Mesalands Community College: $2,136 Tuition

$2,136Tuition

357Students

57%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,272Earnings

#2 in New MexicoPublic2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Mesalands Community College

Mesalands Community College serves 357 students in the small town of Tucumcari, where Route 66 once brought travelers through eastern New Mexico. The college has built a reputation for hands-on technical programs and workforce development since 1979. Students here often pursue careers in trades, healthcare, and business that serve rural communities across the region. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally and can provide individual attention.

In-state students pay $2,136 in tuition, while the average net price reaches $10,078 after all expenses. Graduates earn a median of $32,272 ten years after starting, making this education a solid investment for many students. The 88.2% employment rate shows most graduates find work quickly. Only 1.7% of students take federal loans, suggesting families can afford the education without heavy debt burdens.

Men make up 65% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong technical programs. Hispanic students represent 48% of enrollment, making Mesalands one of the most diverse colleges in New Mexico. The Stampede compete in five NJCAA sports with 34 total athletes. Most students come from New Mexico, with 85% holding in-state residency.

Academics & Faculty

Mesalands Community College serves a predominantly Hispanic student body with 48% of its 357 students identifying as Hispanic. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in a small-town setting where most students know their professors personally. The college focuses heavily on workforce development and technical training programs that prepare students for immediate employment in rural New Mexico. With a 57% graduation rate, about six out of ten students complete their programs within six years. The school emphasizes hands-on learning in fields like automotive technology, nursing, and business administration. Students benefit from direct access to faculty and tailored support that helps them transition into the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 35.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 56.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,272

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$42,682

View all 31 programs →

Campus Life

Mesalands sits in Tucumcari, a high plains town of 5,000 people about three hours from Albuquerque. The campus serves a largely Hispanic student body (48% of enrollment) in a region where ranching and wind energy dominate the landscape. With 65% male enrollment, the college attracts many students pursuing technical programs in areas like automotive technology and renewable energy.

Only 85% of students come from New Mexico, reflecting the college's role as a regional center. Winters require a jacket as temperatures drop into the 20s, while summers reach the 90s with high desert sun demanding sunscreen year-round. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their 357 students personally. Most students commute from surrounding rural communities rather than living on campus. Five varsity sports teams compete as the Stampede, with just 34 total athletes creating tight-knit teams. Weekends often involve travel back home to family ranches or part-time jobs, as 88% of graduates find employment within six years of attending.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1979

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–52°F
July Avg: 64°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 34.0"
Annual Snowfall: -757.8"

Student Demographics

Mesalands draws primarily local students, with 86% coming from New Mexico. The student body is nearly two-thirds male, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's signature programs like wind energy technology and heavy equipment operation. Hispanic students make up 48% of enrollment, while white students comprise 33%, mirroring the demographics of rural northeastern New Mexico. Only 11% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students come from working families rather than low-income backgrounds. The college serves as a regional workforce development center for industries like renewable energy and agriculture.

Men: 65.3%
Women: 34.7%
White: 33.3%
Black: 2.5%
Hispanic: 48.2%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 85.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 11.4%

Location

Tucumcari sits in eastern New Mexico, roughly 175 miles from Albuquerque and 110 miles from Amarillo, Texas. This small railroad town of about 5,000 residents serves as a gateway along historic Route 66. The surrounding high plains landscape features wide open spaces and big skies typical of the American Southwest. Tucumcari's remote setting means students experience true small-town life, where the college represents a major community institution. The town's economy traditionally centered on ranching and transportation, though tourism along the famous highway brings visitors year-round. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare Mesalands Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Tucumcari, New Mexico 88401-3352

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $32,272
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,991
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Mesalands Community College?

Community colleges like Mesalands typically have open enrollment policies for students with high school diplomas or equivalents. With just 357 students enrolled, this small institution serves the rural Tucumcari area with accessible higher education. The college focuses on providing opportunities for local students, with 85.51% of students coming from in-state.

How much does Mesalands Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $10,078 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $9,639 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay up to $12,372. Only 11.41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating many students come from working-class families who don't qualify for federal need-based aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Mesalands Community College?

The student-faculty ratio is 12:1, providing relatively personalized attention in this small college setting. This rural New Mexico institution emphasizes hands-on learning and close faculty relationships. The college operates on a semester system and maintains small class sizes typical of community colleges in remote areas.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Mesalands Community College?

Graduates have an 88.2% employment rate, reflecting strong job placement in the region. The median earnings after 10 years are $32,272, which aligns with the rural New Mexico economy and typical community college outcomes. Many graduates likely enter trades, agriculture, or local service industries common in the Tucumcari area.

Where is Mesalands Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Tucumcari, New Mexico, a remote town setting that shapes the entire campus experience. With only 357 students total, campus life centers around close-knit community relationships rather than large events. The student body is 65.27% male and 48.18% Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of rural eastern New Mexico.

Does Mesalands Community College offer athletics programs?

The Stampede compete in five NJCAA varsity sports with just 34 total athletes across all teams. The college awards $64,569 in athletic scholarships, representing a significant investment for such a small enrollment. Athletics provide one of the few traditional college experiences at this remote institution where students often commute from surrounding rural areas.