At $7,039/yr net price, Luna Community College graduates earn $32,461/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,039 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,156 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,461/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,539/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,274/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,741/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,831/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,426/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,783/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 | $57,318 |
The Risk Factor
38.7% of students at Luna 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
Luna Community College delivers mixed financial returns that heavily depend on your program choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $57,318 annually, making it one of the stronger community college nursing programs in New Mexico. This creates a clear path to positive ROI given the school's low $7,039 annual net price.
Outside of nursing, your financial prospects become much weaker. The overall median earnings of $32,461 after ten years barely justify the investment, even at this low cost. Most programs fail to generate strong earning potential in the Las Vegas, New Mexico job market, which lacks the diversity and wage levels found in larger metropolitan areas.
The 38.7% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt with no credential to show for it. The rural location also limits internship and job opportunities compared to community colleges in Albuquerque or Santa Fe.
Luna works financially if you're pursuing nursing and committed to finishing your degree. The program's strong earnings justify the investment and the school's nursing reputation opens doors regionally. You should look elsewhere if you're considering other programs, as the combination of limited local job opportunities and weak graduation rates creates poor financial odds.
With only 25% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay close to the full net price. The school offers limited merit scholarship opportunities, so your cost strategy should focus on completing your degree quickly and minimizing living expenses in the affordable Las Vegas, New Mexico area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Luna Community College worth the cost?
Luna Community College offers a low net price of $7,039 annually, but graduates earn only $32,461 ten years after enrollment. The 38.7% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Luna Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Luna Community College lead to the highest earnings at $57,318 annually. Other programs typically result in much lower salaries that may not justify even the relatively low tuition costs.
How much debt do Luna Community College students typically graduate with?
While Luna Community College keeps costs low at $7,039 per year, the poor graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing their degrees. Students should plan carefully given the modest earning potential for most programs.
Does Luna Community College provide good financial aid?
Luna Community College's net price of $7,039 reflects financial aid availability, making it affordable upfront. However, the low graduation rate and modest post-graduation earnings limit the overall value proposition for most students.