At $17,478/yr net price, University of New Mexico-Main 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) | $17,478 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,912 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,792/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,792/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.5% |
| 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 | $13,908/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,609/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,586/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,679/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,948/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. | Doctoral | $135,393 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $124,631 | $117,989 |
| Engineering, General. | Doctoral | $114,892 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $105,465 | $78,496 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $103,078 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $94,999 | $61,577 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $92,632 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $92,632 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $85,391 | $30,625 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $74,953 |
The Risk Factor
52.5% of students at University of New Mexico-Main Campus graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of New Mexico delivers uneven returns, with nursing and pharmacy graduates earning six-figure salaries while many liberal arts majors struggle in Albuquerque's limited job market. The $17,478 net price keeps debt manageable for most students, but the 52% graduation rate means nearly half never see any return on their investment.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $135,393 in median earnings with relatively low debt. Pharmacy graduates earn $124,631 but carry $117,989 in debt, creating a longer payback period. Engineering and computer science majors both clear $100,000 annually, making them solid choices given New Mexico's growing tech sector and national laboratories presence. Allied health programs offer strong regional job security with $105,465 earnings.
Your biggest financial risk at UNM is not finishing. The low graduation rate reflects academic challenges and limited student support, particularly problematic for first-generation college students who make up a significant portion of the student body. Many majors face weak regional job markets, forcing graduates to relocate for better opportunities.
UNM works financially for New Mexico residents pursuing healthcare, engineering, or computer science who can handle the academic demands. Out-of-state students should look elsewhere unless they're targeting the high-earning programs. The school offers decent need-based aid but limited merit scholarships.
Your best cost strategy involves maximizing credits through dual enrollment or community college transfers, then finishing quickly in a high-demand program. Avoid low-earning majors unless you plan to leave New Mexico after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of New Mexico-Main Campus worth the cost?
UNM offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $17,478 and manageable debt levels around $18,450. However, the 10-year median earnings of $44,792 are below national averages, making it worthwhile mainly for nursing, pharmacy, and engineering programs that earn significantly more.
What are the highest paying majors at University of New Mexico-Main Campus?
Nursing programs lead with $135,393 median earnings, followed by pharmacy at $124,631 and engineering at $114,892. These programs offer strong ROI that justifies the investment, while many other majors at UNM result in below-average post-graduation earnings.
How much debt do University of New Mexico-Main Campus graduates typically have?
UNM graduates carry a median debt of $18,450, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. The low debt burden helps offset the school's modest overall earning outcomes for most graduates.
What is the graduation rate at University of New Mexico-Main Campus and why does it matter?
UNM has a 52.5% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't finish their degree. This creates significant risk of taking on debt without receiving the credential needed to access higher-paying jobs, particularly concerning given the school's open admission policy.