At $6,431/yr net price, New Mexico Junior College graduates earn $34,233/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $233/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,431 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,233/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$233/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 110.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,313 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,806/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,386/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,488/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,107/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,826/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 | $59,169 | $12,677 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $39,009 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,683 |
The Risk Factor
24.1% of students at New Mexico Junior 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
New Mexico Junior College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $34,233 ten years after graduation and a concerning 24% graduation rate. Your chances of completing a program here are roughly one in four.
The nursing program stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $59,169 annually against manageable debt of $12,677. Vehicle maintenance and repair technologies also shows promise at $39,009 in earnings. However, the liberal arts program produces disappointing results with graduates earning just $19,683, barely above minimum wage levels.
The biggest risk at New Mexico Junior College is the low completion rate. With three-quarters of students failing to graduate, you face significant odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The school's location in Hobbs limits job opportunities outside the oil and gas sector, which creates additional employment risk if energy markets decline.
This school makes financial sense if you can secure a spot in the nursing program and have strong academic preparation to complete it successfully. The vehicle maintenance program also offers reasonable returns for hands-on learners interested in automotive careers. Students considering liberal arts should look elsewhere for better earning potential.
With only 26% of students receiving financial aid, you will likely pay most costs out of pocket. The relatively low net price of $6,431 annually helps offset the limited aid availability. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs, especially given the high dropout rates that suggest many students struggle academically or financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Mexico Junior College worth the cost compared to other schools?
With a net price of $6,431 per year and 10-year earnings of $34,233, New Mexico Junior College offers reasonable value for a two-year school. The low cost helps offset modest post-graduation earnings, though the 24% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What programs at New Mexico Junior College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at New Mexico Junior College lead to median earnings of $59,169, making them the clear winners for return on investment. Vehicle maintenance programs also perform well at $39,009, while liberal arts graduates earn just $19,683.
How much debt do New Mexico Junior College graduates typically have?
New Mexico Junior College graduates carry a median debt of $11,313, which is manageable for most career paths. However, this debt becomes problematic for liberal arts graduates who earn under $20,000 annually.
Does New Mexico Junior College have a good graduation rate for the money?
New Mexico Junior College's 24% graduation rate is concerning, meaning three out of four students don't finish their programs. While the low cost reduces financial risk, students should carefully consider their likelihood of completing coursework before enrolling.