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
The financial picture at University of New Mexico-Taos Campus hinges almost entirely on which program you pick, and most of them don't pay off. Median earnings ten years out sit at $44,792, but that number leans hard on one program. Nursing graduates earn $68,965, more than double what business administration ($25,194) or teacher education ($21,234) associates bring in. If you're not in nursing, the earnings numbers here are close to what you might make without a credential at all.
The nursing associate is the clear win. It costs the same as every other program but pays like a career. The dental support certificate at $28,816 lands in the middle. Everything else on the earnings list, business, physical sciences, teacher education, sits in the low-to-mid $20,000s, which makes the debt harder to justify.
The biggest risk here is the 15.6% graduation rate. Even with a low net price, most people who start don't finish, and you carry the cost without the credential to show for it. Median debt of $18,450 is manageable if you land in nursing and disastrous if you drop out or graduate into a $21,000 job.
The net price tiers stay flat for lower incomes. Under $30,000 you pay $9,644, and $30,000 to $48,000 pays $10,257. It jumps for higher earners, reaching $16,135 at the $75,000 to $110,000 band.
This school is a good financial fit for you if you're set on the nursing program and confident you'll finish. If you're eyeing business, teaching, or physical sciences, the payoff doesn't clear the cost, and you should compare other options before enrolling. The low sticker price only helps if you graduate.
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.