At $5,216/yr net price, Northern New Mexico College graduates earn $38,112/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,112/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,216 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,864 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,112/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,112/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,957/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,669/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,836/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $34,261 |
The Risk Factor
32.6% of students at Northern New Mexico College 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
Northern New Mexico College offers one of the lowest net prices in the country at $5,216 annually, but your financial returns will likely disappoint. With median earnings of $38,112 ten years after graduation and a graduation rate of just 33%, you face significant odds of either not finishing or earning relatively little after you do.
The school's top-earning programs pay poorly compared to national averages. Business Administration graduates earn $35,060 annually, while Liberal Arts graduates make $34,261. Both figures fall well below what you could expect from similar programs at other institutions. The narrow gap between these programs suggests limited specialization benefits.
Your biggest financial risk here is the 67% chance you won't graduate at all. The 61% retention rate signals many students leave after freshman year, potentially with debt but no degree. However, if you do graduate, your median debt of $6,000 is manageable given the low sticker price.
This school makes financial sense if you need to stay local in northern New Mexico, have very limited resources, and plan to work in the regional job market where cost of living partially offsets lower wages. The combination of rock-bottom tuition and minimal debt could work for first-generation college students or those using it as an affordable stepping stone to transfer elsewhere.
You should look elsewhere if you want strong career earnings or have other affordable options. The low aid percentage (36% receive aid) suggests limited scholarship opportunities, but the low base price means most students can afford attendance without significant borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern New Mexico College worth the cost?
With a net price of $5,216 per year and median debt of only $6,000, Northern New Mexico College offers affordable education. However, graduates earn a median of $38,112 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Northern New Mexico College?
Northern New Mexico College has a 32.6% graduation rate, meaning most students who start here do not complete their degree. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall return on investment.
Which programs at Northern New Mexico College have the best job prospects?
Business Administration graduates earn around $35,060 annually, while Liberal Arts graduates earn about $34,261. These earnings are modest but the low debt burden helps offset the limited earning potential.
How much debt do Northern New Mexico College students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Northern New Mexico College graduates is $6,000, which is very low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load makes the school accessible even if post-graduation earnings are limited.