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 gives you a low-cost path with a modest payoff. At under $8,000 a year in net price and a median debt of about $17,000, you are not risking the kind of money four-year schools ask for. The catch is the 24% graduation rate. Three out of four students who start here do not finish, and a credential you never complete cannot pay you back.
The program you pick matters more than the school itself. Allied Health leads at $45,696, well above the school's $39,067 median, and it does it with only $9,000 in debt. That is the clearest win here. Electrical Engineering Technologies clears $33,993. After that the numbers drop hard: Data Processing, Precision Metal Working, and Business Operations Support all land in the $23,000 to $27,000 range. Those associate degrees leave you near what many jobs pay without any college at all, so weigh them carefully against the time and cost.
Your main financial risk is not debt, it's non-completion. Walk away without a degree and you still owe on any loans while earning nothing extra for the effort. The Allied Health debt-to-earnings picture is the safest bet on this list.
The net price runs backward here. If your family earns under $30k you pay about $7,136, while families in the $48-75k range pay closer to $9,702. Lower income means a lower bill, but nobody gets a steep discount.
This school fits you if you live near Grants, want a cheap entry into healthcare or electrical work, and can commit to finishing. If you are aiming for a career that needs a bachelor's or a salary well above $40,000, plan on transferring or look elsewhere.
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.