# Best Master's Programs in New Mexico

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 11 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-new-mexico

## Methodology

Master's programs in New Mexico ranked by graduate outcomes

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/new-mexico-institute-of-mining-and-technology) | Socorro, NM | 57% | $76,489 | $9,873 | $19,085 | 0.25x |
| 2 | [New Mexico Highlands University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/new-mexico-highlands-university) | Las Vegas, NM | 26% | $45,937 | $14,838 | $11,399 | 0.25x |
| 3 | [Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-new-mexico-university-main-campus) | Portales, NM | 42% | $38,550 | $4,904 | $16,500 | 0.43x |
| 4 | [Western New Mexico University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-new-mexico-university) | Silver City, NM | 34% | $39,095 | $8,522 | $23,000 | 0.59x |
| 5 | [New Mexico State University-Main Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/new-mexico-state-university-main-campus) | Las Cruces, NM | 54% | $39,067 | $8,889 | $17,095 | 0.44x |
| 6 | [University of New Mexico-Main Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-new-mexico-main-campus) | Albuquerque, NM | 54% | $44,792 | $15,489 | $18,450 | 0.41x |
| 7 | [St. John's College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/st-johns-college-nm) | Santa Fe, NM | 57% | $44,985 | $26,674 | N/A | N/A |
| 8 | [Northern New Mexico College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northern-new-mexico-college) | Espanola, NM | 30% | $38,112 | $7,276 | $6,000 | 0.16x |
| 9 | [University of the Southwest](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-the-southwest) | Hobbs, NM | 23% | $45,389 | $16,927 | $21,303 | 0.47x |
| 10 | [Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/institute-of-american-indian-and-alaska-native-culture-and-arts-development) | Santa Fe, NM | 20% | $24,505 | $12,570 | N/A | N/A |
| 11 | [Navajo Technical University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/navajo-technical-university) | Crownpoint, NM | 16% | $26,364 | $5,338 | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Master's Programs in New Mexico." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-new-mexico

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.