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Most Popular Schools in New Mexico

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2023 Most Popular Schools in New Mexico

43 Schools Ranked
$38,658 Average Earnings
$21,739 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which program is right for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Most Popular Schools in New Mexico ranking. Our analysis looked at 43 schools in New Mexico to see which programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, New Mexico
9,303 Total Awards
$30,582 Average Earnings
$13,850 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Central New Mexico Community College the most popular school in New Mexico for students working on their degree. Albuquerque, New Mexico is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 9,303 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,850 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, CNM graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,582 during the early year of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Central New Mexico Community College Report

#2

University of New Mexico - Main Campus

Albuquerque, New Mexico
5,902 Total Awards
$45,271 Average Earnings
$21,068 Avg Student Debt

The programs at University of New Mexico - Main Campus helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in New Mexico. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the large public school awarded 5,902 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UNM accumulate an average of $21,068 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from UNM, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,271 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read full report on University of New Mexico - Main Campus

3,261 Total Awards
$36,973 Average Earnings
$21,682 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means New Mexico State University - Main Campus is a great place for students. NMSU Main Campus is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,261 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,682 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, NMSU Main Campus graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,973 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full New Mexico State University - Main Campus Report

#4

New Mexico State University - Dona Ana

Las Cruces, New Mexico
1,318 Total Awards
$31,467 Average Earnings
$16,687 Avg Student Debt

The programs at New Mexico State University - Dona Ana helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in New Mexico. New Mexico State University - Dona Ana is a medium-sized public school located in Las Cruces, New Mexico that handed out 1,318 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,687 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from NMSU Dona Ana, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $31,467 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

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1,286 Total Awards
$41,884 Average Earnings
$19,483 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in New Mexico list. This small public school is located in Portales, New Mexico, and it awarded 1,286 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $19,483 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, ENMU - Main Campus graduates make an average of $41,884 annually. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus Report

#6

San Juan College

Farmington, New Mexico
1,255 Total Awards
$36,738 Average Earnings
$16,058 Avg Student Debt

San Juan College ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in New Mexico list. This medium-sized public school is located in Farmington, New Mexico, and it awarded 1,255 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from SJC accumulate an average of $16,058 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from SJC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,738 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

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#7

Clovis Community College

Clovis, New Mexico
901 Total Awards
$48,236 Average Earnings
$13,362 Avg Student Debt

Clovis Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Mexico ranking. Clovis Community College is a small public school located in Clovis, New Mexico that handed out 901 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Clovis Community College accumulate an average of $13,362 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Clovis Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,236 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

Full Clovis Community College Report

#8

New Mexico Highlands University

Las Vegas, New Mexico
768 Total Awards
$37,927 Average Earnings
$21,905 Avg Student Debt

New Mexico Highlands University ranked #8 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in New Mexico list. This small public school is located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and it awarded 768 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,905 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, New Mexico Highlands University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,927 during the early year of their career. Around 73% of those degree recipients were women.

Full New Mexico Highlands University Report

#9

Western New Mexico University

Silver City, New Mexico
750 Total Awards
$51,426 Average Earnings
$28,066 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Western New Mexico University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Western New Mexico University is a small public school situated in Silver City, New Mexico. It awarded 750 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $28,066 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Western New Mexico University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,426 during the early year of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Western New Mexico University Report

#10

Santa Fe Community College

Santa Fe, New Mexico
583 Total Awards
$40,512 Average Earnings
$19,196 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Santa Fe Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Santa Fe Community College is a small public school located in Santa Fe, New Mexico that handed out 583 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,196 in student loans.After graduating from SFCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,512 during the early years of their career. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Santa Fe Community College

#11

Pima Medical Institute - Albuquerque

Albuquerque, New Mexico
493 Total Awards
$40,212 Average Earnings
$20,607 Avg Student Debt

Pima Medical Institute - Albuquerque came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Mexico ranking. Pima Medical Institute - Albuquerque is a very small private for-profit school located in Albuquerque, New Mexico that handed out 493 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,607 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $77. During the early years of their career, PMI Albuquerque graduates make an average of $40,212 annually. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Pima Medical Institute - Albuquerque

#12

Olympian Academy of Cosmetology

Alamogordo, New Mexico
404 Total Awards
$16,462 Average Earnings
$14,627 Avg Student Debt

Olympian Academy of Cosmetology came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Mexico ranking. This very small private for-profit school is located in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and it awarded 404 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,627 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $38. Once they receive their degree, Olympian Academy of Cosmetology graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $16,462 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 83% were women.

