“Coming to NMMI has helped me to develop my skills as a leader. Also, I love to practice in a group and my team is just awesome to train with. It really motivates me and helps me to get better every day. I also want to become a doctor, and the academics here challenge and help prepare me for this future path.”
The New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) was established in 1891 as a public military High School and Junior College in Roswell, New Mexico. Known as “the West Point of the West,” NMMI operates under the auspices of the State of New Mexico, under a dedicated Board of Regents that reports to the Governor of New Mexico. The school enrolls nearly 1,000 cadets at the junior college and high school levels each year from 45 states, 2 U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and American Samoa), and 35 foreign nations.
VISION
To be the premier small military college/land-grant institution in the Nation—unmatched in developing educated, honorable citizen-leaders. NMMI is recognized internationally for academic excellence, distinguished by a unique commitment to character development, self discipline, and physical challenge. This transformative experience is delivered within a rigorous military environment that prepares Cadets to lead with integrity, resilience, and distinction in a complex global landscape.
MISSION
To recruit, retain, educate, train, and transform young men and women into Cadets within the Corps—leaders of global impact who demonstrate critical thought, sound judgment, uncompromising character, and the resilience to meet demanding physical challenges and the evolving needs of the future.
The overarching values that are inherent in the NMMI Vision and Mission shape the institution, the faculty, staff, and, most significantly, its Cadets. They represent an enduring commitment to duty, honor, and achievement.
New Mexico Military Institute was founded as the Goss Military Institute in 1891, later changing to the current name in 1893 as a result of becoming a territorial school. While previously located in the downtown McDonalds area, NMMI relocated to it’s current location in 1895 with a land donation from James John Hagerman. In 1899 NMMI officially became an all male boarding school. In 1915 NMMI formally became a junior college. 1977 saw women readmitted to NMMI for the first time in 78 years with 15 female college cadets and 10 female high school cadets. To read more about NMMI’s long history, visit the NMMI Historical Timeline.
Note: If you don’t find your question below, feel free to reach out to us at admissions@nmmi.edu.
What age/grade can my son/daughter attend NMMI?
New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) provides a distinguished boarding school education,
encompassing a four-year College Preparatory program beginning in 9th grade and a two-year
junior college, accommodating students up to the age of 19 for High School and 22 for Junior
College. Additionally, NMMI offers the Intermediate Preparatory Academy (IPA) , a day school serving students in grades 6 through 8. For additional information on IPA please click on the IPA tab above, in the top left corner.
I have a troubled or at-risk son/daughter. Can they attend NMMI?
New Mexico Military Institute is a boarding military school dedicated to educating, training, and preparing young men and women to become leaders. NMMI is not specifically designed as a therapeutic or rehabilitative program for troubled or at-risk youth. The institute focuses on providing a rigorous academic and military structure that requires students to be self motivated, disciplined, and committed to their personal and academic growth.
What is the Admissions process like?
The Global Enrollment process consists of two components: Conditional Acceptance and Final Acceptance. During the Conditional Acceptance phase, we will be collecting the required documentation to determine eligibility to attend NMMI. Once the Conditional Acceptance has been issued additional documentation will be collected, varying depending on HS or JC. Continuous communication with your Global Enrollment Counselor is crucial throughout the process to ensure all requirements are fulfilled and to receive guidance at every step.
When is the best time to apply for admission?
It is never too early to begin the admission process. We encourage you to schedule a visit to campus early in the process to ensure that this is the right choice for your son/daughter. New qualified cadets are accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. To avoid being placed on a waitlist and to have time to explore possible scholarships we encourage you to begin the process three to six months before the start of the semester for which you are applying, however, you can begin the process a year before you wish to start. We normally continue to accept applications up until the week of the start of the semester. However, waiting until this time will decrease your chance of acceptance, limit your chance of receiving scholarship money, and force you to rush the paperwork process.
Who reviews my application?
Your application will be reviewed by your assigned Global Enrollment counselor, assistant director, and director of the global enrollment office.
Is there an applicant fee?
No.
What if my transcripts are not in English?
All foreign language documents must be translated into English.
When will I hear back about my application?
Once your application has been processed you will receive a confirmation e-mail that includes the contact information from your Global Enrollment Counselor. Your Global Enrollment Counselor will reach out to you within 1 business day of being assigned.
How do I set up a campus visit?
