Colorado State University (CSU) Pueblo Expands RISE Initiative to New Mexico Students with In-State Tuition

Colorado State University (CSU) Pueblo has announced it will extend its groundbreaking RISE (Regional, In-State, Equivalent Tuition Program) initiative to students from New Mexico beginning in the Fall 2025 semester.

Through RISE, New Mexico students will pay the same tuition as Colorado residents—approximately $410.85 per credit hour, or about $15,940 per full-time year. This represents a savings of more than $6,000 annually compared to the standard non-resident tuition of $23,099.

The initiative directly benefits students from communities such as Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Farmington, and Roswell, making CSU Pueblo an accessible, affordable option for New Mexico families.

“CSU Pueblo is excited to welcome New Mexico students into our RISE initiative,” said Dr. Kristyn White Davis, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Extended Studies. “Our goal is to build bridges across state lines and ensure that students throughout our region—including our neighbors in New Mexico—can access high-quality, affordable education close to home.”

By extending in-state tuition, CSU Pueblo is helping address New Mexico’s workforce needs, particularly in fields experiencing shortages such as nursing, teaching, engineering, and cybersecurity. The university’s programs are designed to prepare graduates for critical roles that support the state’s growing healthcare sector, expanding tech corridor, and renewable energy initiatives.

Students enrolling through RISE benefit not only from reduced tuition but also from CSU Pueblo’s emphasis on hands-on learning, small class sizes, and strong industry partnerships across Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico.

“Expanding in-state tuition to New Mexico reflects our vision of CSU Pueblo as a regional hub for education and innovation,” added Dr. Davis.

“It strengthens our university community while ensuring New Mexico students graduate with less debt and the skills to contribute immediately to their home state’s economy.”

This initiative complements CSU Pueblo’s broader mission to expand opportunity, boost campus vitality, and support economic growth across the Mountain West and Southwest.

For more information about admissions and the RISE initiative, click here.

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Sam Amsterdam

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