New Mexico State University-Grants: $2,136 Tuition

$2,136Tuition

351Students

24%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,067Earnings

#16 in New MexicoPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About New Mexico State University-Grants

This small branch campus serves 351 students in the high desert community of Grants, about 80 miles west of Albuquerque. New Mexico State University-Grants functions as a community college focused on workforce development and transfer preparation. The campus emphasizes practical training for local industries including mining, healthcare, and manufacturing. Women make up 70% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong nursing and education programs.

Students pay an average net price of $7,729 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in New Mexico. In-state tuition runs just $2,136 per year. Graduates earn a median of $39,067 ten years after starting college, which provides solid returns given the low debt burden of $17,095. Only 2.67% of students take federal loans, suggesting most can afford the modest costs without borrowing heavily.

The student body is 38% Hispanic and draws heavily from rural New Mexico communities, with 94% coming from in-state. The 24% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face completing their studies. However, 91.6% of graduates find employment, indicating strong connections to local job markets. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention despite limited resources.

Academics & Faculty

New Mexico State University-Grants operates as a community college branch campus serving the remote mining town of Grants. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides close academic support in a small learning environment with just 351 students. The college focuses on workforce preparation and transfer pathways, offering associate degrees and certificates aligned with regional employment needs. Women make up 70% of enrollment, reflecting the school's strength in health sciences and education programs. The 24% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges common to rural community colleges serving first-generation and working students. Many programs connect to local industries including healthcare, mining, and transportation that drive the regional economy.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 26.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.2%
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
Data Processing.	Associate	$26,353
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$24,730
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 45 programs →

Campus Life

This small branch campus sits in the high desert town of Grants, about 80 miles west of Albuquerque along historic Route 66. With just 351 students, you'll recognize most faces by mid-semester. Women make up 70% of the student body, and 38% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the region's cultural heritage. The campus operates without dormitories, so students commute from the surrounding mining and ranching communities.

Grants sits at 6,500 feet elevation, meaning you'll need both sunscreen and a winter coat. Snow falls in winter, but the high desert climate stays relatively dry year-round. With 94% of students from New Mexico, most already know the area's outdoor recreation opportunities around Mount Taylor and El Malpais National Monument. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally. Weekend activities often center around family obligations and part-time jobs rather than campus events. The town's small size means students frequently see classmates at the grocery store or local diners along Route 66.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 14°–49°F
July Avg: 55°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 9.7"
Annual Snowfall: 7.9"

Student Demographics

This small branch campus draws students primarily from New Mexico's rural communities, with nearly all enrollment coming from in-state. Women make up about 70% of the student body, reflecting the campus's focus on healthcare and education programs that traditionally attract female students. The student population is diverse, with Hispanic students comprising the largest demographic group alongside white and other students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families in this remote mining region who need affordable, local access to higher education and career training.

Men: 29.9%
Women: 70.1%
White: 18.5%
Black: 1.1%
Hispanic: 38.5%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 94.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.7%

Location

Grants sits in northwestern New Mexico, about 80 miles west of Albuquerque along Interstate 40. This small town of roughly 9,000 residents serves as a gateway to the high desert country near Mount Taylor and El Malpais National Monument. The area's economy historically centered on uranium mining, though tourism and railroad traffic now play larger roles. With 94% of the college's 351 students coming from in-state, the campus draws heavily from rural New Mexico communities. The remote setting means fewer distractions but also limited entertainment options beyond outdoor recreation in the surrounding mesas and lava fields. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare New Mexico State University-Grants with similar schools in the region.

Address: Grants, New Mexico 87020-2025

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-Grants?

As a community college branch campus, NMSU-Grants maintains an open enrollment policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 351 students primarily from the local area, with 94.23% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a gateway for students seeking affordable higher education in rural New Mexico.

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

Students pay an average net price of $7,729 annually, which includes all expenses after aid. In-state tuition is just $2,136, making it one of the most affordable options in New Mexico. Only 26.67% of students receive federal aid, suggesting many can afford the low sticker price without borrowing.

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

The student-faculty ratio stands at 18:1, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college setting. With only 351 total students, classes remain small and manageable. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on foundational coursework and workforce preparation programs.

What are the employment outcomes for New Mexico State University-Grants graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 91.6% employment rate, reflecting the practical nature of community college programs. However, the 6-year graduation rate is 24.20%, typical for two-year institutions where many students transfer or attend part-time. Median earnings reach $39,067 ten years after enrollment.

Where is New Mexico State University-Grants located and what is the student body like?

The campus sits in Grants, a remote town in western New Mexico known for its mining heritage and proximity to Native American communities. Women make up 70.09% of the student body, while Hispanic students represent 38.46% of enrollment. The rural setting attracts students seeking education close to home in an underserved region.

How much debt do students typically graduate with from New Mexico State University-Grants?

Students who borrow graduate with a median debt of $17,095, leading to monthly payments of $181. Only 2.67% of students take federal loans, reflecting the school's low tuition costs. The 45.39% loan repayment rate indicates some graduates face challenges paying back their educational debt.