To schedule your visit fill out the Online Campus Visit Form under the Admissions tab click on Visit NMMI, or call the Admissions Office at 1-800-421-5376. Interviews and testing (if needed) will follow the tour. Lunch in our dining hall is available upon request for tours.
We live too far away to come for the interview/test. What can we do?
We are able to accommodate you, NMMI offers an option for both testing and interviewing remotely. Please contact your assigned Global Enrollment Counselor for more details.
How can my son/daughter study for the entrance test?
Your Enrollment Counselor can email you the study guide, you can also use Khan Academy or Google Pre-Algebra Saxon Math. Keep in mind the study guide will give examples of what may be on the test but it is not a mirror image of the test.
My son/daughter has a special need. Will NMMI be able to accommodate him/her?
Due to the unique nature of NMMI, we are unable to accommodate most special needs such as IEPs and 504 plans. All cadets are required to participate in certain physical activities (e.g. marching in parade formation with a rifle, running the obstacle course, close order drill, and intramural athletics), all considered essential to the traditions of a military school and to the development of individual leadership skills and a sense of camaraderie as a member of the Corps of Cadets. If your son/daughter has a special need, please mention this to your assigned Global Enrollment Counselor during the Admissions process and we will be able to help you determine if NMMI can reasonably accommodate your son/daughter and if NMMI is the right fit for him/her.
My cadet left NMMI and now wants to come back. What do we need to do?
If your cadet has left NMMI, they will need to reapply online as a BIS (Break in Service) cadet. You will also need to submit new transcripts and any additional paperwork as requested. Your Enrollment Counselor will seek approval from relevant departments regarding the break in service, which will determine the cadet’s
eligibility for return. Their history will be reviewed to decide whether they can be readmitted to NMMI. You will be notified of the decision once it has been made.
How much does it cost to attend NMMI?
The costs to attend NMMI can vary depending on individual circumstances. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on tuition and associated costs, please visit the Tuition and Costs page for details and information on the payment plan.
How can we/do we qualify for In-State Tuition?
To find out more information regarding New Mexico Residency requirements, visit the New Mexico Higher Education Department’s website on residency requirements. For further information contact the Registrar’s office at (575) 624-8070.
How can my cadet apply for scholarships and/or financial aid?
Our Financial Aid Department will review applicants for eligibility only after they have received a Conditional Acceptance from the Global Enrollment Department. When you fill out the scholarship portion on the NMMI application for enrollment, you will automatically be placed into a scholarship database and matched with available scholarships. New Mexico residents can apply separately for the New Mexico General Knowles Legislative Scholarship. For further information on scholarships and financial aid, please visit the Financial Aid website.
What infirmary coverage is available and what happens in case of medical or personal emergencies?
NMMI’s Marshall Infirmary provides on-campus support for cadets with minor illnesses and injuries, with nursing coverage available around the clock and sick call available on weekdays beginning at 7:00 a.m. Parents should understand that the infirmary is not a hospital and does not replace outside medical, dental, specialty, or emergency care. When a cadet’s condition requires services beyond the infirmary’s scope, medical staff may refer the cadet to local providers or emergency services as appropriate.
In an emergency, NMMI will activate the appropriate response immediately, then notify the responsible NMMI staff and the parent or guardian consistent with the cadet’s age, consent status, safety needs, and applicable privacy rules. On-campus emergencies will be routed through NMMI Police or emergency services. Staff will document the incident, actions taken, referrals made, and parent or guardian notifications in accordance with NMMI policy.
How are medications stored, handled, and distributed?
Medication practices will follow the Cadet Blue Book, infirmary procedures, provider instructions, and applicable law. As a best practice, all prescription and over-the-counter medications brought to NMMI must be reported to the infirmary, kept in their original labeled containers, and reviewed by medical staff before use. Controlled substances or medications with safety concerns should be secured and administered or monitored only through authorized procedures.
Note on foreign medications. For cadet safety and legal compliance, medications intended for routine use at NMMI should be dispensed by a U.S.-licensed pharmacy and labeled in English with the cadet’s name, medication name, strength, dosage instructions, prescriber information, and pharmacy information. In most circumstances, federal guidance does not allow individuals to import foreign prescription medications for personal use because the FDA cannot verify that foreign-dispensed medications meet U.S. safety, labeling, and approval standards. Families who arrive with medication from outside the United States should contact the infirmary before arrival and should work with a U.S.-licensed medical provider or clinic to review the foreign prescription, determine whether a U.S.-approved equivalent is appropriate, and have the medication legally prescribed and filled through a U.S. pharmacy. Families should bring translated medical records, the original prescription, medication packaging, and provider instructions to support that process.
