Luna Community College: $1,202 Tuition

$1,202Tuition

459Students

39%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,461Earnings

#7 in New MexicoPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Luna Community College

Luna Community College serves the high plains of northern New Mexico with deep roots in the region's Hispanic heritage. The small campus enrolls just 459 students and focuses on practical programs that match local needs. Nursing, agriculture, and skilled trades form the backbone of academic offerings here. The rural setting means students know their professors well, with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio creating tight-knit learning environments.

Money matters stay manageable at Luna. In-state students pay just $1,202 in tuition, and the average net price after aid comes to $7,039 annually. Low-income families typically pay around $6,274 per year after financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $32,461 ten years after leaving, making this an affordable path to career training. Only 3.07% of students take federal loans, reflecting the college's commitment to keeping education debt-free.

The student body reflects northern New Mexico's demographics, with 78.21% Hispanic enrollment and 82.93% in-state students. Women make up 61.22% of enrollment, particularly strong in nursing programs. The Rough Riders field two NJCAA sports teams with 58 total athletes competing. Most students work while studying, preparing for careers that keep them connected to their home communities.

Academics & Faculty

Luna Community College serves northern New Mexico's predominantly Hispanic population with practical career training. The college enrolls 459 students with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention in small classes. However, the 38.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. The school focuses on nursing, agriculture, and skilled trades programs that prepare students for local employment opportunities. These hands-on programs align with the rural economy's needs. Students benefit from affordable education with in-state tuition at just $1,202. The college emphasizes workforce development over traditional academic transfer programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 40.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,461

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$57,318

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

The small town of Las Vegas, New Mexico sits about an hour northeast of Santa Fe in the high desert foothills. With just 459 students, Luna Community College feels intimate on its compact campus. You'll definitely need a winter coat here, as the elevation brings snow and freezing temperatures from November through March, while summers stay pleasantly warm rather than scorching.

Women make up 61% of the student body, and 78% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the region's deep cultural roots. Most students commute from surrounding rural communities, as this is primarily a non-residential campus. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you're absent. On weekends, students often head to Santa Fe for entertainment or stay local for outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The Rough Riders compete in just two NJCAA sports with only 58 total athletes, so the athletic scene stays low-key. Campus life revolves more around study groups, workforce training programs, and connections to the agricultural community that many students plan to serve after graduation.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–45°F
July Avg: 52°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.5"
Annual Snowfall: 50.5"

Student Demographics

Luna Community College draws primarily from northern New Mexico's Hispanic communities, with 78% of students identifying as Hispanic and 83% coming from in-state. The student body reflects the region's rural ranching and farming heritage. Women make up 61% of enrollment, largely due to the college's popular nursing program that attracts female students seeking healthcare careers. Only 25% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working families rather than the lowest income brackets. The college serves as an educational anchor for students who want to stay close to their tight-knit communities while gaining practical skills.

Men: 38.8%
Women: 61.2%
White: 13.9%
Black: 1.7%
Hispanic: 78.2%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 82.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.0%

Location

Luna Community College sits in Las Vegas, New Mexico, about 65 miles east of Santa Fe in the high desert of northern New Mexico. The town of 13,000 people maintains its Wild West heritage as a former frontier railroad stop. Students attend classes at 6,400 feet elevation surrounded by rolling plains and distant mountains. The rural setting offers outdoor recreation but limited urban amenities typical of small New Mexico communities. With 83% of students from in-state, most come from nearby rural areas and Hispanic communities that make up 78% of enrollment. The campus serves as an educational center for ranching and farming families across the region. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare Luna Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $32,461
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,748
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 28.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Luna Community College?

Luna Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of prior academic performance. The college enrolls 459 students and serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in northern New Mexico. Most students come from within the state, with 82.93% being New Mexico residents.

What does Luna Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,039 annually at Luna Community College. In-state tuition starts at just $1,202, making it one of the most affordable options in New Mexico. Only 24.97% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many families can afford the low base costs without significant federal aid.

What academic programs is Luna Community College known for?

Luna Community College specializes in nursing, agriculture, and trade programs that serve the rural economy of northern New Mexico. The college maintains a favorable 13:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized instruction. Students benefit from hands-on training in fields that directly support the region's ranching and healthcare needs.

What career outcomes do Luna Community College graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median salary of $32,461 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on practical, job-ready training. The employment rate reaches 81.9% for former students. However, only 38.70% complete their programs within six years, which is common for community colleges serving working adults and part-time students.

What is campus life like at Luna Community College?

The campus serves a predominantly Hispanic student body, with 78.21% of students identifying as Latino. Women make up 61.22% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide. The Rough Riders compete in two NJCAA varsity sports with 58 total athletes, creating a close-knit athletic community despite the small size.

Where is Luna Community College located and what makes it unique?

The college sits in Las Vegas, New Mexico, a rural-fringe community that preserves the authentic character of the American Southwest. This location allows students to study agriculture and trades in their natural environment while staying close to home. The setting attracts students seeking affordable education without the distractions of urban campuses.