Best Community Colleges in New Mexico

New Mexico Community Colleges Overview

Popular fields to pursue in New Mexico

• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities 
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
• Business Administration, Management and Operations
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing 
  

The average tuition fee for community colleges in New Mexico

• $2,084 annually for in-state students 
• $4,620 for out-of-state students 

Undergraduate enrollment rates

• According to research by the College Board, approximately 100,000 students enroll in Public Two-Year institutions in New Mexico. 

Interested in free community college? Check out our full guide here!

San Juan College

Highlights:

Top Fields of Study

• Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma 
• Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma 
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree 

Degrees With The Highest Salaries 

• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree - $63,005
• Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians - Associate's Degree - $53,358
• Dental Support Services and Allied Professions - Associate's Degree - $52,107

Fact :San Juan College (SJC) is divided into six schools: Energy, Health Sciences, Trades and Technology, Business and Information Technology, Humanities, and Math, Science, and Engineering.

Location

San Juan College is a public community college located in Farmington, a city in San Juan County in New Mexico. With a population of 43,278, it is the 6th largest city in New Mexico and the 901st largest city in the United States. 

Some of the largest businesses found in Farmington include San Juan Regional Medical Center, Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, and Basin Home Health & Hospice.

Demographic

• 38% White
• 36% American Indian/Alaska Native
• 17% Hispanic
• 4% Unknown
• 2% Two or more races
• 1% Non-resident alien
• 1% Black
• 1% Asian

Weather

The summers in Farmington are hot and the winters are short, cold, and partly cloudy. Throughout the year, the temperature generally ranges from 20°F to 92°F, with temperatures rarely falling below 8°F or going over 98°F.

Campus location

The SJC campus is located at 601 College Blvd, Farmington, NM 87402, United States. 

Attractions/Places to visit

Surrounded by three rivers, four golf courses, five lakes, and six national parks, Farmington is known for its outdoorsy lifestyle. It also has a variety of renowned art and theatre places. Click here for a complete list of things to do and places to visit in Farmington!

Top fields of study

SJC offers over 130 degree and certificate programs. They also provide workforce training to approximately 4,000 students annually. Keep reading to find out the complete details for the top three programs. 

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings- $22,329
• Monthly Earnings-$1,861

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation-$8,268
• Monthly Loan Payment- $79

Number Of Graduates  

• 144
  

Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings- $45,340
• Monthly Earnings- $3,778

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation- $13,000
• Monthly Loan Payment- $124

Number Of Graduates  

• 123
  

Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/ Technicians - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings- $47,260
• Monthly Earnings-$3,938

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation-$9,128
• Monthly Loan Payment- $87

Number Of Graduates  

• 66

Cost and financial aid

Average annual cost 

The average annual cost of studying at SJC is $6,115, as of 2021. Cost includes tuition, living costs, books and supplies, and fees (not including the average grants and scholarships for federal financial aid recipients)

Financial Aid 

At San Juan College, 91% of first-time freshmen receive financial aid. Click here to see the different types of aid, scholarships, and loans that SJC offers. 

Graduation rate & salary

Graduation Rate 

Out of 4,722 students:

• 28% graduated
• 45% withdrew
• 22% transferred
• 4% still enrolled
  

Salary 

The salary of SJC graduates is determined by their field of study. The estimate ranges from $18,771 - $63,005.

Student Body

There are over 4,762 undergraduate students at SJC, with 45% of them being full-time students and 55% being part-time. 

Related: How to become a line worker in New Mexico

Central New Mexico Community College

Highlights:

Top Fields of Study

• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree 
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma 
• Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma 

Degrees With The Highest Salaries 

• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree - $62,734
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions - Associate's Degree - $48,326
• Electrical and Power Transmission Installers - Associate's Degree - $45,128

Fact: Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) is the largest community college in New Mexico.

Location

Central New Mexico Community College is a public college located in Albuquerque, a city in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. With a population of 562,281, it is the largest city in New Mexico and the 32nd largest city in the United States. 

Some of the biggest companies found in Albuquerque include PNM Resources, Lovelace Health System, and Sandia National Laboratories. 

