University of New Mexico-Taos Campus: $2,004 Tuition

$2,004Tuition

355Students

16%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,792Earnings

#20 in New MexicoPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About University of New Mexico-Taos Campus

This small community college serves 355 students in the high desert foothills near Taos. The campus draws heavily from local Hispanic communities, with 54% of students identifying as Hispanic and 94% coming from New Mexico. Students benefit from personalized attention with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The college focuses on workforce development and transfer preparation for students in northern New Mexico's rural communities.

The financial picture tells a challenging story. Students pay an average net price of $10,385 after aid, but only 15% of those receiving federal loans take them. Graduates earn a median of $44,792 ten years after enrollment, which provides reasonable returns given the low debt load of $18,450. Monthly loan payments average just $196 for those who borrow. The school keeps costs accessible with in-state tuition at $2,004.

Women make up two-thirds of the student body at 66%. The employment rate reaches 92.5%, reflecting the college's emphasis on practical skills training. However, the 15.6% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face significant challenges completing their programs. This campus serves as an important educational access point for students in rural northern New Mexico who might otherwise lack nearby college options.

Academics & Faculty

UNM-Taos operates as a community college branch campus serving the high desert region of northern New Mexico. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know every student by name. However, the 15.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. The campus emphasizes practical workforce training alongside traditional academic transfer programs. With 355 students, this intimate setting allows for personalized attention but limited course variety. The school particularly serves the local Hispanic community, which makes up 54.08% of enrollment. Students often pursue nursing prerequisites, business certificates, and general education credits before transferring to the main Albuquerque campus.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 33.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 15.6%
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 31 programs →

Campus Life

This tiny mountain campus serves just 355 students in the high desert of northern New Mexico, about 70 miles north of Albuquerque and 20 minutes from the art town of Taos. Two-thirds of students are women, and 54% are Hispanic, reflecting the region's cultural heritage. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally.

Winters bring snow and temperatures that drop below freezing, so pack that coat alongside your sunscreen for the intense high-altitude sun. The campus doesn't offer housing, so students commute from nearby communities or Taos proper. Weekends often involve outdoor activities like hiking in Carson National Forest or exploring Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many students work while attending classes, contributing to the strong 92.5% employment rate. The rural setting means campus life centers around small study groups and community connections rather than big social events. Students often gather at local coffee shops in Taos or take advantage of the area's strong skiing and outdoor recreation.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 10°–42°F
July Avg: 52°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 12.8"
Annual Snowfall: 32.3"

Student Demographics

This small community college draws primarily from northern New Mexico, with 94% of its 355 students coming from in-state. The student body is majority Hispanic at 54%, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Taos region. Women make up two-thirds of enrollment, typical for community colleges that emphasize healthcare, education, and human services programs. Only 15% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students work while attending or come from families with modest but stable incomes. The rural setting attracts students seeking personalized attention in a close-knit mountain community environment.

Men: 33.5%
Women: 66.5%
White: 32.4%
Black: 1.4%
Hispanic: 54.1%
Asian: 1.1%
In-State Students: 94.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 14.7%

Location

Ranchos de Taos sits in northern New Mexico, about 70 miles north of Santa Fe and 5 miles south of Taos proper. The campus serves a rural fringe community where 94% of students come from in-state. This high desert region attracts artists and outdoor enthusiasts drawn to the dramatic landscape of sagebrush mesas and the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The area maintains strong Hispanic cultural roots, reflected in the student body where 54% identify as Hispanic. Traditional adobe architecture and Native American pueblos dot the surrounding countryside. The setting offers a stark contrast to urban campuses, with wide-open spaces and stunning mountain views. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare University of New Mexico-Taos Campus with similar schools in the region.

Address: Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico 87557

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-Taos Campus?

As a community college, UNM-Taos maintains open enrollment policies typical of two-year institutions. The campus serves 355 students with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. This rural campus focuses on serving the local Hispanic community, which makes up 54.08% of the student body.

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

Students pay an average net price of $10,385 annually, with in-state tuition at just $2,004. Only 14.71% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many students pay the low sticker price directly. The campus keeps costs accessible for the local community it serves.

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

The campus operates on a semester system and maintains strong employment connections in the Taos area. With a 92.5% employment rate, graduates find work quickly after completing their programs. The small size of 355 students allows for hands-on learning in a tight-knit academic environment.

What are the graduation and career outcomes at University of New Mexico-Taos Campus?

The campus has a 15.60% six-year graduation rate, reflecting the challenges many community college students face. However, graduates earn a median of $44,792 ten years after enrollment with manageable debt of $18,450. The 92.5% employment rate shows strong job placement despite the rural location.

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

The campus sits in Ranchos de Taos, a rural community near the famous art town of Taos. With 355 students and 94.00% from New Mexico, it serves as a local educational center. Women make up 66.48% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide.

Does University of New Mexico-Taos Campus serve a diverse student population?

Hispanic students comprise 54.08% of enrollment, making this a Hispanic-serving institution in northern New Mexico. White students account for 32.39% of the student body, while other groups represent smaller percentages. The campus reflects the cultural heritage of the Taos region with strong ties to both Hispanic and Anglo communities.