Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,821 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,284 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,851/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,946/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,721/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,956/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,997 | $13,590 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,696 | $9,000 |
| 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 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $18,087 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $17,794 | $7,542 |
The Risk Factor
29.0% of students at Southeast 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
Southeast New Mexico College delivers strong ROI for students who choose healthcare programs, but weak returns for most other fields. Your annual net cost of $4,821 makes this one of the more affordable community colleges in the region.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $63,997 annually against manageable debt of $13,590. Allied health programs also pay off well at $45,696 per year with just $9,000 in debt. These programs align perfectly with local healthcare demand in the Permian Basin region.
Your financial risk centers on the 29% graduation rate, meaning seven out of ten students leave without completing their programs. The low completion rate particularly hurts students in weaker-paying programs like data processing ($26,353) and business support services ($23,930), where the time investment may not justify the modest salary gains.
This school works best if you're targeting healthcare careers and can handle the academic demands needed to graduate. The nursing program's track record of job placement in local hospitals and clinics makes it a solid choice for career changers or recent high school graduates focused on stable employment.
Avoid Southeast New Mexico College if you need extensive student support services or want diverse program options. Only 10.78% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities beyond federal programs. Your best strategy is paying cash or minimizing loans, then completing your program quickly to capitalize on the strong local healthcare job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southeast New Mexico College worth the cost?
With a net price of $4,821 per year, Southeast New Mexico College offers affordable education, but the 29% graduation rate creates significant risk. The nursing programs provide strong earning potential at $63,997, making the investment worthwhile for students who complete these high-demand degrees.
What are the best paying programs at Southeast New Mexico College?
Registered Nursing leads at $63,997 annually, followed by Allied Health programs at $45,696. Business and precision metalworking programs offer lower returns around $24,000-$26,000, which may not justify even the low tuition cost.
What is the graduation rate at Southeast New Mexico College?
Southeast New Mexico College has a 29% graduation rate, meaning most students don't finish their programs. This low completion rate significantly increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a credential.
How much debt do Southeast New Mexico College students typically have?
The low net price of $4,821 per year limits debt exposure, but the 29% graduation rate means many students may accumulate costs without completing their programs. Students in nursing programs face the best debt-to-income ratios if they graduate.