Western New Mexico University
Western New Mexico University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Western New Mexico University at a Glance
Western New Mexico University is a public university in Silver City, New Mexico, United States. It was founded in 1893.
1893
133 years old
3,500
Identity
Is Western New Mexico University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Western New Mexico University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $39,095 — 27% below average — while paying $8,522/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 34% 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.
With median debt of $23,000 representing 59% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Western New Mexico University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Western New Mexico University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #56 of 153 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 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #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 |
| #56 | Western New Mexico University | 39 | $8,522 | $39,095 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Western New Mexico 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 Western New Mexico University
The highest-earning program at Western New Mexico University is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $31,100/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate from Western New Mexico University earns $31,100, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $31,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates carry $21,721 in median debt vs. $21,721 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $8,522/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,100 | $31,100 | $21,721 |
Similar Colleges in NM
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Silver City, NM
- Student Body
- 2,026 students
- Graduation Rate
- 34%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $8,522
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $39,095
- Median Student Debt
- $23,000