At $4,621/yr net price, New Mexico State University-Dona Ana 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) | $4,621 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,484 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,067/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,067/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 15.6% |
| 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 | $3,916/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,580/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,021/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,244/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,541/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
15.6% of students at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana 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-Dona Ana offers solid financial value for career-focused students, but you need to choose your program carefully. The $4,621 annual net price makes this one of the most affordable pathways to career training in New Mexico.
Nursing graduates earn $63,997 annually with just $13,590 in debt, delivering strong returns that justify the investment within two years. Allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment professions reaching $45,696 and dental support services hitting $44,170. These healthcare pathways align perfectly with Las Cruces' medical job market and aging population demographics.
Business and environmental technology programs show weaker returns at $36,674, barely reaching the overall graduate median of $39,067. You should avoid these unless you have specific local connections or plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree.
The 15.6% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Most students who enroll never complete their programs, wasting time and money. This school works best for highly motivated students with clear career goals, particularly in healthcare fields.
The low aid percentage of 34% means most students pay close to full price, but full price remains manageable. New Mexico residents should prioritize this school for nursing and allied health programs while considering four-year options for business or technical fields. Out-of-state students can likely find better value closer to home unless specifically targeting the regional healthcare job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Mexico State University-Dona Ana worth the cost?
NMSU-Dona Ana offers strong value with a low net price of $4,621 per year and median debt under $18,000. However, the 15.6% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs.
What programs at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana have the best ROI?
Nursing programs offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $64,000 annually. Allied health and dental support programs also pay well at $45,000-$46,000, making healthcare the clear winner for ROI.
How much debt do New Mexico State University-Dona Ana students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $17,095, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. With the low annual cost of attendance, most students can avoid heavy borrowing.
What are the job prospects after graduating from New Mexico State University-Dona Ana?
Overall earnings average $39,067 ten years after enrollment, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost. Success depends heavily on your program choice, with healthcare fields offering much better outcomes than general business programs.