[2] The college's original mission and Constitutional charter makes Northern the first Hispanic-serving institution in the United States.

Northern opened its Española campus in 1971 and expanded its mission to include technical vocational programs, eventually becoming the state's first designated community college.

In 2005, legislation was enacted which changed the name to Northern New Mexico College, permitting it to offer four-year degrees in any program deemed necessary and appropriate.

Also in 2019 Rio Arriba and Santa Fe County voters approved an annual mill levy to establish and sustain associate degree programs in trades at Northern.

The Mill Levy also provides for the expansion of dual credit and trades education opportunities for residents of the Española, Pojoaque, Chama Valley, Mesa Vista, and Jemez Mountain School districts, including free transportation to and from Northern's campuses.

Northern New Mexico College primarily serves rural communities from within a 40-mile (64 km) radius of the main campus in Española, including eight Native American Pueblos, in one of the most underserved areas in the state.