New Mexico State University is a public land-grant research university in Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States. Founded in 1888, it is the state's oldest public institution of higher education, and the state's first land-grant institution in New Mexico. NMSU has campuses in Alamogordo, Doña Ana County, and Grants, as well as research centers and programs in all …New Mexico State University is a public land-grant research university in Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States. Founded in 1888, it is the state's oldest public institution of higher education, and the state's first land-grant institution in New Mexico. NMSU has campuses in Alamogordo, Doña Ana County, and Grants, as well as research centers and programs in all 33 counties in the state.