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 runs cheap and pays back modestly, with one program doing the heavy lifting. Your net price sits under $8,000 a year, and median debt lands near a year's discounted tuition. But median earnings ten years out barely clear $39,000, so the payoff depends heavily on what you study.
Nursing is the clear winner. It pays more than double what most other majors here return, and the roughly $25,000 in debt is easy to service on an $81,000 salary. Silver City and the surrounding rural counties need nurses, and that regional demand backs up the number. If you finish the nursing program, WNMU is a genuinely good financial bet.
Almost everything else is a harder sell. Criminal justice, teacher education, and mental health services all land below the school's median earnings, with several dipping into the low $30,000s or under. Criminal justice keeps debt low (around $14,000), which softens the blow, but teaching and interdisciplinary studies leave you earning near what a high school graduate might. Those are stable regional careers, not paths to a strong return.
The real risk here is finishing at all. A 34.9% graduation rate and 53.77% retention mean nearly half of you leave, many before earning the degree. Debt without a credential is the worst outcome, and it's a live possibility at this school.
The net price tiers hold a quirk: families earning $48,000 to $75,000 pay more ($12,883) than families under $48,000, whose price drops below $7,000. If you're low-income, this is one of the cheaper four-year options in New Mexico. WNMU fits you if you're set on nursing or committed to staying regionally for teaching or public-sector work. Look elsewhere if you need high earnings to justify the loans, or if you're unsure you'll finish.
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.