Data Processing at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

New Mexico State's Data Processing associate's comes with a significant red flag: graduates earn less four years out ($31,241) than they do fresh out of college ($38,559). That 19% earnings decline is unusual for technical programs and suggests these entry-level skills may not lead to career progression in New Mexico's job market.

The debt load is manageable at $9,750—less than a quarter of first-year earnings and well below the national median for this program. Within New Mexico, this ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings among data processing programs, meaning it's slightly above average for the state. However, the sample size here is quite small (under 30 graduates), so these figures may not reflect what your child would actually experience.

The real question is whether this two-year degree provides a viable path forward. Starting near $38,500 is reasonable, but if earnings actually decline rather than grow, you're looking at a credential that might get someone in the door but doesn't appear to support advancement. For a family considering this program, I'd want to understand what specific jobs these graduates are taking and why their earnings drop off—whether it's part-time work, career changes, or a mismatch between skills taught and local employer needs.