Demographic

“CNM’s commitment to providing a welcoming environment to all students extends to the language we use when addressing them. With our diverse student and prospective student populations, it is necessary to consider inclusive language that builds unity across the College.”

• 54% Hispanic
• 26% White
• 6% American Indian/Alaska Native
• 5% Unknown
• 3% Black
• 3% Two or more races
• 2% Asian
  

Weather

Summers in Albuquerque are hot, winters are short and cold, and the weather is dry and clear year-round. Throughout the year, the temperature generally ranges from 27°F to 93°F, with temperatures rarely falling below 18°F or going over 99°F

Campus location

The Central New Mexico Community College campus is located at 900 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA.

Attractions/Places to visit

Albuquerque is famous for its museums and historic adobe buildings. The city has a rich blend of Spanish and Native American history and heritage. Click here for a complete list of things to do and places to visit in Albuquerque!

Top fields of study

CNM offers degrees and certificates in 28 different fields. They offer programs such as Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Health Professions and Related Programs, and Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Keep reading to find out the complete details for the top three programs. 

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings - $26,977
• Monthly Earnings - $2,248

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation- $8,503
• Monthly Loan Payment- $81

Number Of Graduates 

• 2474

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings-
• Monthly Earnings- 

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation- 
• Monthly Loan Payment- 

Number Of Graduates  

• 2436

Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing, and Nursing Assistants - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings- $23,456
• Monthly Earnings- $1,955

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation- $3,563
• Monthly Loan Payment- $34

Number Of Graduates  

• 280

Related: How to get into the Solar Electric Industry in New Mexico

Cost and financial aid

Average annual cost 

The average annual cost of studying at CNM is $3,429, as of 2021. Cost includes tuition, living costs, books and supplies, and fees (not including the average grants and scholarships for federal financial aid recipients).

Financial Aid 

CNM offers many financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Click here to find out more! 

Graduation rate & salary

Graduation Rate 

Out of 20,456 students:

• 25% graduated
• 44% withdrew
• 29% transferred
• 2% still enrolled
  

Salary 

The salary of CNM graduates is determined by their field of study. The estimate ranges from $17,859 - $62,734

Student Body

There are over 18,120 undergraduate students at Central New Mexico Community College, with 33% of them being full-time students and 67% being part-time. 

University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus

Highlights:

Top Fields of Study

• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree 
• Business Administration, Management and Operations - Associate's Degree 
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing 

Degrees With The Highest Salaries 

• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree - $68,965
• Dental Support Services and Allied Professions - Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma - $28,816
• Business Administration, Management and Operations - Associate's Degree - $25,194

Fact: The University of New Mexico - Gallup (UNM Gallup) Campus also has additional programs to cater to a diverse student body. These programs include the Adult Education Center on the North Side of Gallup, Middle College High School, Community Education, and the Center for Career and Technical Education (CCTE).

Location

University of New Mexico-Gallup Campus is a public community college located in Gallup, a city in McKinley County, New Mexico. With a population of 21,115, it is the 11th largest city in New Mexico and the 1776th largest city in the United States.

Some of the biggest companies found in Gallup include Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services and Gallup McKinley County Schools.

Demographic

• 66% American Indian/Alaska Native
• 19% Hispanic
• 8% White
• 2% Asian
• 2% Two or more races
• 1% Unknown
• 1% Non-resident alien
  

Weather

Summers in Gallup are warm, winters are extremely cold and windy, and the weather is dry and mostly clear year-round. Throughout the year, the temperature generally ranges from 16°F to 87°F, with temperatures rarely falling below 2°F or going over 93°F.

Campus location

The UNM Gallup Campus is located at 705 Gurley Ave, Gallup, NM 87301, United States. 

Attractions/Places to visit

Gallup has a mix of Native American, Indian, and Hispanic cultures. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and the deserts of Arizona! There is also a variety of historic places to visit in Gallup! Click here for a complete list of things to do and places to visit in Gallup.

Top fields of study

UNM Gallup has an acceptance rate of 100%. They offer a variety of majors including Liberal Arts and Humanities, Early Childhood Education, and Business. Keep reading to find out the complete details for the top three programs. 

