Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College

$1,372Tuition

409Students

15%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,550Earnings

#25 in New MexicoPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College

This mountain community college serves 409 students in the heart of New Mexico's recreational paradise. The school operates as a branch campus, focusing on practical career training and transfer preparation for students who want to stay close to the outdoor lifestyle that defines this region. With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, classes stay small and personal. The college draws heavily from local communities, with 90.91% of students coming from in-state.

Students pay an average net price of $4,230 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable college options in New Mexico. In-state tuition runs just $1,372 before aid. Graduates earn a median of $38,550 ten years after completing their programs. With median debt of $16,500 and monthly loan payments around $175, the financial burden stays manageable for most students. The employment rate hits 93.7%, suggesting strong job prospects in the local economy.

Women make up 67.24% of the student body, while the campus reflects New Mexico's diverse population with 37.90% Hispanic students and 33.50% white students. Only 12.45% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating many come from working-class families rather than the lowest income brackets. The 15.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations.

Academics & Faculty

This mountain community college serves just 409 students with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personal attention from instructors. The campus focuses on career-oriented programs that prepare students for immediate employment in the tourism and hospitality industry that drives Ruidoso's economy. However, only 15.40% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults face balancing education with employment. The college offers associate degrees and certificates in fields like business, criminal justice, and health sciences. As a branch of Eastern New Mexico University, students can complete foundational coursework before transferring to the main campus in Portales for bachelor's degree programs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 17.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 15.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,550

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$48,041
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$23,693

View all 35 programs →

Campus Life

This small mountain community college sits in Ruidoso, a resort town 4,000 feet above sea level in south-central New Mexico. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here, as temperatures can drop below freezing in winter while summer days reach the 80s. The campus serves just 409 students in a town surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest and ski slopes. About 91% of students come from within New Mexico, creating a tight-knit community feel.

With a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll know your instructors personally. The student body is 67% women and reflects New Mexico's diversity, with 38% Hispanic and 34% White students. As a branch campus without dormitories, students commute from the surrounding area or nearby towns. Weekends often involve outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or skiing at nearby Ski Apache when it's in season. The employment rate hits 94%, reflecting the college's focus on practical career preparation. Only 12% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working families seeking affordable workforce training.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–48°F
July Avg: 51°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 21.8"
Annual Snowfall: -747.8"

Student Demographics

Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso draws primarily local students, with nine out of ten coming from within New Mexico. The student body is 67% women, reflecting strong enrollment in health sciences and education programs that typically attract more female students. Hispanic students make up 38% of enrollment while white students represent 34%, mirroring the diverse demographics of southern New Mexico. With just 409 total students, this branch campus maintains an intimate 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The college serves working adults and recent high school graduates seeking affordable career training close to home.

Men: 32.8%
Women: 67.2%
White: 33.5%
Black: 2.2%
Hispanic: 37.9%
Asian: 2.0%
In-State Students: 90.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 12.5%

Location

Ruidoso sits in the mountains of southern New Mexico, about 200 miles southeast of Albuquerque. This small resort town of around 8,000 people nestles in the Sierra Blanca range at 6,900 feet elevation. The area revolves around outdoor recreation, horse racing at Ruidoso Downs, and tourism rather than academia. With 90.91% of students coming from in-state, the college primarily serves local residents in Lincoln County and surrounding rural areas. The nearest four-year university lies hours away through winding mountain roads. The setting offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer, but limited urban amenities or college town culture. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Ruidoso, New Mexico 88345

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,550
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,025
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $175/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements like at Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College?

The college maintains open enrollment as a community college, welcoming students seeking affordable higher education in the mountain region. With 409 students enrolled, the school serves as an accessible entry point for students in Lincoln County and surrounding areas.

How much does Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,230 annually, with in-state tuition at just $1,372. The school keeps costs exceptionally low, though only 12.45% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the rural community's mixed economic demographics.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College?

The college maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small classroom settings. This mountain community college emphasizes hands-on learning and close mentorship relationships between students and instructors.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College?

Graduates achieve a 93.7% employment rate, with median earnings of $38,550 ten years after enrollment. However, the 15.40% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many rural community college students face in completing their programs.

Where do most students at Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College come from?

About 90.91% of students are New Mexico residents, with women comprising 67.24% of the student body. The college serves a diverse population with 37.90% Hispanic students and 33.50% White students, reflecting the multicultural makeup of southern New Mexico.

Is Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College known for any particular programs?

This branch campus focuses on workforce development and transfer preparation in the scenic Ruidoso area, known for horse racing and outdoor recreation. With monthly loan payments averaging just $175 for borrowers, the school emphasizes affordable career training and academic preparation for students in rural Lincoln County.