Analysis
UNM's psychology program offers solid value within New Mexico's limited landscape, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide with graduates earning $31,466 in their first year—about $4,000 more than the state median. While this matches the national average precisely, the real advantage lies in the debt picture: graduates typically owe $20,475, which is $5,000 less than the national median for psychology programs.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 means graduates can realistically manage their loan payments, and earnings growth of 24% over four years shows promising career trajectory. Among the seven schools offering psychology in New Mexico, UNM performs competitively, trailing only Western New Mexico by a small margin while significantly outpacing larger state competitors like NMSU.
For families considering psychology degrees in New Mexico, UNM represents the sweet spot of reasonable debt and decent earning potential. The program won't launch your child into high-income territory immediately, but it provides a stable foundation with manageable financial obligations—particularly valuable given the field's typical requirement for graduate school to maximize earning potential.
Where University of New Mexico-Main Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of New Mexico-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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Mexico-Main Campus | $31,466 | $38,925 | +24% |
| Duke University | $33,559 | $72,857 | +117% |
| Middlebury College | $43,839 | $67,306 | +54% |
| New Mexico State University-Main Campus | $26,250 | $34,534 | +32% |
| Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | $19,844 | $31,615 | +59% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Mexico
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Mexico (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque | $8,115 | $31,466 | $38,925 | $20,475 | 0.65 |
 Western New Mexico UniversitySilver City | $7,868 | $31,591 | — | $27,500 | 0.87 |
 New Mexico Highlands UniversityLas Vegas | $7,260 | $27,483 | — | $9,894 | 0.36 |
 New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces | $8,147 | $26,250 | $34,534 | $17,725 | 0.68 |
 Eastern New Mexico University-Main CampusPortales | $6,863 | $19,844 | $31,615 | $20,050 | 1.01 |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 University of New Mexico-Main Campus, approximately 36% 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 374 graduates with reported earnings and 440 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.