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 keeps your costs low, and that is the whole story on the return side. You borrow a median of $6,000 total, less than most public schools charge in a single year. Median debt that small means you can walk away without a loan that follows you for a decade, even if your earnings land at the $38,112 median.
The problem is what comes after. The two bachelor's programs with reported earnings, Business Administration and Liberal Arts, both pay in the mid-$30,000s ten years out. That is barely above the school-wide median, and Liberal Arts at $34,261 is a weak bet for the four years it takes to finish. Neither degree here clears the pay ceiling of a solid technical certificate in the region.
Completion is the real risk. A 32.6% graduation rate means most people who enroll do not finish, and only 60.53% come back for a second year. If you leave with credits but no degree, the low net price stops protecting you, because you get the debt without the earnings bump.
The net price barely moves across income tiers here. Families earning under $30,000 pay $4,957, and even the $48-75k tier pays under $7,000. That flatness makes this an easy financial choice if money is tight and you can commit to finishing.
Attend Northern New Mexico College if you live nearby, need to keep debt near zero, and are confident you will graduate. Look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's degree that pays well above $40,000, since neither program here reaches that. The math works only when you finish, and most students don't.
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.