About New Mexico State University-Dona Ana
This Las Cruces community college serves as a stepping stone for students pursuing both immediate careers and four-year degrees. With 4,812 students enrolled, New Mexico State University-Dona Ana focuses on practical, career-oriented programs that prepare graduates for the workforce. The college operates in a midsize city setting with strong ties to the main NMSU campus. Students benefit from transfer pathways that make continuing education seamless.
The financial picture here tells a story of accessibility. Students pay an average net price of $4,621 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $2,322. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 facing costs of only $3,916. Graduates earn a median of $39,067 ten years after starting, while carrying manageable debt loads of $17,095. Monthly loan payments average $181, making this education affordable for working-class families.
The student body reflects the region's demographics, with 71.7% Hispanic enrollment and 90.7% in-state students. Women make up 60.6% of enrollment. With a 91.6% employment rate and a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, the college delivers on its promise of career preparation. Only 9.94% of students need federal loans, indicating the school's commitment to keeping costs low.
The financial picture here tells a story of accessibility. Students pay an average net price of $4,621 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $2,322. Low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 facing costs of only $3,916. Graduates earn a median of $39,067 ten years after starting, while carrying manageable debt loads of $17,095. Monthly loan payments average $181, making this education affordable for working-class families.
The student body reflects the region's demographics, with 71.7% Hispanic enrollment and 90.7% in-state students. Women make up 60.6% of enrollment. With a 91.6% employment rate and a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, the college delivers on its promise of career preparation. Only 9.94% of students need federal loans, indicating the school's commitment to keeping costs low.
Academics & Faculty
NMSU Doña Ana operates as a community college focused on career training and university transfer preparation. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors for students navigating two-year programs. However, the 15.6% graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. The college emphasizes practical workforce development in fields like nursing, automotive technology, and business administration. Students can complete associate degrees or certificates before entering the job market directly. Many use the college as an affordable stepping stone to New Mexico State University's main campus. The semester system allows flexibility for working adults pursuing career changes or skill upgrades.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 30.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 15.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,067
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,997 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,696 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $44,170 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $36,674 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $36,674 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $33,993 |
| Data Processing. | Associate | $26,353 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $24,730 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management. | Associate | $24,035 |
Campus Life
NMSU-Dona Ana sits in Las Cruces, a city of 100,000 nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this high desert climate where summer temperatures regularly hit 100°F. Winter rarely requires more than a light jacket. About 91% of students come from New Mexico, creating a tight-knit community feel among the 4,812 enrolled.
As a community college, there are no residence halls or traditional campus life. Most students commute from around Las Cruces and surrounding areas. With 61% of students being women and 72% identifying as Hispanic, the campus reflects the region's cultural heritage. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know your professors in smaller classes. Weekends typically involve work, family time, or heading to nearby hiking trails in the Organ Mountains. Many students balance school with jobs, contributing to the practical, goal-oriented atmosphere. The campus serves as a stepping stone, with students either entering the workforce directly or transferring to complete bachelor's degrees at the main NMSU campus in Las Cruces.
As a community college, there are no residence halls or traditional campus life. Most students commute from around Las Cruces and surrounding areas. With 61% of students being women and 72% identifying as Hispanic, the campus reflects the region's cultural heritage. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know your professors in smaller classes. Weekends typically involve work, family time, or heading to nearby hiking trails in the Organ Mountains. Many students balance school with jobs, contributing to the practical, goal-oriented atmosphere. The campus serves as a stepping stone, with students either entering the workforce directly or transferring to complete bachelor's degrees at the main NMSU campus in Las Cruces.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
89 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 29 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 23 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Arson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fondling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 29°–58°F
- July Avg
- 68°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 9.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,552.8"
Student Demographics
This community college draws overwhelmingly from New Mexico, with nine out of ten students staying close to home for affordable education. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of the Las Cruces border region. Women outnumber men, typical for community colleges that emphasize healthcare, education, and social service programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking career training or university transfer preparation. The local focus makes this a true community institution serving the Mesilla Valley's educational and workforce needs.
- Men
- 39.4%
- Women
- 60.6%
- White
- 18.7%
- Black
- 1.8%
- Hispanic
- 71.7%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 90.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 34.4%
Location
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana sits in Las Cruces, a city of about 215,000 people in southern New Mexico. The campus is roughly 45 miles north of El Paso, Texas, making it accessible to students from both states. Las Cruces anchors the Mesilla Valley, surrounded by desert landscapes and the Organ Mountains. The area blends Southwestern culture with a college town atmosphere, thanks to the nearby main NMSU campus. With 90.68% of students coming from in-state, the community college serves as a local educational center for the region's predominantly Hispanic population, which makes up 71.70% of the student body. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare New Mexico State University-Dona Ana with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011
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
How much does New Mexico State University-Dona Ana cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $4,621 per year. The college serves as an affordable entry point to higher education, with in-state tuition at just $2,322 annually.
What academic programs is New Mexico State University-Dona Ana known for?
The college operates with a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio and focuses on career-focused programs and transfer pathways. Students can complete associate degrees before transferring to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly.
How much do New Mexico State University-Dona Ana graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $39,067 ten years after starting college. The college maintains a strong 91.6% employment rate, reflecting its emphasis on practical, job-ready education.
What is the student body like at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana?
The college enrolls 4,812 students, with 71.70% Hispanic and 60.62% female. Nearly 91% of students come from New Mexico, making it a true community college serving the Las Cruces area.
Does New Mexico State University-Dona Ana offer good financial aid?
About 34.37% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $3,916 annually.
What is the graduation rate at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 15.60%, which is typical for community colleges where many students transfer before completing degrees. Students graduate with a median debt of $17,095 and monthly loan payments of $181.
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