New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, New Mexico · Public · 89.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 31/100 · Poor Value
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Poor ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,183/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $25,307/yr |
| Average net price | $8,889/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $35,556 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,067 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $29,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $17,095 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $181 |
| Estimated payback period | 43.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 55.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 11,946 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
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 | $6,648 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,424 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,861 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,146 |
| $110,001+ | $14,049 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at New Mexico State University-Main Campus with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $78,951 | B+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $49,834 | C |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $43,872 | D |
| Mechanical Engineering | $85,742 | B+ |
| Psychology | $45,637 | C |
| Biology | $52,567 | D |
| Teacher Education | $51,592 | C |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $94,024 | B+ |
| Business Administration and Management | $60,970 | C |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $96,510 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at New Mexico State University-Main Campus is $8,183/year ($25,307/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 $8,889/year, or roughly $35,556 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $6,648/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $14,049/year.
The median graduate leaves with $17,095 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $181 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $39,067 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.58 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 57.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 65.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 49.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 58.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 89.0% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 420-540 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 450-570 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 17-24 |
| Enrollment | 11,946 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 38.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,198 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State University-Main Campus (this school) | 31 | $8,889 | $39,067 |
| East Tennessee State University | 35 | $15,983 | $44,859 |
| Western Kentucky University | 34 | $10,990 | $43,889 |
| Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | 34 | $4,904 | $38,550 |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | 32 | $24,022 | $47,896 |
| Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development | 28 | $12,570 | $24,505 |
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about New Mexico State University-Main Campus. With a net cost of $8,889 per year and median graduate earnings of only $39,067 ten years out, the payback period stretches to 43.2 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $17,095 against $39,067 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
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.