Location: Crownpoint, NM•In-State Tuition: $4,250
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$73,387
Est. from NM median (13 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$13,996
Est. from NM median (12 programs)

Analysis

New Mexico's nursing job market is strong, and peer programs suggest Navajo Technical University's nursing graduates enter it well-positioned. With estimated first-year earnings around $73,400—based on the state median for comparable associate nursing programs—and estimated debt near $14,000, this program appears to offer the kind of financial foundation that matters: graduates would likely owe less than three months' salary, a manageable burden for an entry-level registered nurse.

The earnings estimate actually exceeds the national median for associate nursing programs by about $5,000, reflecting New Mexico's competitive healthcare wages. While top-performing programs in the state report slightly higher outcomes (Santa Fe Community College graduates earn around $79,000), the difference is modest—especially when weighed against factors like proximity to home and cultural fit, which matter considerably at a tribal institution serving predominantly Pell-eligible students.

The caveat is real: these figures reflect what *similar* nursing programs produce statewide, not verified outcomes from Navajo Tech specifically. But nursing credentials are relatively standardized—graduates sit for the same licensing exam regardless of school—which means peer program data offers reasonable guidance. For families in the Navajo Nation seeking accessible nursing education close to home, this program's estimated financial profile suggests a solid return, assuming graduates can secure nursing positions at prevailing New Mexico wages.

Where Navajo Technical University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally

Navajo Technical University (estimated ±10%)Other registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in New Mexico

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in New Mexico (20 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Navajo Technical UniversityCrownpoint$4,250$73,387*—$13,996*—
Santa Fe Community CollegeSanta Fe$2,145$79,098*$61,577$28,074*0.35
New Mexico State University-Dona AnaLas Cruces$2,322$78,510*$72,107$16,467*0.21
New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces$8,147$78,510*$72,107$16,467*0.21
Southeast New Mexico CollegeCarlsbad$1,176$78,510*$72,107$16,467*0.21
Carrington College-AlbuquerqueAlbuquerque—$76,515*$76,747$32,969*0.43
National Median—$68,409*—$20,751*0.30
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates

Nurse Anesthetists

Administer anesthesia, monitor patient's vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Midwives

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nurse Practitioners

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

$132,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Medical and Health Services Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.

$117,960/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Acute Care Nurses

Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Critical Care Nurses

Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Direct nursing staff in the provision of patient care in a clinical practice setting, such as a hospital, hospice, clinic, or home. Ensure adherence to established clinical policies, protocols, regulations, and standards.

$93,600/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Navajo Technical University, approximately 49% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in NM. Actual outcomes may vary.