At $9,014/yr net price, University of New Mexico-Valencia County 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) | $9,014 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,792/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,792/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 18.8% |
| 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 | $8,129/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,123/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,630/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,147/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 | |
| 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
18.8% of students at University of New Mexico-Valencia County 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
UNM-Valencia Campus delivers poor financial returns for most students, with only its nursing program offering solid earning potential. At $44,792 in median earnings ten years post-graduation, most graduates earn barely above the national average despite carrying $18,450 in debt.
The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, generating $68,965 in annual earnings that justify the investment. However, every other major program falls short financially. Business administration graduates earn just $25,194 annually, while education majors make $21,234. Liberal arts graduates face the weakest prospects at $20,140, though they carry lower debt loads at $10,169.
The 18.8% graduation rate presents a major financial risk. Four out of five students who enroll never complete their programs, often leaving with debt but no degree. This makes UNM-Valencia particularly risky for students who struggle with academic persistence or time management.
You should consider this school only if you can secure admission to the nursing program and have strong academic habits. The low percentage of students receiving financial aid (13.26%) suggests limited scholarship opportunities, so plan to cover most costs out of pocket or through loans.
Skip UNM-Valencia if you're interested in business, liberal arts, or education. These programs lead to earnings that barely cover the debt you'll accumulate. Students seeking these majors will find better financial outcomes at four-year universities or other community colleges with stronger job placement records in the Albuquerque metro area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus worth the cost?
The value depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $68,965 annually, making the $9,014 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs like liberal arts lead to just $20,140 in earnings. The 18.80% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their degrees.
What programs at University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus have the best ROI?
Registered nursing programs offer the strongest return with graduates earning $68,965 annually. Business and other programs show much lower earnings potential, with liberal arts graduates making only $20,140 per year.
How much debt do University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus graduates have?
Graduates who take on debt owe a median of $18,450. With many programs leading to salaries around $20,000-$25,000, this debt level could be challenging to repay quickly.
What is the graduation rate at University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus?
Only 18.80% of students graduate, which is extremely low. This means most students who start at UNM-Valencia don't finish their degree, making the investment risky regardless of program choice.