Cadets should not share medications, keep unauthorized medications in rooms, or alter dosage schedules without medical direction. Distribution will be documented by NMMI personnel, especially for prescription medication, controlled medication, medication taken during training or athletics, and medication associated with medical restrictions. These practices help protect cadet safety, reduce misuse, and preserve continuity of care.
What should parents do if their cadet has a health concern before arrival?
Parents should contact NMMI before arrival if a cadet has a medical condition, medication requirement, allergy, recent injury, mental health concern, dietary need, physical restriction, or other medical issue that could affect participation in the Corps, academics, physical training, athletics, or residential life. Early communication allows NMMI to determine what documentation is needed, whether additional medical clearance is appropriate, and how to coordinate support while maintaining standards and safety.
Families should provide current medical forms, immunization information, medication details, provider instructions, emergency contact information, and any relevant care plans before matriculation. If the concern is urgent or could affect travel, training, or immediate participation, parents should speak directly with the appropriate NMMI health or student support office before the cadet reports to campus.
How does the Cadet Counseling Center support cadets, including homesickness, stress, and adjustment?
The Cadet Counseling Center provides free, confidential mental health and wellness support to NMMI cadets. Services may include counseling, life coaching, crisis response, student advocacy, spiritual counsel, preventative programming, referral support, and help connecting cadets with outside providers when needed. Cadets may seek support for concerns such as homesickness, stress, adjustment, grief, academic challenges, anxiety, depression, substance-use concerns, or spiritual guidance.
Best practice is to normalize early help-seeking. Parents can encourage cadets to use counseling resources proactively rather than waiting until a concern becomes a crisis. Because NMMI serves both minors and adult/postsecondary cadets, confidentiality and parent communication may vary depending on the cadet’s age, enrollment status, consent, and health or safety circumstances. In urgent safety situations, staff may share necessary information with appropriate parties to protect the cadet or others.
How should parents communicate urgent concerns?
For immediate emergencies, parents should use emergency channels rather than routine email. If the concern involves immediate danger, a medical emergency, or a safety threat, parents should contact emergency services or NMMI Police as appropriate. For urgent but non-emergency concerns, parents should contact the relevant NMMI office directly, such as the infirmary for health concerns, the Cadet Counseling Center for mental health or adjustment concerns, the Commandant’s chain of command for Corps-related concerns, or the academic office for academic issues.
Parents should provide the cadet’s full name, troop if known, a concise description of the concern, relevant dates or symptoms, what has already been tried, and the best callback number. Best practice is to avoid sending sensitive medical or counseling details broadly by email; instead, use the designated office or secure process requested by NMMI. Staff will route urgent information quickly while respecting student privacy and documenting the concern and response.
Any advice on how RATs can balance academics, Corps responsibilities, physical training or athletics, and personal time?
RATs should expect a structured, demanding transition. Success usually depends less on having large blocks of free time and more on using small blocks of time consistently. Cadets should maintain a planner, know the daily schedule, prepare uniforms and materials the night before, complete assignments early, seek academic help before falling behind, and communicate respectfully through the chain of command when conflicts arise.
Parents can help by reinforcing resilience, patience, and appropriate self-advocacy. The most helpful message is that adjustment takes time, discomfort is not the same as failure, and cadets should use the systems around them: TACs, cadet leadership, faculty, coaches, the infirmary, counseling staff, chaplain support, and peers. RATs should get sleep, instead of being up texting or playing games, when possible, hydrate, eat properly, ask for help early, and avoid waiting until a minor concern becomes an academic, medical, conduct, or wellness problem.
What kind of support services does NMMI offer cadets?
At New Mexico Military Institute, we offer comprehensive support for our cadets. Our services include the Student Assistance Center (SAC) for High School academic planning, Junior College Bronco and Athlete Advising, and military advising for Academy Prep, and ROTC. We also provide peer tutoring, Faculty-Led Math and Science Lab tutoring, Private Tutoring, and structured study sessions like Night Study Hall and Guided Night Study Hall (NSH/GNSH). We’re dedicated to helping every cadet succeed.
What kind of campus resources are available to support mental health and well-being?
At New Mexico Military Institute, we are dedicated to the well-being of our cadets with a range of supportive services. The Marshal Infirmary is available for medical care, while our Counseling and Life Coaches offer personalized support. Additionally, our Title IX resources are on hand to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all cadets.
