New Mexico State University-Alamogordo: $2,616 Tuition

$2,616Tuition

569Students

20%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,067Earnings

#23 in New MexicoPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About New Mexico State University-Alamogordo

This branch campus serves 569 students in the shadow of the Sacramento Mountains near White Sands National Park. The school focuses heavily on workforce development and technical training programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment in southern New Mexico's growing industries. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and instructors know students by name. Nearly 92% of students come from New Mexico, creating a tight-knit community college atmosphere.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students typically pay $5,789 after financial aid, though costs vary by income level. Low-income families pay around $5,119 while those earning $75,000-$110,000 pay $10,327 annually. Graduates earn a median of $39,067 ten years after starting, which provides reasonable return on investment given the low debt load of $17,095. Monthly loan payments average just $181, making this an affordable path to career training.

Women make up 67% of the student body, and the campus reflects New Mexico's diversity with 42% Hispanic and 43% white students. The school maintains strong ties to local employers, helping achieve a 91.6% employment rate for graduates. Only 26% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families seeking practical career advancement.

Academics & Faculty

This community college branch serves as a stepping stone for career training and transfer preparation in southern New Mexico's Tularosa Basin. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring relationships that many students need for academic success. However, the 19.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges facing rural community college students, including work obligations and family responsibilities that often interrupt studies. The college focuses on practical programs like nursing, automotive technology, and business administration that connect directly to local job markets. With 91.59% of students from New Mexico, the school understands the specific workforce needs of the region and tailors its associate degree programs accordingly.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 38.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 19.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,067

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$45,696
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$33,993
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$23,930
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$23,005
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$22,420
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$18,087
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$17,794
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$14,524

View all 38 programs →

Campus Life

The Alamogordo campus sits in the high desert of southern New Mexico, about 85 miles northeast of Las Cruces. With 569 students spread across a small campus, you'll recognize faces quickly in the hallways. Women make up 67% of the student body, and most students are local - 92% come from in-state. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally.

Desert living requires year-round sunscreen and light layers for temperature swings from hot days to cool nights. Students typically commute from town rather than live on campus, since this is a community college focused on practical training. The Hispanic population represents 42% of students, reflecting the border region's culture. Weekend activities center around Alamogordo's outdoor recreation - hiking in Lincoln National Forest or visiting nearby White Sands National Park. Many students work while attending classes, balancing career preparation with part-time jobs in this rural community of 31,000 people.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–57°F
July Avg: 63°–96°F
Annual Precipitation: 23.7"
Annual Snowfall: 5.7"

Student Demographics

This branch campus draws heavily from the local Alamogordo community, with 92% of students coming from New Mexico. Women make up two-thirds of enrollment, reflecting the school's strong programs in healthcare, education, and other fields that traditionally attract more female students. The student body is nearly evenly split between white and Hispanic students, mirroring the demographics of southern New Mexico. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many working-class families seeking affordable career training and associate degrees close to home.

Men: 32.9%
Women: 67.1%
White: 42.9%
Black: 3.0%
Hispanic: 41.8%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 91.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.4%

Location

Alamogordo sits in south-central New Mexico, roughly 90 miles northeast of Las Cruces and 200 miles south of Albuquerque. The city rests in the Tularosa Basin, surrounded by the Sacramento Mountains to the east and the San Andres Mountains to the west. With 91.59% of students coming from in-state, the campus serves the local community in this high desert region known for White Sands National Park and Holloman Air Force Base nearby. The rural-fringe setting offers small-town living with outdoor recreation opportunities in the Lincoln National Forest. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare New Mexico State University-Alamogordo with similar schools in the region.

Address: Alamogordo, New Mexico 88310

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,067
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,377
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 45.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $181/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $17,095

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at New Mexico State University-Alamogordo?

As a community college, NMSU-Alamogordo maintains open enrollment policies for most programs. The school serves 569 students and focuses on providing accessible career training and associate degree programs in southern New Mexico's rural community.

How much does New Mexico State University-Alamogordo cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,789 annually, with in-state tuition starting at just $2,616. Only 26.36% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the school's already affordable pricing structure for local residents.

What is the student-faculty ratio at New Mexico State University-Alamogordo?

The school maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in career-focused programs. NMSU-Alamogordo operates on a semester calendar system and emphasizes hands-on training for immediate workforce entry.

What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at New Mexico State University-Alamogordo?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 19.70%, typical for community colleges where students often attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median salary of $39,067 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 91.6% employment rate reflecting strong local job placement.

Where is New Mexico State University-Alamogordo located and who attends?

The campus sits in Alamogordo's rural-fringe setting, serving a student body that is 67.14% female and 91.59% in-state residents. The diverse population includes 42.88% white students and 41.83% Hispanic students, reflecting the demographics of southern New Mexico.

Does New Mexico State University-Alamogordo offer good value for career training?

With monthly loan payments averaging just $181 and median debt of $17,095, the school provides affordable workforce preparation. As a branch campus of New Mexico State University, it combines the accessibility of community college pricing with connection to a larger university system.