University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus

$1,878Tuition

505Students

19%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,792Earnings

#15 in New MexicoPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus

UNM-Valencia serves the rural communities around Los Lunas as a branch campus of the University of New Mexico system. This community college focuses on workforce training and associate degrees for Valencia County's 505 students. The campus operates on a semester system with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. Students here typically pursue career-focused programs that connect directly to local job markets and industries.

The school delivers strong value for New Mexico families. In-state students pay just $1,878 in tuition, and the average net price is $9,014 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $44,792 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $18,450 manageable. Only 1.46% of students take federal loans, suggesting most can afford their education without heavy borrowing. Monthly loan payments average just $196 for those who do borrow.

Women make up 67% of the student body, and 72% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the local community demographics. The employment rate reaches 92.5%, indicating strong job placement success. Nearly all students are New Mexico residents at 95%, creating a tight-knit campus culture. However, the 19% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their programs or transfer before finishing.

Academics & Faculty

UNM-Valencia serves as a community college branch focused on workforce development and transfer preparation for Valencia County's predominantly Hispanic student body, with 71.68% Hispanic enrollment. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in a small campus environment with just 505 students. However, the 18.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing education with work and family responsibilities. The campus emphasizes practical training programs that prepare students for local employment opportunities. Students benefit from UNM's broader resources while receiving affordable education with in-state tuition at $1,878. The college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education for rural New Mexico communities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 47.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 18.8%
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
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 39 programs →

Campus Life

Los Lunas sits 20 miles south of Albuquerque, offering small-town affordability with big-city access. With 67% of students being women and 72% Hispanic, the campus reflects the local community's demographics. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in this close-knit environment of just 505 students.

New Mexico's high desert climate requires both sunscreen and a winter jacket. Summer temperatures soar into the 90s while winter nights can drop below freezing. Since this is a commuter campus with no dorms, 95% of students are New Mexico residents who drive home after classes. Weekends often mean family time or part-time jobs rather than campus activities. The rural-fringe setting provides a quiet study environment, but social life typically happens off campus in Albuquerque or at local community events. Students here are focused and practical, often juggling work and family responsibilities alongside their associate degree programs.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	3
Aggravated Assault	0	2
Dating Violence	1	0
Rape	1	0
Robbery	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–52°F
July Avg: 60°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 9.8"
Annual Snowfall: 5.7"

Student Demographics

This branch campus draws overwhelmingly from Valencia County and surrounding New Mexico communities, with 95% of students staying close to home. Nearly three-quarters of students are Hispanic, reflecting the local demographics of central New Mexico. Women outnumber men, which aligns with the school's focus on healthcare, education, and business programs that traditionally attract more female students. The campus serves as an accessible entry point for first-generation college students and working adults seeking career training or preparing to transfer to four-year universities.

Men: 32.9%
Women: 67.1%
White: 17.8%
Black: 1.2%
Hispanic: 71.7%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 95.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 13.3%

Location

Los Lunas sits 20 miles south of Albuquerque in New Mexico's Rio Grande Valley. The rural-fringe community of about 15,000 residents offers small-town living within commuting distance of the state's largest metropolitan area. Students benefit from lower cost of living compared to urban areas while maintaining access to Albuquerque's job market and cultural attractions. The campus serves Valencia County's predominantly Hispanic population, with 71.68% of students identifying as Hispanic. Desert landscapes and the Sandia Mountains provide the backdrop for this agricultural region known for its green chile farming. The area maintains strong ties to traditional New Mexican culture and Spanish colonial heritage. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus with similar schools in the region.

Address: Los Lunas, New Mexico 87031-7633

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 is the acceptance rate at University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus?

As a community college branch campus, UNM-Valencia maintains an open admissions policy for students with high school diplomas or equivalent. The campus serves 505 students, with 95.20% coming from in-state. This accessibility reflects the college's mission to provide educational opportunities to Valencia County residents.

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

Students pay an average net price of $9,014 annually, with costs varying by family income from $8,129 for the lowest-income families to $13,147 for higher earners. In-state tuition starts at just $1,878 before aid. Only 13.26% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting many students work while attending or have family support.

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

The campus specializes in associate degrees and workforce training programs designed to meet local employment needs in Valencia County. Students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in their studies. The college focuses on practical skills training that connects directly to regional job opportunities.

What are the career outcomes for University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus graduates?

Graduates achieve a 92.5% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation despite the 18.80% six-year graduation rate. Median earnings reach $44,792 ten years after enrollment, with monthly loan payments averaging $196. The college's workforce focus helps students transition directly into local careers.

Where is University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus located?

The campus sits in Los Lunas, New Mexico, in a rural-fringe setting that serves the broader Valencia County community. This location provides a close-knit learning environment while maintaining access to the resources of the larger UNM system. The rural setting appeals to students seeking a smaller, more personal college experience.

Does University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus have a diverse student body?

The student population is 71.68% Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of Valencia County and southern New Mexico. Women make up 67.13% of the 505 enrolled students, which is typical for community colleges nationwide. This composition creates a culturally rich environment that mirrors the local community the college serves.