Enrollment at the University of New Mexico-Taos has climbed to its highest level since 2017, with the campus reporting a 5% increase in total student enrollment for fall 2026 compared with the previous year.
According to UNM-Taos’ Fall 2026 Census, 1,302 students were enrolled this fall. Enrollment among students from the local area, referred to by the university as home students, increased 8% over fall 2025.

The university also reported a 6% increase in total semester credit hours, while semester credit hours among home students increased 8%.

“This year’s census reflects the impact of our collective efforts to focus our efforts in serving our Northern New Mexico students,” Alejandra Villalobos Melendez, director of Strategic Initiatives and Research at UNM-Taos, said in a statement. “We continue to experience sustained, measurable enrollment growth among our local students by expanding access, strengthening student support, and creating meaningful pathways to success.”

Several student groups recorded notable increases, according to the university:

• Certificate-seeking students increased 17%.
• Dual-credit students increased 10%.
• Non-degree-seeking home students increased 18%.
• First-time students increased 26%.
• Indigenous home student enrollment increased 59%.

The university also reported gains in student retention. Overall retention increased to 68%, up 2 percentage points from the previous cohort. Retention among Indigenous students reached 74%, while the university said the retention gap between women and men also narrowed.

Census Day is the university’s official enrollment count and provides a snapshot after registration changes, including course adds, drops and other adjustments made at the beginning of the semester.

UNM-Taos leaders attributed the enrollment gains to the work of faculty and staff supporting students throughout the academic process, from recruitment and enrollment to graduation and career preparation.
The campus has continued to emphasize access to certificates, workforce training and degree programs, as well as services intended to support student persistence and completion.

“We are encouraged to see strong growth among both new and returning students as more learners choose UNM-Taos to pursue their educational goals,” Villalobos Melendez said.

The fall 2026 enrollment figures put UNM-Taos at levels not seen in nearly a decade, according to the university.