University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus: $2,575 Tuition

$2,575Tuition

891Students

19%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,792Earnings

#17 in New MexicoPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus

This community college serves as an educational lifeline for the Gallup area and surrounding Native American communities. With 891 students, UNM-Gallup focuses on career training and transfer programs that meet local workforce needs. The campus operates in a town-remote setting where students can pursue everything from nursing and automotive technology to general studies for university transfer.

Students pay an average net price of $5,467 after aid, making this one of the most affordable higher education options in New Mexico. In-state tuition runs just $2,575 per year. Graduates earn a median of $44,792 ten years after starting, while carrying median debt of only $18,450. With monthly loan payments averaging $196, the financial burden stays manageable for most graduates. The employment rate hits 92.5%, reflecting strong connections between programs and local job markets.

Women make up nearly 65% of the student body, and Hispanic students represent 14% of enrollment. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes. While the six-year graduation rate of 18.8% appears low, it reflects the reality of community college students who often attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their programs here.

Academics & Faculty

UNM-Gallup serves as a vital educational bridge for Native American communities and rural students seeking affordable career training and university transfer pathways. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship in a setting where nearly 15% of students are Hispanic and the campus maintains strong ties to surrounding tribal communities. However, the 18.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. The college emphasizes practical workforce development programs alongside traditional academic courses that prepare students to transfer to four-year universities. With 89% of students coming from in-state, UNM-Gallup functions as an accessible entry point to higher education for first-generation college students in this remote region of New Mexico.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 54.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 18.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,792

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$68,965
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$28,816
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$25,194
Physical Sciences.	Associate	$23,579
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$21,234
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,140

View all 44 programs →

Campus Life

This high desert campus sits 140 miles west of Albuquerque in a town surrounded by red rock mesas and Navajo Nation lands. With 891 students spread across a compact campus, you'll know faces quickly in this close-knit community. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors remember your name and notice when you're absent.

Winters require a coat as temperatures drop below freezing, while summer days demand sunscreen in the intense high-altitude sun at 6,500 feet elevation. Nearly 89% of students come from in-state, creating a strong sense of local connection. Women make up 65% of enrollment, reflecting the campus's strength in nursing and education programs. Most students commute from Gallup or surrounding rural areas since campus housing is limited.

Weekend life centers around the town's historic Route 66 corridor and nearby outdoor recreation. Students often visit Window Rock or explore the dramatic landscapes that define this corner of New Mexico. The campus serves as an educational bridge for many Native American students beginning their college journey, with strong cultural programming that honors the region's Indigenous heritage.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 12°–44°F
July Avg: 53°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 35.6"
Annual Snowfall: 53.1"

Student Demographics

This community college draws almost entirely from New Mexico, with 89% of students staying close to home for affordable education. The student body reflects the demographics of the Four Corners region, serving a significant population from nearby Native American communities. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, which aligns with the school's strong nursing and healthcare programs that traditionally attract more female students. The high percentage of Pell Grant recipients shows UNM-Gallup fulfills its mission as an accessible pathway for working-class families seeking career training and college transfer opportunities.

Men: 35.0%
Women: 65.0%
White: 2.7%
Black: 0.1%
Hispanic: 14.0%
Asian: 1.9%
In-State Students: 88.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 28.0%

Location

Gallup sits in northwestern New Mexico, about 140 miles west of Albuquerque near the Arizona border. The town serves as a gateway to Native American country, surrounded by red rock mesas and high desert landscape. With 88.84% of students coming from in-state, the campus draws heavily from local Navajo Nation communities and surrounding rural areas. Gallup's remote setting means the nearest major metropolitan area requires a two-hour drive east. The town functions as a regional center for healthcare, education, and government services in this sparsely populated corner of the Southwest. Historic Route 66 runs straight through downtown Gallup's trading post district. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus with similar schools in the region.

Address: Gallup, New Mexico 87301

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,792
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,654
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 47.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $196/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,450

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus?

As a community college, UNM-Gallup maintains an open enrollment policy for most programs. The school serves 891 students with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, providing accessible higher education to the Gallup area and surrounding Native American communities.

How much does University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,467 annually, with in-state tuition at $2,575. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to $4,921, making this one of the most affordable educational options in New Mexico.

What academic programs is University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus known for?

The college focuses on career training and transfer programs designed to serve local workforce needs. With 28% of students receiving Pell Grants, the school prioritizes accessible education for first-generation and low-income students in the region.

What are the job prospects after graduating from University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus?

Graduates achieve a 92.5% employment rate with median earnings of $44,792 ten years after enrollment. However, only 18.8% complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adult students face in completing their education.

Where is University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Gallup, a remote town setting where 89% of students are New Mexico residents. Women make up 65% of enrollment, typical for community colleges that attract many students returning to education later in life.

How diverse is the student body at University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus?

The college serves a unique demographic with only 2.7% white students and 14% Hispanic students, reflecting its mission to serve surrounding Native American communities. This makes it one of the most distinctive community colleges in terms of serving indigenous populations in the Southwest.