core because of its focus on the development of managerial generalist skills and is marketed toward the working professional since it can be started in any semester and completed in as little as 12 months. Accounting-related courses include Financial Accounting, Federal Taxation, and Attestation Services. ENMU offers in-state tuition for non-resident graduate students taking six or fewer credit hours per semester.
University of the Southwest
Students at the University of the Southwest (USW) can pursue an IACBE-accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Accounting entirely online. One of 12 specialization options, USW’s MBA in Accounting consists of 36 credits and can be completed in as little as 12 months. The MBA in Accounting is open to both accounting and non-accounting majors, and no prerequisites are required to qualify for the program. Once enrolled, students will learn a variety of accounting methodologies and techniques through courses such as Internal Audit Theory and Practice and Small Business Accounting. The program is designed to prepare them for careers in public, governmental, or managerial accounting. Graduates should meet the educational requirements to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam.
New Mexico CPA Requirements and Steps
The New Mexico Public Accountancy Board (NMPAB) requires that students have at least an undergraduate degree and 150 semester hours, including 30 hours of accounting courses, in order to gain CPA licensure. There are seven main steps to complete in order to earn a first-time CPA license in New Mexico.
- Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
- Accumulate the required hours of experience.
- Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
- Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
- Complete a criminal background check.
- Apply for a license.
- Receive a CPA license.
1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
Candidates for CPA licensure in New Mexico must complete at least 150 semester hours of college education that includes the award of a bachelor’s degree. These 150 semester hours must include a minimum of 30 semester hours in accounting to qualify for a license. Three of these hours may be in business law. The 30 hours of accounting may be completed at the undergraduate or graduate level, or a combination thereof. All required hours should be completed at an appropriately accredited institution of higher education.
2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
The Board requires that candidates for licensure earn at least one year of experience in accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, and/or consulting. Experience may be gained through private or public practice, government, or academia, but all experience must be verified by a currently licensed CPA.
3. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam is a requirement for CPA licensure in all 50 states and is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Candidates for licensure can apply to take the exam after they have a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 hours of accounting coursework even if they have not completed the 150 hours. New Mexico candidates should apply to the exam through the NASBA website. Approved examinees will receive further instructions on scheduling and taking the exam. All four sections of the exam must be passed with a score of 75 or above within a 30-month rolling period. Scores will be sent directly to the Board by CPA Examination Services.
4. Complete the AICPA ethics course and exam.
The Board has adopted a self-study ethics course and exam to fulfill ethics requirements for CPA licensure in the state. A score of 90% or higher is required and the course must be completed within one year from the date of purchase. Candidates can order all course materials through the New Mexico Society of CPAs website.
5. Complete a criminal background check.
Prospective New Mexico CPAs must complete a criminal background check prior to submitting an application for a license. As paper fingerprint forms are no longer accepted, candidates must arrange to have their fingerprints taken through GEMALTO which offers online registration for fingerprint background check scheduling.
6. Apply for a license.
Once all licensing requirements have been met, the final step is to submit the Application for a Certified Public Accountant Certificate and pay the fee. The application includes a work verification form as well as a checklist for requesting and submitting supporting documentation for the required exams and education.
7. Receive a CPA license.
Once the application packet has been approved by the Board, Uniform CPA Exam scores have been received, and the fingerprint background check has been completed, a certificate and license will be issued to applicants and they can begin practicing as CPAs. Within one year of being issued a new license, all new licensees must participate in a swearing-in ceremony, which is held twice per year.
CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information
New Mexico CPA licensees must renew their licenses on an annual basis. To renew, a CPA must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) for each three-year rolling cycle, beginning on the first day of the first month following the licensee’s birth month. Of these 120 hours, four hours must be related to ethics; and 96 hours in technical subjects. Of the required hours, at least 24 hours must be sponsored by an entity other than the CPA’s employer. At least 20 hours of CPE must be earned in each 12-month period. You can find additional information on the Board’s website.
Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in New Mexico
The state of New Mexico has many different career opportunities for graduates in all areas of accounting. It is home to many large accounting firms, including Johnson, Miller, & Co., and Hinkle + Landers. There are also many branches and departments of both federal and state government entities that are major employers of accountants and finance specialists. The state’s travel and tourism industry creates many potential jobs for experts in business, taxation, and accounting. Graduates also have the option to use their accounting and financial knowledge to start their own CPA firms, consulting organizations, or small businesses in the state.
New Mexico Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Accountants & Auditors Employed12 | Average Annual Salary12 |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | 3,550 | $74,090 |
| Las Cruces | 480 | $64,640 |
| Farmington | 240 | $68,450 |
| Santa Fe | 680 | $67,880 |
Additional Resources
Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in New Mexico
- Hinkle + Landers: One of the largest accounting firm in Northern New Mexico, offering accounting and tax-related services to its clients.
- Johnson, Miller & Co.: With an office in Hobbs, one of the largest accounting firms in New Mexico and also one of the oldest with over 80 years of experience.
- Clifton Larson Allen: Services clients across the Southwest and is consistently hiring for audit, tax, and bookkeeping positions.
New Mexico Accounting Associations
- New Mexico Society of CPAs (NMSCPA): This organization promotes and advocates for the CPA profession. By serving as an education and information center for members, it aids members in the conduct of their professional obligations.
- Association of Governmental Accountants (AGA) New Mexico Chapter: Serving professionals in the government financial management community, this organization provides quality education as well as professional development and certification opportunities.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual Best Accounting Schools 2023: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/rankings/top-ranked/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2023 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2022.
4. US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
5. US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/online-bachelors-business-rankings
6. US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
7. Association to Advance College Schools of Business, Accredited Universities and Schools, Business & Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
8. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Accredited Schools, Separate Accounting: https://acbspsearch.org/
9. International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Members: https://iacbe.org/accreditation/member-status-information/
10. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
11. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2019 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, New Mexico: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nm.htm
13. New Mexico Public Accountancy Board: https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/individual-boards-and-commissions/accountancy/