New Mexico Highlands University
New Mexico Highlands University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is New Mexico Highlands University Worth It?
At a value score of 20/100, New Mexico Highlands University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $45,937 — 15% below average — while paying $14,838/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 26% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at New Mexico Highlands University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How New Mexico Highlands University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #110 of 122 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #4 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #110 | New Mexico Highlands University | 20 | $14,838 | $45,937 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of New Mexico Highlands University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in NM.
Best Programs at New Mexico Highlands University
The highest-earning program at New Mexico Highlands University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $81,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $20,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from New Mexico Highlands University earns $81,300, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate earns $20,300. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $10,750 in median debt vs. $15,000 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,838/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $81,300 | $81,300 | $10,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $32,800 | $32,800 | $13,994 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $32,400 | $32,400 | $13,663 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $32,300 | $32,300 | $17,103 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $29,700 | $29,700 | $15,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $20,300 | $20,300 | $15,000 |
Similar Colleges in NM
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Las Vegas, NM
- Student Body
- 1,451 students
- Graduation Rate
- 26%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,838
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $45,937
- Median Student Debt
- $11,399