New Mexico State University has been accredited since 1926 by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools as a degree-granting institution. The university was accredited in 1954 by the American Association of University Women. The university's teacher preparation program, which involves several colleges and which is directed by the College of Education, was accredited in 1962 by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.

The Division of Student Affairs has two accredited departments as well. The Counseling Center is fully accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS), and the Student Health Center is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

Various academic departments and programs are accredited separately by independent accreditation agencies. These may be found at the beginning of each college chapter.