Does Roswell have an Airport?
Yes, there are direct flights to Roswell (ROW) via Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) through American Airlines. If you choose to fly to another airport you are responsible for your own transportation. Home – Fly Roswell | Air Center
Where should I stay in Roswell?
Roswell features a range of accommodations, from national hotel and motel chains to local
hotels and campgrounds, all providing comfortable stays. To guarantee availability and get the
best rates, it’s best to book in advance: Stay New | Roswell, NM.
Is my son/daughter required to have a computer?
No, all NMMI cadets will be issued a school laptop. Wireless printing is offered to students at no cost in various locations throughout campus. Students may bring a personal laptop, but it is not recommended as they will be required to use their school-issued laptop during the academic day.
Can my son/daughter have a car while at NMMI?
Most cadets do not need a vehicle. Public transportation around Roswell is free for cadets. A bus terminal is within walking distance of the school, and NMMI provides options for cadets to and from the airports.
Authorization for Possession and Operation of Vehicles:
(1) New cadets, yearlings, 4th class cadets and below are not authorized to possess and operate vehicles while in attendance at NMMI. This includes rental vehicles.
(2) College cadets who are not new cadets or yearlings may possess and operate vehicles given they maintain at least a 2.25 GPA and a B in deportment.
(3) Cadets who are members of the National Guard or Reserves may possess and operate vehicles to attend drill periods.
(4) 3rd class high school cadets, who are not new cadets or yearlings, may possess and operate vehicles during their second semester given they maintain at least a 2.25 GPA and a B in deportment.
(5) Cadets authorized to possess vehicles on post may operate their vehicle when they are authorized to be off post.
(6) In special circumstances and upon written parental or guardian request, the Commandant may authorize a cadet to possess and operate a vehicle. Request for Vehicle On Post forms and Vehicle Use and Registration forms may be obtained from the cadet’s TLA or the NMMI website, and must be filled out and returned to the Commandant. If approved, specific instructions and guidance for possessing and operating the vehicle must be strictly followed.
(7) Any cadet found guilty of a serious traffic violation, or more than one minor traffic violation, will be subject to having his/her vehicle privileges revoked.
Please visit the Commandant’s Blue Book for more detailed information regarding automobile, motorcycle and bicycle policy.
How can I find out what my cadet needs to bring or is unauthorized to bring?
You can request it from your Enrollment Counselor or it can be found on our website under the CAMPUS LIFE tab, click on Parents. There you will find the Cadet Contract packet, in this packet, you will find the items needed and the Unauthorized items.
Does my son/daughter have to join the military if he/she wants to attend NMMI?
No, being a cadet at NMMI does not obligate you in any way to join any branch of the military. NMMI is designed to follow a strict military regime to give our students the discipline for success, not to train them for the military. Students are able to pursue a variety of careers and educational paths.
When will my cadet get his/her schedule?
New cadets will work with their Academic Advisor during RAT (Recruit-at-Training) week after matriculation to determine the correct class schedule.
What is matriculation?
Matriculation serves as the cadet’s first day on campus and marks the official enrollment into NMMI. On this day, both you and your cadet will go to several stations to complete additional paperwork, meet with advisors, and pay any necessary fees. This is also when the cadet will begin their initial training in to cadet life. Additionally, male cadets will receive a haircut (full shave) and all cadets will be issued initial items necessary for their training and daily routines. Please be aware that your cadet will remain on campus following matriculation.
What do I need to bring to matriculation?
Please review the Cadet Contract for a list of items to bring to matriculation, along with the funds for your initial tuition payment. It is also recommended to bring all documents including originals submitted in the event something is needed.
What should Parents expect during matriculation?
Parents can anticipate an engaging schedule of activities leading up to and on Matriculation Day. The evening before Junior College Matriculation, join us for a Parents Briefing with the Superintendent at 7:00 PM in Pearson Auditorium. High School families are welcome to attend either the night before or on Matriculation Day itself. On Matriculation Day, be sure not to miss the 3:00 PM Parents Briefing with the Dean of Academics, Commandant of Cadets, and Athletic Director, also in Pearson Auditorium. The last chance to spend time with your cadets will be just before the SRC (Supper Roll Call) and the march through Bronco Plaza to Bates Hall. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information, visit our website and navigate to the CAMPUS LIFE section. Scroll down to the Parents page to stay updated on key events.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio? What is the average class size?
New Mexico Military Institute provides small class sizes on average 12:1.
