Data Processing at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana

The earnings trajectory here tells a worrying story: graduates start at $38,559 but see their income drop nearly 20% to $31,241 by year four. This backward slide is unusual for career-focused technical programs and suggests either local labor market challenges or that the program isn't equipping students with skills that command sustained value. While the starting salary matches the national median and ranks at the 60th percentile in New Mexico, that initial promise quickly erodes.

The relatively low debt load of $9,750—well below the national median—offers some protection against this earnings decline. You're not saddling your child with heavy loans for a credential that appears to lose market value over time. However, even modest debt becomes harder to service when income is moving in the wrong direction. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty; this pattern could reflect just a few graduates' unusual career paths rather than a systemic issue.

Given the earnings decline, this program works best as a stepping stone rather than a destination—something to build on with additional credentials or as part of a larger career plan where your child already has connections in data-related fields. If they're looking for a stable credential that will grow their earning power over time, the numbers suggest looking elsewhere.