New Mexico Junior College: $1,440 Tuition

$1,440Tuition

2,034Students

24%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,233Earnings

#22 in New MexicoPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About New Mexico Junior College

New Mexico Junior College serves the oil boom country of southeastern New Mexico with programs designed for the region's energy economy. The college enrolls 2,034 students in a remote town setting where many come for petroleum technology, welding, and other trades that feed the Permian Basin workforce. Nearly 60% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the area's demographics and the school's role as an accessible pathway to middle-class careers.

Students pay an average net price of $6,431 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable options in the state. In-state tuition runs just $1,440 per year. Graduates earn a median of $34,233 ten years after enrollment, though many enter high-paying energy sector jobs that can exceed this figure. The typical debt load of $11,313 translates to monthly payments around $120, a manageable burden given regional wages.

The Thunderbirds field 10 varsity sports with 186 total athletes competing in NJCAA divisions. Athletic scholarships total nearly $1 million annually. Women outnumber men 65% to 35%, typical for community colleges nationwide. The 24% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce with certificates before completing associate degrees.

Academics & Faculty

New Mexico Junior College serves a predominantly Hispanic student body with 59.78% of its 2,034 students identifying as such, reflecting the demographics of southeastern New Mexico's oil country. The school operates as a full community college offering workforce training programs that align with the region's energy industry needs. Students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that provides personal attention in small classes. However, the 24.10% six-year graduation rate indicates many students face challenges completing their programs. The college emphasizes practical career preparation through its vocational and technical programs. Students typically graduate with manageable debt loads averaging $11,313, positioning them for entry-level careers in trades and technical fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,233

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$59,169
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$39,009
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$19,683

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

New Mexico Junior College sits in the heart of oil country, where the Permian Basin fuels both the local economy and student career paths. With housing capacity for just 328 students out of 2,034 total enrollment, only about 16% of students live on campus. The majority commute from Hobbs and surrounding areas, creating a largely commuter campus atmosphere. Students bundle up for chilly winters but spend most of the year under intense high desert sun.

The 59.78% Hispanic student body reflects the regional demographics, while the 186 varsity athletes competing in 10 NJCAA sports bring energy to campus life. Weekend activities center around Thunderbirds athletics and trips to Lubbock, Texas, about 100 miles northeast, for bigger city amenities. Many students work part-time jobs in the oil industry, which explains the strong employment rate of 87.7% after graduation. The small-town setting means everyone knows each other, and with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, professors remember your name. Campus life moves at a relaxed pace that mirrors rural New Mexico.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 328 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1965

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	1	1
Domestic Violence	1	0
Stalking	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–56°F
July Avg: 64°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 36.2"
Annual Snowfall: -771.6"

Student Demographics

New Mexico Junior College draws heavily from southeastern New Mexico, with nearly 80% of students coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of the Permian Basin region where oil and gas industries dominate. Women make up about two-thirds of enrollment, typical for community colleges that emphasize healthcare, education, and business programs alongside traditional trades. The college serves as an affordable stepping stone for local students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees looking to either transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly.

Men: 35.0%
Women: 65.0%
White: 26.7%
Black: 6.8%
Hispanic: 59.8%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 78.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.9%

Location

New Mexico Junior College sits in Hobbs, a small oil town in southeastern New Mexico near the Texas border. The campus serves 2,034 students in a remote setting roughly 110 miles from Lubbock, Texas, the nearest major city. Hobbs thrives on petroleum and agriculture, giving the area a distinctly blue-collar character that attracts students interested in trades and technical programs. The flat, arid landscape stretches for miles in every direction, creating an isolated but tight-knit community atmosphere. With 78.65% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from rural New Mexico families seeking affordable education close to home. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare New Mexico Junior College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hobbs, New Mexico 88240

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,233
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,368
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 37.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $120/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,313

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at New Mexico Junior College?

New Mexico Junior College operates with open enrollment typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The school serves 2,034 students with 79% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students in southeastern New Mexico's oil and gas region.

How much does New Mexico Junior College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,431 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at just $1,440, while out-of-state students pay $2,280. Only 26% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the working-class demographics of the Hobbs area.

What is the student-faculty ratio at New Mexico Junior College?

The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in technical and transfer programs. NMJC is known for strong workforce training in oil and gas, nursing, and automotive technology. The school operates on a semester calendar system to align with industry needs.

What are employment outcomes like for New Mexico Junior College graduates?

Graduates achieve an 87.7% employment rate, reflecting strong local job demand in energy and healthcare sectors. Median earnings reach $34,233 ten years after enrollment with relatively low debt burdens of $11,313. The 24% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges serving working students.

Does New Mexico Junior College offer on-campus housing?

The college provides housing for up to 328 students on campus, with room and board costing $5,440 annually. The student body is 65% female and 60% Hispanic, reflecting regional demographics. Campus life revolves around the Thunderbirds athletic programs competing in NJCAA division sports.

What athletic opportunities are available at New Mexico Junior College?

The Thunderbirds field 10 varsity sports with 186 total athletes competing at the NJCAA level. The athletics program distributes $952,238 in scholarships, making it a significant pathway to four-year schools. NMJC is particularly known for its successful baseball and basketball programs that regularly send players to Division I universities.