Rankings / By State

Best Master's Programs in New Mexico

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 11 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$42,117

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

38%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$11,936

Avg. Net Price

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When considering a master's program in New Mexico, students have eleven institutions to choose from. Each school provides unique opportunities, but many will share common challenges regarding costs and outcomes. With an average earnings potential of about $42,117 and a graduation rate of 38%, it's crucial to weigh options carefully.

The schools listed here are ranked based on key outcomes that matter most for graduate success. These metrics include graduate earnings, completion rates, mobility, and student debt. For example, the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology stands out with earnings of $76,489 and a graduation rate of 57%, while Northern New Mexico College has lower earnings of $38,112 and a graduation rate of just 30%. Understanding these figures helps prospective students gauge which programs might align with their career goals.

As we examine our top two schools, the contrast becomes even clearer. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology not only offers significantly higher post-graduate earnings but also maintains a strong graduation rate compared to Eastern New Mexico University, which has earnings of $38,550 and a 42% graduation rate. This disparity highlights the importance of considering outcomes when making a decision about further education.

Key Findings

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology graduates earn an average of $76,489.

Northern New Mexico College has a graduation rate of just 30%.

The average net price for these programs is $9,873.

Graduates from New Mexico State University-Main Campus earn $39,067 on average.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 11

Avg. earnings at 10yr $42,117

Avg. graduation rate 38%

Avg. net price $11,936

Avg. median debt $16,604

How We Ranked

Master's programs in New Mexico ranked by graduate outcomes

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM

Graduation57%

Earnings$76,489

Net Price$9,873

View full profile →

New Mexico Highlands University

Las Vegas, NM

Graduation26%

Earnings$45,937

Net Price$14,838

View full profile →

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

Portales, NM

Graduation42%

Earnings$38,550

Net Price$4,904

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM · 995 students · Public

With a median earning of $76,489 a decade after graduation, the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro offers solid returns for its graduates. The school's focus on engineering and applied sciences attracts students who are eager to engage in hands-on learning and research opportunities in a close-knit environment with just 995 students.

44% accepted 57% graduate $76,489 earnings

New Mexico Highlands University

Las Vegas, NM · 1,451 students · Public

New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas prides itself on diversity and inclusion, with nearly half of its students (45%) receiving Pell Grants. This reflects a commitment to making college accessible to students from various backgrounds. Although the graduation rate is 26%, the university focuses on fostering a welcoming community that can help students reach their goals.

26% graduate $45,937 earnings

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus

Portales, NM · 3,357 students · Public

Eastern New Mexico University in Portales keeps education accessible with a very high acceptance rate of 92%. The smaller campus, home to about 3,357 students, fosters a close community where many students feel a personal connection to their faculty and peers as they pursue their studies.

92% accepted 42% graduate $38,550 earnings

Eastern's full profile

Western New Mexico University

Silver City, NM · 2,026 students · Public

Western New Mexico University in Silver City has a vibrant campus life that attracts a diverse student body. With a 34% graduation rate, the university emphasizes student support and engagement, helping individuals navigate their academic journeys. A notable 43% of students receive Pell Grants, highlighting the institution's dedication to affordability and accessibility for low-income students.

34% graduate $39,095 earnings

Western's full profile

New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Las Cruces, NM · 11,946 students · Public

New Mexico State University in Las Cruces serves a larger student body of nearly 12,000, creating a vibrant campus life where students can find their niche. The university’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its 89% acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse range of students who are eager to pursue a variety of academic interests.

89% accepted 54% graduate $39,067 earnings

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, NM · 17,244 students · Public

The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque attracts over 17,000 students, creating a dynamic and diverse academic environment. With a strong emphasis on research and community engagement, students can immerse themselves in a variety of programs and extracurricular activities that enhance their college experience.

95% accepted 54% graduate $44,792 earnings

University's full profile

St. John's College

Santa Fe, NM · 368 students · Private nonprofit

St. John's College in Santa Fe is renowned for its distinctive liberal arts curriculum, which emphasizes critical thinking and discussion. With a graduation rate of 57%, this school nurtures a diverse group of students who thrive in an environment that encourages deep engagement with classic texts and philosophical questions. The smaller size of 368 students contributes to a tight-knit community where meaningful connections are made.

53% accepted 57% graduate $44,985 earnings

Northern New Mexico College

Espanola, NM · 926 students · Public

With a strong commitment to serving the local community, Northern New Mexico College in Espanola is a place where many students find a supportive environment for their educational journey. A significant 32% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a focus on affordability and access for those from lower-income backgrounds. The graduation rate may be 30%, but the school cultivates a close-knit atmosphere that encourages persistence and growth.

30% graduate $38,112 earnings

Northern's full profile

University of the Southwest

Hobbs, NM · 346 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Hobbs, the University of the Southwest is a private nonprofit institution that emphasizes a personalized education experience. With a graduation rate of 23%, the school may not have the highest completion statistics, but it attracts a significant number of Pell Grant recipients—55%—indicating its commitment to affordability for students from low-income families. This focus on inclusivity can create a strong community feel on campus.

23% graduate $45,389 earnings

University's full profile

#10

Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development

Santa Fe, NM · 334 students · Public

Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this school has a unique focus on the cultures and arts of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples. With a 97% acceptance rate, it's an inclusive environment that welcomes students who are passionate about preserving and promoting these rich traditions. The small community of 334 students fosters a close-knit atmosphere, which can be ideal for those seeking a more personalized educational experience.

97% accepted 20% graduate $24,505 earnings

Institute's full profile

#11

Navajo Technical University

Crownpoint, NM · 1,124 students · Public

Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, New Mexico, is dedicated to serving the Indigenous population, offering a unique blend of technical education and cultural studies. With a relatively low enrollment of 1,124 students, this public university emphasizes community and an intimate learning environment. Despite a graduation rate of only 16%, the university plays a crucial role in supporting students who are committed to their cultural heritage and technical skills development.

16% graduate $26,364 earnings

Navajo's full profile

One notable pattern emerges when we compare the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology with New Mexico State University-Main Campus. The former boasts an average earning of $76,489, significantly higher than the $39,067 from New Mexico State. This large earnings gap is accompanied by a graduation rate of 57% at the Institute, compared to only 54% at New Mexico State, highlighting how program reputation and outcomes can influence post-graduate success.

Now that you've seen the data, what should you do next? Take your personal priorities into account. Are you drawn to a specific location or program? Consider the campus environment and financial implications of each program. For instance, Eastern New Mexico University offers a lower net price of $4,904, which might appeal to budget-conscious students despite its lower earnings potential.

Ultimately, this data reflects the journey from college to a stable career. One family might prioritize a school with higher earnings, while another might focus on affordability. Choosing a program is a critical decision that shapes one's financial future and career trajectory.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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