At $5,789/yr net price, New Mexico State University-Alamogordo graduates earn $39,067/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,067/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,789 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,156 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,067/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,067/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,095 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,119/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,887/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,648/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,327/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,696 | $9,000 |
| 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 | $9,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $22,420 | $8,550 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $18,087 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $17,794 | $7,542 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $14,524 |
The Risk Factor
19.7% of students at New Mexico State University-Alamogordo 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 State University-Alamogordo offers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $39,067 ten years after enrollment and a troubling 19.7% graduation rate that signals most students leave without completing their programs.
Your best financial bet is the Allied Health program, where graduates earn $45,696 annually with only $9,000 in debt. This program provides the clearest path to positive ROI at this campus. Electrical Engineering Technologies offers moderate returns at $33,993, though debt data isn't available for comparison.
Avoid the remaining programs unless you have compelling non-financial reasons. Liberal Arts graduates earn just $23,005 annually, Criminal Justice majors make $22,420, and Business Operations Support graduates earn $23,930. These low earnings make it difficult to justify even the modest debt loads these programs typically carry.
The extremely low graduation rate represents your biggest financial risk. With fewer than one in five students completing their programs, you face high odds of accumulating debt and time costs without earning a credential.
This school works financially only for students pursuing Allied Health programs or those who can attend with minimal debt while maintaining strong academic momentum. If you're considering other programs, community colleges with stronger completion rates or four-year universities with better earning outcomes likely offer superior financial prospects.
The low percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests limited institutional support beyond federal programs. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize opportunity costs, given the campus's completion challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Mexico State University-Alamogordo worth the cost?
With a low net price of $5,789 per year and median debt under $18,000, NMSU-Alamogordo offers affordable education. However, the 20% graduation rate and $39,067 median earnings suggest limited career outcomes for many students.
What programs at New Mexico State University-Alamogordo have the best ROI?
Allied health programs offer the strongest return with graduates earning $45,696 annually. Electrical engineering technology also pays well at $33,993, while liberal arts and criminal justice graduates earn around $23,000.
How much debt do New Mexico State University-Alamogordo graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $17,095, which is manageable given the low tuition costs. The bigger concern is the low graduation rate, meaning many students leave without completing their programs.
Why is New Mexico State University-Alamogordo's graduation rate so low?
Only 20% of students graduate, which is well below national averages for community colleges. This suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, limiting the school's overall value proposition despite low costs.