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
The financial math at University of New Mexico-Valencia County Campus hangs almost entirely on one program. Your median earnings ten years out sit at $44,792, and the median debt of $18,450 stays low enough that the numbers work if you finish. The problem is finishing: the graduation rate is under 19%, which is the single biggest risk here. If you enroll and don't complete a credential, you carry debt without the earnings bump that justifies it.
Nursing is the reason to come. The associate nursing track posts $68,965 a year, far above every other program on campus and well above the school's overall median. Los Lunas and the surrounding Albuquerque metro have steady demand for licensed nurses, so that number reflects a real regional job market, not a fluke.
Everything else pays poorly. Business administration lands at $25,194, physical sciences at $23,579, teacher education at $21,234, and liberal arts at $20,140. These are transfer-oriented associate degrees, and on their own they earn near entry-level wages. If you stop at the two-year degree in any of these fields, the return is weak. Treat them as a step toward a four-year school, not an endpoint.
Net price is where this school earns its keep. If your family makes under $30k, you pay $8,129 a year. families at $75-110k pay $13,147. Those are low totals for higher education, and they keep the risk manageable even at the poor graduation odds.
Come here if you want the nursing program or a cheap first two years before transferring. Look elsewhere if you plan to stop at an associate degree in business, science, teaching, or liberal arts and expect it to pay for itself.
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.