New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, New Mexico · Public
ROI Score: 39/100 · Poor Value
New Mexico Highlands University earns a Poor Value tier with an ROI score of 39 out of 100, but the program-level data tells a more nuanced story than the institutional metric suggests. The Las Vegas, New Mexico public Hispanic-Serving Institution posts in-state tuition of $7,416 (out-of-state $12,336), with a $14,838 net price putting four-year cost-of-attendance at $59,352. Median 6-year earnings of $29,600 climb to $45,937 by year 10. Median debt is just $11,399 producing a strong 0.385 debt-to-earnings ratio (sub-score 89, the highest single sub-score on this profile), reflecting that NMHU students borrow modestly despite low post-graduation earnings. The dominant problem is a 26.2% completion rate: nearly three out of four entrants don't finish. The 62.5% three-year repayment rate is mediocre. Where NMHU genuinely delivers is in completion-driven program tracks: A-grade nursing, B-grade teacher education, business administration, and even psychology (a surprising B from the modest debt). Highlands plays a critical role serving the rural northern New Mexico Hispanic and Native American communities, and for completers the value is real.
The data raises concerns about New Mexico Highlands University
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score39/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- 6-year graduation rate26.2% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
- Payback period18.2 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
New Mexico Highlands University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $7,416/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $12,336/yr |
| Average net price | $14,838/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $59,352 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,937 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $29,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $11,399 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $121 |
| Estimated payback period | 18.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 26.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,451 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at New Mexico Highlands University is $7,416/year ($12,336/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $14,838/year, or roughly $59,352 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $13,511/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $16,530/year.
The median graduate leaves with $11,399 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $121 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $45,937 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.39 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,511 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,947 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,175 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,508 |
| $110,001+ | $16,530 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning $0-30K pay $13,511 net annually, with $30,001-48,000 households paying slightly more at $13,947. Four-year cost of $54K-$56K is workable for nursing and teacher education completers. Pell-eligible students from northern New Mexico get genuine value here if they complete; the modest debt profile (median $11,399) is a real cushion against non-completion risk.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income brackets pay $15,175 to $16,508 net annually, putting four-year costs at $61K-$66K. The math holds for the strong-program tracks. New Mexico's Opportunity Scholarship can substantially reduce these net prices for state residents, materially improving the value picture.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families above $110K pay $16,530 net annually (essentially flat to the $75-110K bracket), or $66K over four years. At that price the institution remains affordable in absolute terms but the case requires either community ties or a specific strong-program target like nursing. NMSU or UNM offer broader academic alternatives at similar in-state prices.
Earnings by Major
Top 8 most popular majors at New Mexico Highlands University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education | $53,566 | B |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $52,517 | C+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $57,821 | B |
| Registered Nursing | $97,309 | A |
| Psychology | $43,926 | B |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $62,375 | - |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $26,461 | F |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $45,868 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing is NMHU's standout program with 41 graduates per year. First-year median earnings of $88,137 climb to $97,309 by year four, against just $21,392 median debt for an exceptional 0.243 debt-to-earnings ratio and A ROI grade. Northern New Mexico and broader Southwest nursing labor markets are tight, and federal Indian Health Service placements provide additional career pathways. This is a genuinely high-value nursing program at very affordable cost.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education is NMHU's largest program at 82 graduates per year. First-year earnings of $41,352 climb to $53,566 by year four, with $18,375 median debt producing a 0.444 debt-to-earnings ratio and B ROI grade. The combination of low debt and reasonable progression is strong for teacher education, particularly for graduates who enter higher-paying NM school districts or use PSLF for federal loan forgiveness.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration has 55 graduates per year. First-year earnings of $39,271 climb to $57,821 by year four, with $16,760 median debt for a 0.427 debt-to-earnings ratio and B ROI grade. The low debt picture combined with reasonable career progression makes this a solid choice for cost-conscious in-state business-bound students.
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Mental and Social Health Services has 63 graduates per year. First-year earnings of $34,750 climb to $52,517 by year four, with $18,375 median debt for a 0.529 debt-to-earnings ratio and C+ ROI grade. NMHU has a strong social work pipeline, and the modest debt level combined with PSLF eligibility for nonprofit and government employment makes this a defensible track despite modest market salaries.
Psychology
Psychology has 31 graduates per year and produces an unusual outcome: a B ROI grade despite modest first-year earnings of $27,483. The reason is the very low $9,894 median debt, producing a 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio. Year-four earnings of $43,926 show solid progression. This is one of the more financially defensible bachelor's psychology programs in the database, specifically because of NMHU's affordable cost structure.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 53.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 62.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 48.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 56.2% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 1,451 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 45.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $5,823 |
Admission rate is not reported in current Scorecard data, which is typical for some New Mexico regional public universities operating as broad-access institutions. SAT and ACT scores are also not reported. The 26.2% completion rate is severely low and reflects an institution serving a heavily first-generation, working-class, and rural-isolated student population including substantial Hispanic and Native American enrollment.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Among NMHU's peer set, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is its direct in-state regional public peer with similar broad-access mission and modest outcomes. Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture is a tribal college peer reflecting NMHU's Indigenous enrollment overlap. Western Colorado University, Northern State (South Dakota), and University of Maine at Presque Isle are regional public peers in similar broad-access mid-tier territory. NMHU's 39 ROI score is competitive within this peer group, with the modest debt picture being a genuine differentiator versus higher-priced regional alternatives.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Highlands University (this school) | 39 | $14,838 | $45,937 |
| Northern State University | 41 | $15,812 | $47,618 |
| University of Maine at Presque Isle | 39 | $7,035 | $40,956 |
| Western Colorado University | 38 | $16,425 | $46,833 |
| Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | 34 | $4,904 | $38,550 |
| Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development | 28 | $12,570 | $24,505 |
Who Thrives Here
NMHU fits in-state northern New Mexico students from rural, Hispanic, and Native American communities seeking very affordable bachelor's education close to home, with 1,451 enrolled and a 45.1% Pell rate. The institution's HSI mission and tribal partnerships are real differentiators. Best fit for committed nursing, teacher education, or social services students with clear program direction; high risk for unprepared or undecided students given the 26.2% completion rate. The school's rural location is a feature for community-rooted students, a barrier for others.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about New Mexico Highlands University. With a net cost of $14,838 per year and median graduate earnings of only $45,937 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 18.2 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Key strengths include manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows weak earnings relative to cost and a 26.2% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $11,399 is very manageable against $45,937 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.