Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus

At $22,417 in first-year earnings, this associate's degree falls $5,000 short of the national benchmark for liberal arts programs—but in New Mexico's context, it's actually middle-of-the-pack, landing at the state median. That's the critical piece for in-state students: while this program ranks in just the 18th percentile nationally, it performs better than 60% of similar programs statewide. The modest $10,084 debt load keeps the financial risk manageable, with graduates owing less than half their first-year salary.

The real concern is the earnings ceiling. Even after four years, graduates earn just $25,880—still trailing most other New Mexico community colleges offering this degree. Central New Mexico Community College graduates, for instance, earn $31,097 in their first year out, suggesting significant variation in outcomes even within the same state and credential type. The 15% earnings growth is positive, but you're still starting from a low base that may limit long-term financial flexibility.

For families considering this program, the low debt is its strongest selling point. But if your student can access programs at Central New Mexico or the NMSU branch campuses, those appear to offer substantially better earnings potential for similar credentials. This works as an affordable stepping stone to a bachelor's degree, but as a terminal credential, it leaves graduates competing for lower-wage positions even by New Mexico standards.