Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 28.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $36,869
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $6,612
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $70/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $62,734 | $8,666 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,326 | $5,374 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $45,128 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $41,565 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $37,208 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $35,416 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $34,111 | $7,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,077 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $32,711 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $32,569 | $8,125 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $31,133 | $6,800 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $29,685 |
Outcomes Overview
Graduates earn a median of $36,869 ten years after leaving CNM. The debt-to-earnings ratio sits at a manageable 18%, well below the federal benchmark of 30%. Monthly loan payments of $70 represent just 2.3% of typical graduate income. The 88.6% employment rate reflects strong job placement in Albuquerque's growing healthcare, technology, and skilled trades sectors. Many graduates transfer to four-year universities like UNM after completing prerequisites at a fraction of the cost. Others enter careers as medical assistants, automotive technicians, and culinary professionals. The trimester calendar system allows faster program completion. CNM delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable career training or university transfer preparation.