Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 33.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 34.9%
- Retention Rate
- 53.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $39,095
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 37.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $81,333 | $25,481 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,641 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $50,000 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $49,644 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Associate | $44,384 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $38,289 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $37,748 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $13,750 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $32,569 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,409 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $26,353 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Master | $25,967 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $21,052 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $12,468 |
Outcomes Overview
WNMU graduates enter the workforce with $23,000 in median debt, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 compared to their $39,095 median income after ten years. Monthly loan payments of $244 consume about 7.5% of gross monthly income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The university serves a predominantly Hispanic population in rural New Mexico, preparing students for careers in education, social services, and regional business sectors. Employment rates reach 90.6%, though earnings lag behind national averages due to the local economy. Despite lower absolute earnings, the combination of affordable tuition, reasonable debt loads, and strong job placement delivers an average return on investment for students committed to serving southwestern communities.