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings - $20,140
• Monthly Earnings -$1,678

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation- $1,678
• Monthly Loan Payment- $86

Number Of Graduates 

• 62

Business Administration, Management and Operations - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings- $25,194
• Monthly Earnings- $2,100

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation- $8,250
• Monthly Loan Payment- $79

Number Of Graduates  

• 27

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings- $68,965
• Monthly Earnings- $5,747

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation- $11,248
• Monthly Loan Payment- $107

Number Of Graduates  

• 22
  

Cost and financial aid

Average annual cost 

The average annual cost of studying at UNM Gallup is $6,622, as of 2021. Cost includes tuition, living costs, books and supplies, and fees (not including the average grants and scholarships for federal financial aid recipients).

Financial Aid 

UNM Gallup provides many financial aid resources such as scholarships, grants, and other aid for all qualified current and prospective students. Click here to find out more. 

Graduation rate & salary

Graduation Rate 

Out of 1,889 students

• 16% graduated
• 58% withdrew
• 23% transferred
• 3% still enrolled
  

Salary 

The salary of UNM Gallup graduates is determined by their field of study. The estimate ranges from  $20,140 - $68,965. 

Student Body

There are over 1,638 undergraduate students at UNM Gallup, with 43% of them being full-time students and 57% being part-time. 

New Mexico State University-Dona Ana

Highlights:

Top Fields of Study

• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree 
• Criminal Justice and Corrections - Associate's Degree 
• Business/Commerce, General - Associate's Degree

Degrees With The Highest Salaries 

• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing - Associate's Degree - $63,997
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions - Associate's Degree - $45,696
• Dental Support Services and Allied Professions - Associate's Degree - $44,170

Fact :New Mexico State University-Dona Ana (DACC) is the fourth-largest higher education institution in New Mexico. 

Location

DACC is a public community college in Las Cruces, a city located in New Mexico. With a population of 104,672, Las Cruces is the 2nd largest city in New Mexico and the 300th largest city in the United States. 

Some of the biggest companies found in Las Cruces include GCC Dacotah, MVT Services, and Tresco Inc. 

Demographic

“Doña Ana Community College, in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, serious medical condition, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, spousal affiliation, or protected veteran status in its programs and activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs and activities.”

• 76% Hispanic
• 14% White
• 4% Non-resident alien
• 2% Black
• 2% Unknown
• 1% Two or more races
• 1% American Indian/Alaska Native
  

Weather

Summers in Las Cruces are hot and partly cloudy, winters are short and chilly, and it is dry year-round. Throughout the year, the temperature generally ranges from 32°F to 97°F, with temperatures rarely falling below 23°F or going over 103°F.

Campus location

The DACC campus is located on 1780 E University Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88003, United States.

Attractions/Places to visit

Las Cruces is a crossroads of Hispanic, Indian, and American cultures. The city is surrounded by river valleys, mountains, and vast deserts. Las Cruces is known for its art galleries, museums, theaters, festivals, and outdoor activities such as hiking, golfing, and tennis. Click here for a complete list of things to do and places to visit in Las Cruces.

Top fields of study

DACC offers degrees and certificates in 22 different fields. They have a variety of programs such as Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Health Professions and Related Programs, and Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Keep reading to find out the complete details for the top three programs. 

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings - $23,005
• Monthly Earnings -$1,917

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation- $11,250
• Monthly Loan Payment- $107

Number Of Graduates 

• 545

Criminal Justice and Corrections - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings- $22,420
• Monthly Earnings- $1,868

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation- $14,350
• Monthly Loan Payment- $137

Number Of Graduates  

• 81
  

Business/Commerce, General - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings- $17,794
• Monthly Earnings- $1,483

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation- $10,770
• Monthly Loan Payment- $103

Number Of Graduates  

• 56
  

Cost and financial aid

Average annual cost 

The average annual cost of studying at DACC is $5,539, as of 2021. Cost includes tuition, living costs, books and supplies, and fees (not including the average grants and scholarships for federal financial aid recipients).

Financial Aid 

DACC offers four major categories of financial aid: Grants, Loans, Work-study, and Scholarships.

