At $10,050/yr net price, University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus graduates earn $44,792/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,792/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,050 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,792/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,792/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,450 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,792/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,255/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,905/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,405/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $10,169 |
The Risk Factor
29.6% of students at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus 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
University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus delivers weak financial returns despite its low net price of $10,050 per year. The median earnings of $44,792 ten years after enrollment barely justify the investment, particularly when paired with an alarming 29.6% graduation rate that leaves most students without credentials to show for their time and money.
The earnings data for specific programs reveals concerning limitations. Even the highest-paying program, Business Administration, generates only $25,194 annually for graduates. Physical Sciences follows at $23,579, while education and liberal arts programs fall into the low $20,000 range. These figures represent full-time earnings potential that many community college graduates could match without formal education.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its completion rates. With fewer than three in ten students graduating, you face substantial odds of leaving with debt but no degree. The median debt of $18,450 becomes particularly problematic if you join the 70% who don't finish their programs.
This campus works financially only for students with very specific circumstances: those who need local access to education in Los Alamos, plan to transfer credits elsewhere, or seek basic certification for modest career advancement. The extremely low financial aid participation rate of 6% suggests limited scholarship opportunities, meaning most students pay close to full price.
If you have other educational options within reasonable distance, pursue them instead. The combination of low graduation rates and modest earning potential makes this campus a poor financial choice for most students seeking career advancement through higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus worth the cost?
UNM-Los Alamos offers a low net price at $10,050 per year, but graduates earn only $44,792 after 10 years with median debt of $18,450. The 29.6% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.
What programs at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus have the best ROI?
Business Administration has the highest earning potential at $25,194, followed by Physical Sciences at $23,579. However, all top programs at UNM-Los Alamos produce below-average earnings compared to national standards for college graduates.
How much debt do University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $18,450, which is relatively manageable given the low tuition costs. However, with post-graduation earnings around $44,792, the debt-to-income ratio creates financial strain for many graduates.
Should I attend University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus or look elsewhere?
Consider UNM-Los Alamos only if you need local access to higher education or plan to transfer to a four-year institution. The low graduation rate and poor earning outcomes make it a risky choice for students seeking strong career prospects.