At $3,454/yr net price, Central New Mexico Community College graduates earn $36,869/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,869/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,454 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $13,816 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,869/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,869/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,612 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,092/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,272/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,228/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,142/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,797/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
28.9% of students at Central New Mexico Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Central New Mexico Community College delivers strong financial returns for specific career-focused programs while carrying significant risks in others. Your success depends entirely on choosing the right major.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $62,734 annually against modest debt of $8,666. Allied health programs also perform well at $48,326 yearly earnings with just $5,374 in debt. Electrical and transportation programs offer solid middle-class incomes in the $37,000-$45,000 range, matching well with Albuquerque's job market in utilities and logistics.
The school's 29% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Nearly three-quarters of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This completion rate ranks among the lowest nationally and means your ability to finish becomes the primary factor determining ROI.
You face additional risk from limited financial aid availability. Only 26% of students receive aid, suggesting most pay the full $3,454 annual cost out of pocket. This creates affordability pressure that may contribute to the low completion rate.
CNM makes financial sense if you enroll in nursing, allied health, or skilled trades programs and have strong motivation to complete your degree. The school serves students well who need affordable, local training for specific careers with clear job pathways in the Albuquerque market.
Avoid CNM if you lack clear career direction or struggle with self-motivation. The combination of low graduation rates and limited student support makes this a poor choice for exploratory students or those needing extensive academic assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central New Mexico Community College worth the money?
With a net price of $3,454 per year and median debt of only $6,612, CNM offers good value despite lower earnings potential. The nursing and allied health programs show strong returns, but the 29% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Central New Mexico Community College?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $62,734 annually, followed by allied health fields at $48,326. Electrical and power transmission programs also pay well at $45,128, making these the best bets for strong returns.
How much debt do Central New Mexico Community College graduates have?
CNM graduates carry a median debt of $6,612, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low annual cost of $3,454 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the job market like for Central New Mexico Community College graduates?
CNM graduates earn an average of $36,869 ten years after enrollment, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost of attendance. Healthcare and skilled trades programs offer the best earning potential in the local job market.