At $14,141/yr net price, New Mexico Highlands University graduates earn $45,937/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,937/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,141 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $56,564 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,937/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,937/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,399 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,501/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,953/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,596/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,350/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,797/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. | Bachelor | $81,031 | $10,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $54,192 | $28,531 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $51,169 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $43,426 | $25,000 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $43,128 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $38,289 | $27,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $35,772 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,637 | $11,399 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $32,711 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $31,314 |
The Risk Factor
25.6% of students at New Mexico Highlands University 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
New Mexico Highlands University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a 25% graduation rate that makes any investment extremely risky. The $45,937 median earnings after 10 years barely justify the time and money spent, especially when three-quarters of students never finish their degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear exception, with graduates earning $81,031 annually and carrying just $10,000 in debt. This program offers genuine value in New Mexico's healthcare job market. Business administration graduates earn $54,192 but carry $28,531 in debt, creating a less favorable debt-to-income ratio. Education-related majors pay around $43,000-$51,000, which works for students planning to stay in New Mexico where living costs are lower.
Your biggest risk at NMHU is not graduating at all. The 57% retention rate means many students leave after freshman year, often with debt but no degree. The rural Las Vegas location limits internship and job opportunities compared to Albuquerque or Santa Fe.
NMHU makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing, planning to teach in New Mexico, or need the lowest possible net price for a bachelor's degree. The $14,141 annual cost is genuinely affordable. However, if you're undecided about your major or considering fields outside healthcare and education, you should look elsewhere. The combination of low graduation rates and limited career services makes this a high-risk choice for most students.
Transfer students with clear career goals face better odds than incoming freshmen, since they've already proven they can handle college-level work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Mexico Highlands University worth the money?
New Mexico Highlands University offers a low net price at $14,141 per year, but graduates earn only $45,937 ten years after enrollment. The 25.6% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degrees, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying majors at New Mexico Highlands University?
Nursing programs at New Mexico Highlands University provide the strongest return, with registered nursing graduates earning $81,031 annually. Business administration follows at $54,192, while education-related programs typically earn in the $40,000-$50,000 range.
How much debt do New Mexico Highlands University graduates have?
New Mexico Highlands University graduates carry a median debt of $11,399, which is relatively manageable compared to many schools. However, the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Does New Mexico Highlands University have good job placement rates?
With only 25.6% of students graduating, New Mexico Highlands University struggles with completion rates that directly impact job outcomes. Students who do graduate and enter nursing or business fields see better employment prospects than those in education programs.