Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Pima Medical Institute-Albuquerque

The roughly $34,500 in estimated debt for this nursing program—based on national patterns for similar associate degree programs—sits well above both the state's typical debt burden of $14,519 and the national median of $20,751. With first-year earnings around $73,400 (typical for nursing associate's programs in New Mexico), graduates would carry debt roughly half their starting salary, which translates to manageable monthly payments but a significantly larger loan balance than peers at public alternatives in the state.

New Mexico's nursing market appears strong and fairly consistent, with comparable programs producing first-year earnings in the $76,500-$79,000 range at schools like Santa Fe Community College and NMSU-Dona Ana. The estimated earnings here align with the state median, suggesting graduates should find similar employment opportunities—but likely while managing substantially more debt than students who complete the same credential elsewhere in New Mexico.

For families considering this investment, the gap between estimated debt and what nursing students typically borrow in-state—nearly $20,000 more—deserves careful scrutiny. With 60% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are price-sensitive, and the higher debt load could matter considerably over the repayment period. Before committing, compare the actual published costs and financial aid packages against New Mexico's community colleges and public universities offering nursing programs, where debt burdens run significantly lower for similar career outcomes.