Location: Las Cruces, NM•In-State Tuition: $8,147•Out-of-State Tuition: $25,271•Admission Rate: 76%•Avg SAT: 1004
Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,559
50th percentile
60th percentile in New Mexico
Median Debt
$9,750
41% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.25 ManageableSample: 20 graduates Limited data

Analysis

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.

Where New Mexico State University-Main Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all data processing associates's programs nationally

New Mexico State University-Main CampusOther data processing programs

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

Earnings Distribution

How New Mexico State University-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

New Mexico State University-Main Campus earns $39k — 50th percentile among data processing associates programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
New Mexico State University-Main Campus$38,559$31,241-19%
CUNY Queensborough Community College$26,484$53,960+104%
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana$38,559$31,241-19%
Southeast New Mexico College$38,559$31,241-19%
New Mexico State University-Grants$38,559$31,241-19%

Compare to Similar Programs in New Mexico

Data Processing associates's programs at peer institutions in New Mexico (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces$8,147$38,559$31,241$9,7500.25
New Mexico State University-Dona AnaLas Cruces$2,322$38,559$31,241$9,7500.25
Southeast New Mexico CollegeCarlsbad$1,176$38,559$31,241$9,7500.25
New Mexico State University-GrantsGrants$2,136$38,559$31,241$9,7500.25
National Median—$38,559—$16,5000.43

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with data processing graduates

Computer Occupations, All Other

All computer occupations not listed separately.

Web Administrators

Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.

Document Management Specialists

Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.

Penetration Testers

Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.

Information Security Engineers

Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.

Digital Forensics Analysts

Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.

Blockchain Engineers

Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security.

Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

Information Technology Project Managers

Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.

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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.