Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in New Mexico

Northern New Mexico College stands out with a $5,216 net price, making it the most affordable option among nine Liberal Arts and Sciences programs in the state. The cost gap between public and private options spans nearly $20,000, with St. John's College reaching $24,351. These programs prepare graduates for New Mexico's growing renewable energy sector, where humanities-trained professionals help navigate community engagement and policy development around solar and wind projects.

Programs

$5,216 – $24,351

Net Price Range

$29,367

Avg. Program Earnings

42.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Northern New Mexico College Espanola, New Mexico	$5,216	$6,400	32.6%
2	Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus Portales, New Mexico	$6,199	$6,863	39.8%	27.6%
3	New Mexico State University-Main Campus Las Cruces, New Mexico	$6,747	$8,147	52.2%	78.1%
4	Western New Mexico University Silver City, New Mexico	$7,912	$7,868	34.9%
5	New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Socorro, New Mexico	$8,265	$9,058	56.4%	74.4%
6	New Mexico Highlands University Las Vegas, New Mexico	$14,141	$7,260	25.6%
7	University of New Mexico-Main Campus Albuquerque, New Mexico	$17,478	$8,115	52.5%	96.1%
8	University of the Southwest Hobbs, New Mexico	$19,969	$16,670	26.7%
9	St. John's College Santa Fe, New Mexico	$24,351	$38,946	60.0%	54.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap among New Mexico Liberal Arts graduates?

Graduate earnings range from $20,140 to $38,953, largely reflecting program quality and alumni networks. Eastern New Mexico University graduates earn $38,953 annually, while St. John's College graduates start at $20,140 despite the school's higher costs.

How do graduation rates compare across New Mexico's most affordable programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from 25.6% at New Mexico Highlands University to 60% at St. John's College. Northern New Mexico College, despite offering the lowest net price, maintains a 32.6% graduation rate.

Does the Legislative Lottery Scholarship make private schools competitive with public options?

The scholarship covers tuition at public universities but doesn't apply to private institutions. This creates a substantial advantage for schools like Northern New Mexico College, where in-state tuition runs just $6,400 compared to $38,946 at St. John's College.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in New Mexico Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Under $20,000 in New Mexico

All Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs Best Colleges in New Mexico Best Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in New Mexico

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.