NMSU Main Campus Housing Costs

$4,698 Other Living Expenses Typical Cost

What Are the Living Expenses at NMSU Main Campus?

Understanding all of the expenses related to attending college can allow you to make the best decision at New Mexico State University-Main Campus.

On this page you will find:

Outline of Housing Costs
Room & Board Trends and Total Expenses
Meal Plans and Housing Requirements
References

Housing and Meal Plan Costs at NMSU Main Campus

Housing and meal plans are priced out separately here. The standard student paid $6,506 in 2026, with the price of an average meal plan at $5,776. All in all, the average on-campus student at New Mexico State University-Main Campus can expect to spend about $22,766 in 2026 in total yearly living costs beyond tuition.

The following table outlines average expected costs for both on-campus and off-campus housing, meals and other expenses at New Mexico State University-Main Campus.

Expense	On Campus	Off Campus
Room and Board	$16,818	$18,588
— Housing	$6,506
— Meals	$5,776
Other Living Expenses	$4,698	$4,698
Books and Supplies	$1,250	$1,250
Total	$22,766	$24,536

Will You Spend Four Years On Campus? Projected Four-Year Total: $95,348

Room and board is a moving target: it tends to creep up every year you are enrolled. Looking at the trend gives you a realistic picture of what you will actually spend by graduation.

Over the course of obtaining your degree, expect on-campus living costs near $95,348 by the time you graduate.

See how housing and dining costs have changed over recent years and where they are trending at New Mexico State University-Main Campus.

Year	Room & Board
Three Years Ago	$15,651
Two Years Ago	$15,532
One Year Ago	$16,724
Most Recent Year (2026)	$16,818
One Year From Now *	$17,236
Two Years From Now *	$17,664
Three Years From Now *	$18,103
Four Years From Now *	$18,553

* estimated

Most recently, on-campus costs increased an average of 2.5% annually. At the same pace next year, the total would be roughly $23,184 for their first year on campus.

Projected forward, the last year of a four-year degree runs about $24,501 for a four-year (bachelor’s) degree, and about $23,612 in their second and final year.

Across all four years, on-campus living costs would total approximately $95,348 over four years — compared with roughly $46,796 for a two-year (associate) degree.

Do Not Ignore Yearly Increases

Most schools raise housing and dining costs gradually each year, so today’s figure is unlikely to be what you pay all four years.

Meal Plans and Housing Requirements at NMSU Main Campus

Not all meal plans work the same way. This school structures its plans by meals per week, and the table below lists the largest plan offered. Curious about campus housing? The table below summarizes the on-campus living details for this school.