At $7,729/yr net price, New Mexico State University-Grants 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) | $7,729 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,916 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,067/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,067/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.2% |
| 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 | $7,136/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,026/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,702/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 | |
| 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 | $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
24.2% of students at New Mexico State University-Grants 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-Grants offers poor financial returns for most students, with a median graduate earning just $39,067 ten years after enrollment despite the school's low $7,729 annual net price. The bigger problem is that three-quarters of students never graduate at all.
Your best financial bet is the Allied Health program, where graduates earn $45,696 with only $9,000 in debt. This creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio that actually makes sense. Electrical Engineering Technology offers moderate returns at $33,993, but most other programs leave you earning in the mid-twenties while competing for jobs that often don't require a degree.
The low graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk. If you're among the 76% who don't finish, you'll likely carry debt without the credential to justify it. The Data Processing and Business Operations programs show particularly weak returns given the time investment required.
This school works financially if you're targeting Allied Health careers and confident you'll complete the program. The low sticker price makes it worth the gamble for local students who need basic credentials for regional employers. However, if you're considering the weaker-paying programs or aren't certain about finishing, community colleges with better completion rates or four-year schools with stronger job placement make more financial sense.
The school's limited financial aid reach, covering just 27% of students, means you'll likely pay the full net price. Merit scholarships are minimal, so your strategy should focus on completing quickly in a high-return program rather than hunting for aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Mexico State University-Grants worth the cost?
With a net price of $7,729 per year and median earnings of $39,067 after graduation, NMSU-Grants offers reasonable value for students who complete their programs. However, the 24% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly hurts the investment.
What are the best paying programs at New Mexico State University-Grants?
Allied Health programs lead with $45,696 median earnings, followed by Electrical Engineering Technology at $33,993. Most other programs at NMSU-Grants pay significantly less, with several averaging under $25,000 annually.
How much student debt do New Mexico State University-Grants graduates have?
NMSU-Grants graduates carry a median debt of $17,095, which is manageable compared to many schools. The low tuition helps keep borrowing reasonable for those who complete their degrees.
What is the graduation rate at New Mexico State University-Grants?
Only 24% of students graduate from NMSU-Grants, which is well below national averages. This low completion rate represents a major risk for anyone considering enrollment, as most students don't finish their programs.