Analysis
New Mexico State's civil engineering program starts graduates at $60,212—below the national median but comfortably above the state median of $57,230. That 60th percentile ranking within New Mexico matters more than you might think: with only three engineering programs in the state, NMSU actually beats UNM's civil engineering program by $6,000 in first-year earnings. For families considering in-state options, this is the stronger choice.
The real story emerges in year four, when earnings jump to $75,381—a 25% increase that pushes graduates well above both state and national starting points. Combined with just $13,382 in median debt (among the lowest in the country for engineering), graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22, meaning debt equals roughly 11 weeks of income. That's manageable by any standard and reflects NMSU's relatively low tuition costs and the Pell-eligible population it serves.
Yes, the 5th national percentile looks concerning on paper, but that number reflects New Mexico's lower cost of living and regional salary scales rather than program quality. The career trajectory suggests employers value these graduates—earnings growth of $15,000 over four years indicates strong demand. For New Mexico residents who want to stay in-state, this program delivers engineering credentials with minimal debt and solid earning potential within the local market.
Where New Mexico State University-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all civil engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How New Mexico State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico State University-Main Campus | $60,212 | $75,381 | +25% |
| University of Southern California | $85,262 | $106,533 | +25% |
| Santa Clara University | $84,883 | $100,598 | +19% |
| Cornell University | $80,261 | $95,056 | +18% |
| University of New Mexico-Main Campus | $54,248 | $72,658 | +34% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Mexico
Civil Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Mexico (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces | $8,147 | $60,212 | $75,381 | $13,382 | 0.22 |
 University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque | $8,115 | $54,248 | $72,658 | $20,500 | 0.38 |
| National Median | — | $69,574 | — | $24,500 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with civil engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Petroleum Engineers
Environmental Engineers
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Civil Engineers
Transportation Engineers
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
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 New Mexico State University-Main Campus, approximately 40% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 33 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.