Santa Fe Community College: $2,145 Tuition

$2,145Tuition

2,234Students

25%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,005Earnings

#18 in New MexicoPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Santa Fe Community College

Santa Fe Community College draws students who want affordable career training in New Mexico's artistic capital. The college enrolls 2,234 students and serves the rural-fringe community surrounding Santa Fe with both workforce programs and university transfer options. Students can pursue everything from nursing and automotive technology to liberal arts coursework that prepares them for four-year universities.

The financial picture makes this college accessible to working families. Students pay an average net price of $9,215 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $2,145. Graduates earn a median of $38,005 ten years after enrollment, while typical debt loads remain manageable at $13,236. Only 14.48% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from families that can afford the low costs without significant federal aid. Monthly loan payments average $140 for those who borrow.

This college reflects northern New Mexico's demographics, with 54.57% Hispanic students and 97.04% coming from in-state. Women make up 62.62% of enrollment. The student-faculty ratio of 11:1 allows for personalized attention. However, the 24.70% six-year graduation rate suggests many students attend part-time or face challenges completing their programs, which is common at community colleges serving working adults.

Academics & Faculty

Santa Fe Community College serves as a stepping stone for students pursuing both career training and four-year transfer pathways. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that's crucial for community college success. However, the 24.7% six-year graduation rate reflects common challenges in two-year institutions where many students attend part-time or face financial pressures. The college offers strong programs in healthcare, trades, and liberal arts transfer courses. With 54.6% Hispanic enrollment, SFCC plays a vital role in serving the region's diverse population. The school connects students to New Mexico's cultural heritage while preparing them for careers in nursing, automotive technology, and other regional industries.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 22.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,005

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$62,260
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$36,852
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$35,060
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Certificate	$31,314
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$25,967

View all 119 programs →

Campus Life

Santa Fe Community College sits on a 360-acre campus in the high desert foothills outside New Mexico's capital city. Students drive about 20 minutes to reach downtown Santa Fe's art galleries and plaza. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom atmosphere where professors know their students by name.

Winter temperatures drop to freezing, so students bundle up in coats between buildings, while summer highs reach the 80s under intense high-altitude sun. With 62.62% female enrollment, the campus skews toward women, many of whom are returning students balancing family and work. The 97.04% in-state student body creates a tight-knit community feel. Students typically commute from home since the college doesn't offer housing.

Weekend life revolves around Santa Fe's cultural scene rather than campus activities. Students explore the city's well-known art scene, hike in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains, or work part-time jobs. The college's strong career programs in healthcare and trades attract students focused on quickly entering the workforce rather than traditional college social life.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1983

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–42°F
July Avg: 56°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.1"
Annual Snowfall: 44.7"

Student Demographics

Santa Fe Community College draws overwhelmingly from New Mexico, with 97% of students calling the state home. The student body is majority Hispanic at 55%, reflecting the region's demographics and the college's role serving northern New Mexico's Latino communities. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, typical for community colleges that attract students pursuing healthcare, education, and social services careers. Just 15% receive Pell Grants, suggesting the college serves a mix of working adults and recent high school graduates rather than primarily low-income students seeking immediate workforce entry.

Men: 37.4%
Women: 62.6%
White: 28.4%
Black: 2.0%
Hispanic: 54.6%
Asian: 1.9%
In-State Students: 97.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 14.5%

Location

Santa Fe Community College sits in New Mexico's artistic capital, about 65 miles northeast of Albuquerque. The campus serves a region known for its adobe architecture, art galleries, and Native American heritage. Santa Fe blends high desert landscapes with a thriving cultural scene that attracts artists and writers from across the country. With 97% of students coming from in-state, the college deeply reflects New Mexico's demographics. The surrounding area offers access to both outdoor recreation in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the state's rich multicultural history. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare Santa Fe Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508-4887

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,005
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,019
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 32.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $140/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,236

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Santa Fe Community College?

Santa Fe Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning they accept all students with a high school diploma or GED. With 2,234 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in northern New Mexico. The school focuses on providing opportunities for both career training and university transfer preparation.

How much does Santa Fe Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Santa Fe Community College is $9,215 annually, making it one of the more affordable options in New Mexico. In-state students pay just $2,145 in tuition, while out-of-state students pay $4,995. Only 14.48% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already low cost structure that makes the college accessible without extensive borrowing.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Santa Fe Community College?

Santa Fe Community College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in career-focused programs. The college operates on a semester system and emphasizes hands-on learning in trades and technical fields. This intimate learning environment helps support the diverse student body, which is 54.57% Hispanic and reflects the cultural richness of Santa Fe.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Santa Fe Community College?

Santa Fe Community College has a 24.70% six-year graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates achieve an 89.2% employment rate with median earnings of $38,005 ten years after enrollment. The college's focus on practical career training helps students enter the workforce quickly in fields that serve the local Santa Fe economy.

Where is Santa Fe Community College located and what is the campus like?

Santa Fe Community College sits in a rural-fringe setting outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, founded in 1983 to serve the educational needs of northern New Mexico. The campus draws 97.04% of its students from in-state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The Saints compete in athletics while the college maintains strong connections to Santa Fe's arts scene and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Does Santa Fe Community College have a diverse student body?

Santa Fe Community College serves a diverse population with 54.57% Hispanic students and 28.42% white students, reflecting the multicultural heritage of northern New Mexico. Women make up 62.62% of the student body of 2,234 total students. The college's commitment to serving the local Latino community makes it an important educational bridge in a region where cultural preservation and economic opportunity intersect.