Graduation rate & salary

Graduation Rate 

Out of 5,270 students:

• 23% graduated
• 59% withdrew
• 15% transferred
• 2% still enrolled

Salary 

The salary of DACC graduates is determined by their field of study. The estimate ranges from $14,442 - $63,997

Student Body

There are over 5,407 undergraduate students at DACC, with 58% of them being full-time students and 42% being part-time. 

New Mexico State University - Grants

Highlights:

Top Fields of Study

• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree 
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions - Associate's Degree 
• Data Processing - Associate's Degree

Degrees With The Highest Salaries 

• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions - Associate's Degree - $45,696
• Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians - Associate's Degree - $33,993
• Data Processing - Associate's Degree - $26,353

Fact: The student-to-faculty ratio is frequently used to assess the amount of interaction between professors and their students This ratio is 15 to 1 at New Mexico State University - Grants, which is comparable to the national average. 

Location

New Mexico State University - Grants (NMSU - Grants) is a community college located in Grants, a city in Cibola County, New Mexico. With a population of 8,866, it is the 23rd largest city in New Mexico and the 3357th largest city in the United States. 

Some of the largest businesses in Grants include Cibola Title Company, SoloWorks Cibola, and Quest Title Company.

Demographic

“NMSU supports numerous initiatives to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity for and among its students, staff, and faculty. These efforts support a Diversity Council, and the American Indian Program, Black Programs, Chicano Programs, LGBT+ Programs, and Military and Veterans Programs.  In addition, similar initiatives exist within its colleges and campuses.”

• 41% Hispanic
• 39% American Indian/Alaska Native
• 15% White
• 2% Unknown
• 2% Non-resident alien
• 1% Two or more race
  

Weather

Summers in Grants are warm, winters are cold and windy, and the weather is dry and generally clear year-round. Throughout the year, the temperature generally ranges from 17°F to 88°F, with temperatures rarely falling below 4°F or going over 94°F.

Campus location

The NMSU - Grants campus is located in Martinez Hall, 1500 3rd St, Grants, NM 87020, USA.

Attractions/Places to visit

Grants is known as “The Uranium Capital of the United States,” proving almost half of the total uranium ore accumulated by the United States federal government. People in Grant also prefer shopping locally! Click here for a complete list of things to do and places to visit in Grants!

Top fields of study

NMSU - Grants offers over 50 Undergraduate Degrees in many different fields. Keep reading to find out the complete details for the top three programs. 

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings -$23,005
• Monthly Earnings $1,917

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation- $11,250
• Monthly Loan Payment- $107

Number Of Graduates 

• 31
  

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings- $45,696
• Monthly Earnings- $3,808

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation- $8,750
• Monthly Loan Payment- $83

Number Of Graduates  

• N/A

Data Processing - Associate's Degree

Salary After Completing

• Median Earnings- $26,353
• Monthly Earnings- $2,196

Financial Aid & Debt

• Median Total Debt After Graduation- $8,998
• Monthly Loan Payment- $86

Number Of Graduates  

• 6

Cost and financial aid

Average annual cost 

The average annual cost of studying at NMSU - Grants is $5,388, as of 2021. Cost includes tuition, living costs, books and supplies, and fees (not including the average grants and scholarships for federal financial aid recipients).

Financial Aid 

NMSU - Grants offers financial aid to students eligible for FAFSA. Click here to find out more. 

Graduation rate & salary

Graduation Rate 

Out of 544 students:

• 20% graduated
• 65% withdrew
• 13% transferred
• 2% still enrolled
  

Salary 

The salary of NMSU - Grants graduates is determined by their field of study. The estimate ranges from $14,524 - $45,696

Student Body

There are over 256 undergraduate students at NMSU, with 53% of them being full-time students and 47% being part-time. 

Honorable Mentions

• Mesa lands Community College
  ‍https://www.mesalands.edu/ ‍
• Clovis Community College
  https://www.clovis.eu/ ‍
• Santa Fe Community College
  https://www.sfcc.edu/ 
• Luna Community College
  https://luna.edu/ 
• Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell
  https://www.roswell.enmu.edu/