At $7,912/yr net price, Western New Mexico University graduates earn $39,095/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,095/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,912 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,648 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,095/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,095/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,881/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,940/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,883/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. | 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 |
The Risk Factor
34.9% of students at Western New Mexico University 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
Western New Mexico University offers a mixed financial picture with extremely low costs but concerning graduation rates that undermine your investment. At $7,912 annually, you'll pay less than most community colleges, but only 35% of students actually graduate.
Your best financial bet is the nursing program, where graduates earn $81,333 annually with manageable debt of $25,481. This creates a strong return that justifies the investment. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions also deliver solid outcomes at $50,000, while business administration graduates earn $49,644.
The major red flag is the 54% retention rate, meaning nearly half of students leave after freshman year. Combined with the low graduation rate, you face significant risk of accumulating debt without earning a degree. The median debt of $23,000 becomes problematic if you don't finish.
This school works best if you're pursuing nursing or allied health fields and can commit to completing your degree despite limited support systems. Local job markets in rural New Mexico may limit opportunities outside healthcare, making program choice critical.
Financial aid reaches only 42% of students, suggesting merit opportunities may be limited. However, the rock-bottom sticker price means you might avoid debt entirely with minimal aid. Consider this school if you need the lowest possible costs and plan to enter healthcare, but look elsewhere if you want better graduation support or broader career opportunities after college.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western New Mexico University worth the cost?
With a low net price of $7,912 annually and median debt of $23,000, Western New Mexico University offers affordable education, but graduates earn only $39,095 ten years after enrollment. The nursing programs provide strong ROI with graduates earning $56,641 to $81,333, while other majors struggle financially.
What is the graduation rate at Western New Mexico University and does it affect value?
Only 35% of students graduate from Western New Mexico University, which is well below the national average. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree, making careful program selection critical for success.
Which Western New Mexico University programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Western New Mexico University lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making $56,641 to $81,333 annually. Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions also pay well at $44,384 to $50,000, while business management graduates earn around $49,644.
How much debt do Western New Mexico University graduates typically have?
Western New Mexico University graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with average post-graduation earnings of $39,095, debt repayment may still be challenging for graduates in lower-paying fields outside of nursing.