PORTALES, NM – April 1, 2021 – In recognition of how the COVID-19 pandemic has caused economic hardship across the nation, the ENMU Board of Regents accepted the University administration’s recommendation to keep 2021–22 tuition and fees at 2020–21 levels.
The zero percent increase in tuition in consecutive years at campuses in Portales, Roswell and Ruidoso is an unprecedented move in an unprecedented time.
“Eastern’s students showed tremendous grit and determination in sticking to their programs and completing their classes in a virtual environment,” ENMU System Chancellor Patrice Caldwell said “We appreciate their commitment to their education, and we maintain our commitment to them by holding costs just as low as we can.”
With the leveling of tuition costs, administrators hope prospective students will find even more reasons to attend college and improve their economic future. This is especially true at the branch campuses in Roswell and Ruidoso, which act as community colleges and provide a beneficial economic impact.
“We recognize the financial challenges our students face now more than ever,” ENMU-Roswell President Shawn Powell said,. “We hope by keeping tuition and fees at their current levels, we enable more students to choose ENMU-Roswell as they pursue their higher education goals.”
“ENMU-Ruidoso students attended classes online, and many had to juggle family needs as they studied. Others struggled when jobs were eliminated or work hours reduced,” ENMU-Ruidoso President Ryan Trosper said. “For these reasons, ENMU-Ruidoso is pleased to hold the line on tuition for 2021–22. Our goal is to keep the cost of a higher education within reach of all our students.”
As the economy and schools re-open, an economic rebound is a possibility, and Caldwell said now is the perfect time to get that higher education degree to take advantage.
“There is every indication that New Mexico will see an economic rebound from the pandemic in the near future. Schools will re-open, employees laid-off will be hired back, and businesses will expand,” Caldwell said. “There has never been a better time to have that college degree in hand for the next good job opportunity that comes along.”
