Nursing at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

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

A 76% acceptance rate means New Mexico State University-Main Campus is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 11,561 in Las Cruces, NM.

Program Analysis

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

The 50.4x 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.

At #638 out of 947 programs, New Mexico State University-Main Campus's financial outcomes for Nursing trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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.

79 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
74
Low End
79
Score
79
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)
50.4x
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)
$16,294
Out-of-state: $50,542
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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Nursing careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering healthcare.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

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 does a 79/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Nursing at New Mexico State University-Main Campus?
A score of 79/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but New Mexico State University-Main Campus trails the majority of Nursing programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
What's the AI risk for Nursing graduates from New Mexico State University-Main Campus?
With 39% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $821,388 in decade earnings vs $821,388 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What's the typical debt for Nursing graduates from New Mexico State University-Main Campus?
At $13,590 in median debt, Nursing graduates from New Mexico State University-Main Campus carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.2x is well below the trade program average.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Nursing graduates?
The DOL recognizes 4 apprenticeship pathways related to Nursing. For students weighing New Mexico State University-Main Campus's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Nursing graduates from New Mexico State University-Main Campus find jobs?
Job availability for Nursing is strong — 292,500 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For New Mexico State University-Main Campus graduates specifically, local market conditions in NM may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →