New Mexico State University (NMSU or NM State) is a public research university, with a main campus in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest public institution of higher education in the state of New Mexico, and is one of two flagship universities in New Mexico. Total enrollment across all campuses as of 2017 was 24580, with branch campuses in Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Doña Ana County and Grants, and with extension and research centers across New Mexico.It was founded in 1888 as the Las Cruces College, and the following year became New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts and designated as a Land Grant college. It received its present name in 1960. NMSU has 24,580 students enrolled as of Fall 2017, and has a faculty-to-student ratio of about 1 to 16. NMSU offers a wide range of programs and awards associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees through its main campus and four community colleges. NMSU offers 28 doctoral degree programs, 58 master's degree programs, and 96 baccalaureate majors.New Mexico State's athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division I level, competing in the Western Athletic Conference, except for football.