At $10,385/yr net price, University of New Mexico-Taos 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) | $10,385 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,540 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,792/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,792/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 15.6% |
| 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 | $9,644/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,257/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,161/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,135/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. | 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 | $10,169 |
The Risk Factor
15.6% of students at University of New Mexico-Taos 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-Taos Campus delivers poor financial returns for most students, with a graduation rate below 16% that undermines any potential earnings gains. Your median debt of $18,450 creates a significant burden when paired with the school's overall median earnings of just $44,792 after ten years.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, generating nearly $69,000 in annual earnings that justify the investment. If you can complete this program, the ROI works strongly in your favor. Every other major shows concerning earnings potential, with business administration graduates earning only $25,194 annually and education majors making just over $21,000.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its abysmal completion rates. You face a high probability of accumulating debt without earning a credential that improves your income prospects. The dental support program, despite being the second-highest earner, still produces wages below $29,000 that may struggle to service educational debt.
This school makes financial sense only if you enroll in nursing and have strong confidence in your ability to complete the program. Students interested in business, education, or physical sciences should look elsewhere, as these programs deliver insufficient returns relative to the debt and opportunity costs involved.
The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited institutional financial support. Your net price of $10,385 annually may seem manageable, but factor in the completion risk when calculating your true expected costs. Community college alternatives in larger markets typically offer better support systems and job placement rates for similar programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of New Mexico-Taos Campus worth the cost?
With a 15.6% graduation rate and median earnings of $44,792 ten years after enrollment, UNM-Taos has poor overall ROI. The nursing program is the exception, with graduates earning $68,965 annually.
What are the best paying programs at University of New Mexico-Taos Campus?
Nursing programs at UNM-Taos lead to median earnings of $68,965, making them the clear financial winner. Other programs like dental support services ($28,816) and business ($25,194) offer much lower returns.
How much debt do University of New Mexico-Taos Campus graduates have?
UNM-Taos graduates have a median debt of $18,450, which is manageable for nursing graduates but concerning for other programs where earnings average $21,000-$28,000. Many students don't graduate at all given the 15.6% completion rate.
Should I attend University of New Mexico-Taos Campus for teaching or business?
No, these programs at UNM-Taos show poor ROI with teacher education graduates earning just $21,234 and business graduates earning $25,194. The low graduation rate adds significant risk of leaving with debt but no degree.