Nursing at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana

Las Cruces, NM · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

with a smaller student body of 4,812 in Las Cruces, NM.

Program Analysis

At $78,510 per year, Nursing graduates from New Mexico State University-Dona Ana earn slightly above the $69,474 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 176.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 39% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Nursing graduates.

The median debt load of $13,590 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Ranked #52 out of 947 programs, New Mexico State University-Dona Ana's Nursing program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $78,510 to $80,465 over five years (2% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

Nursing connects to 4 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

90 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
84
Low End
90
Score
90
High End
Earnings $78,510/yr (13% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$821K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
176.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,644
Out-of-state: $12,720
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,590
2.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$80,465
2% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

Explore what Nursing graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 947 programs nationwide.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Nursing at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana?
A score of 90/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. New Mexico State University-Dona Ana's Nursing graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
What's the AI risk for Nursing graduates from New Mexico State University-Dona Ana?
AI won't eliminate Nursing careers, but it may reshape them. At New Mexico State University-Dona Ana, a score of 90/100 already accounts for the 39% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
What's the typical debt for Nursing graduates from New Mexico State University-Dona Ana?
At $13,590 in median debt, Nursing graduates from New Mexico State University-Dona Ana carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
Why does New Mexico State University-Dona Ana rank so high for Nursing?
Among 947 Nursing programs, New Mexico State University-Dona Ana's #52 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Nursing graduates?
Beyond New Mexico State University-Dona Ana's classroom route, 4 registered apprenticeships map to Nursing careers — including Home Health Director. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Will Nursing graduates from New Mexico State University-Dona Ana find jobs?
The very large job market (292,500 annual openings) works in favor of Nursing graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →