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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a specific catch: what you study decides whether it pays off. At roughly $3,454 a year with median debt just over $6,600, you take on little financial risk here. The problem is the median graduate earns about $36,869 ten years out, which is weak, and only 29% of students finish. Those two numbers are the real story.
The nursing associate degree is where the money is. Graduates clear over $62,000, nearly double the school-wide median, and that reflects Albuquerque's steady demand for hospital and clinic staff. Allied health and electrical power transmission also land you above $45,000, and the electrical work ties directly to New Mexico's utility and grid jobs. If you enroll in one of these programs, the return is strong against your small debt load.
Outside those lanes, the picture dims fast. The certificate tracks in ground transportation and electrical work pay $37,000 to $41,000, and anything not on this earnings list is a gamble given the low overall median. The biggest risk here isn't debt, it's not finishing. Seven in ten students don't complete, and a partial credential with no degree leaves you with loans and little to show.
Net price barely moves with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $2,092. over $110,000, about $7,797. Either way the cost is low enough that the math works for most budgets.
This school fits you if you commit to nursing, allied health, or the electrical trades and plan to graduate. If you're unsure of your major or unlikely to finish, the low price won't save you from a weak payoff.
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.