Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Central New Mexico Community College

Central New Mexico Community College graduates nearly 40% above the national median for associate nursing programs, and they do it with debt that's 30% below the typical burden. That's a powerful combination that ranks this program in the 78th percentile nationally. The modest debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 means graduates owe less than three months of salary—manageable by any standard.

The state comparison reveals interesting nuances. At 60th percentile among New Mexico nursing programs, CNM sits in the middle of the pack locally, with Santa Fe Community College and NMSU campuses posting slightly higher earnings around $78,500-$79,000. However, CNM matches the state median for debt, making it competitive on affordability even within New Mexico. The earnings dip from $74,923 to $72,221 between years one and four is worth noting, though both figures remain solidly above national benchmarks.

For New Mexico families, this program delivers strong value—especially considering CNM serves a significant Pell-eligible population. Your child would enter a well-paying field with minimal debt and immediate earning power. The robust sample size confirms these aren't outliers. While a few in-state alternatives might offer marginally higher starting salaries, CNM's combination of above-national earnings and below-national debt makes it a reliable choice for launching a nursing career without financial strain.