University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus: $2,214 Tuition

$2,214Tuition

238Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,792Earnings

#6 in New MexicoPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus

This small branch campus serves the historic town where atomic research began during World War II. With just 238 students, UNM-Los Alamos operates as a tight-knit community college where nearly 60% of students are Hispanic and 92% come from New Mexico. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment in a town still dominated by Los Alamos National Laboratory and scientific research.

Students pay remarkably little for their education here. After financial aid, the average net price drops to $10,050 annually, though only 6% of students receive Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $44,792 ten years after enrollment, creating a strong return on investment despite the modest $18,450 in typical debt. Monthly loan payments average just $196, making this an affordable path to career training.

The employment rate hits 92.5%, reflecting the campus's connection to the research community and regional job market. However, the 30% six-year graduation rate suggests many students transfer to four-year programs or leave for work opportunities. The gender split favors men slightly at 57%, likely reflecting programs that feed into the area's science and technology sectors.

Academics & Faculty

This small branch campus serves as a stepping stone for students in the Los Alamos area, with 238 students and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. The college primarily feeds into the University of New Mexico's main campus and focuses on foundational coursework and workforce preparation programs. With a 29.6% six-year graduation rate, many students transfer before completing their associate degrees here. The campus draws heavily from the local Hispanic community, with 58.8% Hispanic enrollment reflecting the region's demographics. Given Los Alamos's connection to the national laboratory, the college offers pre-engineering and science pathways, though most students use this as an affordable starting point before transferring to four-year institutions.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 9.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,792

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
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 30 programs →

Campus Life

This small community college branch sits in the mountain town where the Manhattan Project was born, serving just 238 students in a setting that feels more like a research outpost than a typical campus. Los Alamos perches at 7,300 feet elevation about 35 miles northwest of Santa Fe, meaning you'll need both winter coats for snowy months and sunscreen for intense high-altitude sun year-round. With 58.82% Hispanic enrollment, the campus reflects Northern New Mexico's rich cultural heritage.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know your name. Most of the 92% in-state students commute from Los Alamos and surrounding communities since there's no campus housing. Weekends often mean trips down the winding mountain road to Santa Fe for dining and entertainment, or outdoor activities in the surrounding Jemez Mountains. The town's scientific legacy means many students have connections to Los Alamos National Laboratory, creating unique networking opportunities in a place where nuclear physics and community college coexist.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 19°–39°F
July Avg: 56°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 18.8"
Annual Snowfall: 56.6"

Student Demographics

This small community college branch serves the unique town built around Los Alamos National Laboratory. With 238 students, the campus draws heavily from New Mexico's Hispanic population and maintains strong ties to the scientific community that defines Los Alamos. The student body is 58% Hispanic and 92% in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational center. Men slightly outnumber women, likely reflecting technical and science programs that prepare students for careers at the national laboratory. The small size creates an intimate learning environment with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio.

Men: 56.7%
Women: 43.3%
White: 32.8%
Black: 0.8%
Hispanic: 58.8%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 91.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 6.0%

Location

Los Alamos sits in the mountains of northern New Mexico, about 35 miles northwest of Santa Fe. The town rests at 7,300 feet elevation among the Jemez Mountains and mesas of the high desert. Los Alamos is famous as the birthplace of the atomic bomb during World War II and remains home to Los Alamos National Laboratory. The community of roughly 13,000 residents creates a unique environment where scientific research dominates the local economy. With 92% of students attending from in-state, most come from New Mexico communities. The setting offers outdoor recreation opportunities but limited typical college town amenities. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus with similar schools in the region.

Address: Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544

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 is the enrollment at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus?

The campus enrolls just 238 students, making it one of the smallest community college branches in New Mexico. This intimate size creates a close-knit learning environment where students can build strong relationships with faculty and peers.

How much does University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus cost for in-state students?

In-state tuition runs $2,214 annually, reflecting the affordable community college model. The average net price of $10,050 includes living expenses, though most students commute from the Los Alamos area where many work in the national laboratory or related industries.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 11:1, providing personalized attention that larger institutions cannot match. This small campus focuses on foundational courses and workforce training programs that serve the unique needs of the Los Alamos scientific community.

What are the employment prospects after University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus?

Graduates achieve a 92.5% employment rate, with median earnings of $44,792 ten years after enrollment. The campus serves as a stepping stone for students seeking technical careers at Los Alamos National Laboratory or preparing to transfer to four-year universities.

Where do most students at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus come from?

Nearly 92% of students are New Mexico residents, with 58.8% identifying as Hispanic and 32.8% as white. The student body reflects the demographic makeup of northern New Mexico, with many students balancing education with family and work responsibilities in the region.

Is University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus affordable for low-income students?

Only 6% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating most come from middle-income families rather than the lowest income brackets. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $8,792, while the low federal loan rate of 1.43% suggests many students pay out of pocket or receive family support.