Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 15.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $39,067
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,095
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 45.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $181/mo
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 | $63,997 | $13,590 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,696 | $9,000 |
| 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 | |
| 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 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Public Health. | Associate | $18,771 |
Outcomes Overview
NMSU-Dona Ana graduates typically earn $38,119 in their first year after completing their programs. With median debt of $17,095, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, which is reasonable for a community college. Monthly loan payments of $181 represent about 5.7% of gross monthly income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 91.6% employment rate demonstrates strong job market outcomes. Many graduates enter healthcare support roles, skilled trades, or continue their education at four-year institutions. The low debt burden combined with solid employment prospects and affordable monthly payments creates a strong return on investment for students seeking career training or transfer preparation.