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363 Total Awards
$29,262 Average Earnings
$12,101 Avg Student Debt

Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #13 on the list. Roswell, New Mexico is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 363 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,101 in student loans.After graduating from ENMU - Roswell Campus, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $29,262 during the early years of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell Campus

#14

Mesalands Community College

Tucumcari, New Mexico
355 Total Awards
$5,628 Avg Student Debt

Mesalands Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #14 on the list. Tucumcari, New Mexico is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 355 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $5,628 in student loans. Around 14% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Mesalands Community College Report

345 Total Awards
$57,275 Average Earnings
$23,221 Avg Student Debt

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Mexico ranking. Socorro, New Mexico is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 345 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,221 in student loans.After graduating from New Mexico Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $57,275 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 32% were women.

Read full report on New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

#16

University of the Southwest

Hobbs, New Mexico
325 Total Awards
$42,227 Average Earnings
$25,052 Avg Student Debt

University of the Southwest came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Mexico ranking. USW is located in Hobbs, New Mexico and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 325 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from USW accumulate an average of $25,052 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, USW graduates make an average of $42,227 annually. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of the Southwest Report

#17

New Mexico Junior College

Hobbs, New Mexico
314 Total Awards
$43,137 Average Earnings
$12,285 Avg Student Debt

New Mexico Junior College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Mexico ranking. New Mexico Junior College is a small public school situated in Hobbs, New Mexico. It awarded 314 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $12,285 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from New Mexico Junior College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,137 during the early years of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on New Mexico Junior College

266 Total Awards
$30,476 Average Earnings
$16,013 Avg Student Debt

University of New Mexico - Gallup Campus did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #18 on the list. UNM Gallup is a public institution located in Gallup, New Mexico. The school has a small population, and it awarded 266 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UNM Gallup accumulate an average of $16,013 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, UNM Gallup graduates make an average of $30,476 annually. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of New Mexico - Gallup Campus

#19

Northern New Mexico College

Espanola, New Mexico
212 Total Awards
$22,511 Avg Student Debt

Northern New Mexico College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #19 on the list. Northern New Mexico College is a public institution located in Espanola, New Mexico. The school has a small population, and it awarded 212 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,511 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

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#20

Carrington College, Albuquerque

Albuquerque, New Mexico
194 Total Awards
$31,461 Average Earnings
$17,220 Avg Student Debt

Carrington College, Albuquerque ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in New Mexico list. Carrington College, Albuquerque is a very small private for-profit school situated in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It awarded 194 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Carrington College, Albuquerque accumulate an average of $17,220 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $113 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Carrington College, Albuquerque graduates make an average of $31,461 annually. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Carrington College, Albuquerque

#21

Brookline College - Albuquerque

Albuquerque, New Mexico
191 Total Awards
$35,305 Average Earnings
$27,632 Avg Student Debt

Brookline College - Albuquerque came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Mexico ranking. Albuquerque, New Mexico is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 191 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Brookline College - Albuquerque accumulate an average of $27,632 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $214 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Brookline College - Albuquerque graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,305 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 84% were women.

Read More…

#22

New Mexico State University - Carlsbad

Carlsbad, New Mexico
154 Total Awards
$31,288 Average Earnings
$16,036 Avg Student Debt

New Mexico State University - Carlsbad did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #22 on the list. Located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, the small public school awarded 154 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,036 in student loans. During the early years of their career, NMSU Carlsbad graduates make an average of $31,288 annually. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

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#23

Luna Community College

Las Vegas, New Mexico
153 Total Awards
$18,049 Avg Student Debt

Luna Community College ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in New Mexico list. Located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, the very small public school awarded 153 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Luna Community College accumulate an average of $18,049 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Read full report on Luna Community College

#24

University of New Mexico - Taos Campus

Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico
134 Total Awards
$30,476 Average Earnings
$16,013 Avg Student Debt

University of New Mexico - Taos Campus came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New Mexico ranking. Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 134 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,013 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from UNM Taos, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,476 during the early years of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of New Mexico - Taos Campus

#25

New Mexico State University - Alamogordo

Alamogordo, New Mexico
123 Total Awards
$27,103 Average Earnings
$13,714 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, New Mexico State University - Alamogordo did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. NMSU Alamogordo is located in Alamogordo, New Mexico and has a very small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 123 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,714 in student loans.After graduating from NMSU Alamogordo, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $27,103 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

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Most Popular Schools in the Southwest Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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