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Public, 2-year

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, New Mexico · www.cnm.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$8,684

In-state $2,060

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

19,342

Student-faculty ratio 21:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

28.9%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 35.0%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) is a prominent institution located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Established in 1964, CNM has evolved into a vital educational resource for the community, offering a diverse range of programs and degrees to cater to the needs of its students and the local workforce. One of the college's key features is its commitment to accessibility and affordability. CNM provides a variety of financial aid options, scholarships, and support services to help students successfully navigate their academic journeys. The college's open enrollment policy allows students from different backgrounds to pursue their education without facing significant barriers.

The campus culture at CNM is vibrant and inclusive, fostering a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff. With a focus on real-world skills and hands-on learning, CNM offers numerous programs in fields such as healthcare, technology, arts, and business. The college is particularly noted for its strong partnerships with local industries, which enhance job placement opportunities for graduates. Additionally, CNM emphasizes the importance of student engagement through various extracurricular activities and clubs, providing a well-rounded college experience. As a testament to its dedication to student success, CNM has consistently received recognition for its innovative approaches in education, making it a valuable institution for those looking to further their education in New Mexico.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Central New Mexico Community College

Over the past decade, Central New Mexico Community College has experienced significant changes in various essential metrics that reflect the institution's performance and student engagement. One notable aspect is the rising tuition costs, particularly for in-state undergraduate students, which increased from $1,364 in 2014 to $1,934 in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 42%, indicating a trend that could impact accessibility for many prospective students. Similarly, out-of-state tuition has also seen a substantial rise, escalating from $6,656 to $8,366, highlighting the growing financial burden on students and their families.

Moreover, student enrollment has shown a decline, decreasing from a peak of 28,891 in 2014 to 19,095 in 2023. This 34% reduction in student numbers raises concerns about the institution's attractiveness and outreach strategies. Coupled with the increasing tuition, this trend could deter potential students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

In terms of graduation rates, there has been a noticeable improvement over the years. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students increased from a mere 3.13% in 2013 to 16.61% in 2022, signifying enhanced support systems and academic resources that may be contributing to better student outcomes. However, the graduation rate saw a decline to 7.97% in 2023, suggesting that the institution may need to reassess its current strategies to maintain upward momentum.

Lastly, the retention rate has remained relatively stable, hovering around 61-65% over the years, which is indicative of students' satisfaction despite the fluctuations in tuition and enrollment. The student-to-faculty ratio has slightly improved, indicating a more favorable learning environment, which could positively influence both retention and graduation outcomes.

Overall, while Central New Mexico Community College has made strides in enhancing graduation rates and maintaining retention, it faces challenges with rising costs and declining enrollment that must be addressed to ensure sustainable growth and accessibility for its students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Large city
Nearest major city
In Albuquerque
Nearest international airport
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 2 mi
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Also known as
CNM
Academic calendar
Trimester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Tracy Hartzler (President)
Phone
5052243000
City
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Address
525 Buena Vista Dr SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate2,8596 international (0.2%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
General Studies
567
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
235
Business Administration and Management, General
213
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
204
Psychology, General
158
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
157
Computer and Information Sciences, General
88
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
87
Sociology, General
68
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
68

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduate Numbers at Central New Mexico Community College

The data from Central New Mexico Community College reveals significant trends in graduate numbers across various fields for the year 2023. Notably, the Veterinary/Animal Health Technology program stands out with 12 graduates receiving an associate degree, highlighting the demand for professionals in animal care and health. This trend aligns with the growing public interest in pet ownership and animal welfare, potentially driving enrollment in related programs.

Moreover, the Building Construction Technology program produced 7 associate degree graduates, which indicates a steady interest in trades that support the construction industry. With ongoing infrastructure developments and housing demands, this field remains crucial, suggesting that the college is preparing its students for lucrative career paths.

Interestingly, the data shows that numerous programs, especially in the arts and humanities, reported zero graduates across bachelor's, master's, and doctorate levels. This could reflect various factors, including shifts in student interest towards more vocational and technical fields, which often promise immediate job opportunities and stability.

Furthermore, the minimal representation of international students in these programs suggests potential barriers for non-local students, such as financial constraints or visa issues, in accessing educational opportunities at the college. Overall, while some programs demonstrate robust graduation numbers, others indicate areas for growth and reevaluation in attracting and retaining students, particularly in the arts and humanities sectors. This analysis points to a need for community colleges to adapt their offerings to better meet student needs and industry demands in an evolving job market.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Liberal arts has 802 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$37,232
General Studies.$37,232
Health professionshas 531 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.$32,538
Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator.-
Pharmacy Technician/Assistant.$36,693
Physical Therapy Assistant.$36,693
Electroneurodiagnostic/Electroencephalographic Technology/Technologist.$58,561
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$58,561
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist.$58,561
Surgical Technology/Technologist.$58,561
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.$58,561
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.$58,561
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.-
Health Services Administration.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$78,680
Businesshas 267 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.$42,854-$68,730
Accounting.$41,862
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.-
Construction Management, General.-
Social sciencehas 174 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Anthropology, General.-
Criminology.-
Geography.-
Geographic Information Science and Cartography.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Psychology has 158 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Psychology, General.$33,533
Educationhas 155 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.$27,577
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.$27,577
Computer and information sciencehas 127 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer and Information Sciences, General.$38,701
Artificial Intelligence.$38,701
Computer Science.-
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.-
Visual and Performing artshas 64 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Graphic Design.-
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.-
Art/Art Studies, General.-
Culinary has 56 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General.$22,359
Culinary Arts/Chef Training.-
Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager.-
Engineeringhas 54 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Pre-Engineering.-
Precision production has 54 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.-
Welding Technology/Welder.-
Human science has 53 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General.-
Human Development and Family Studies, General.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 48 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Mathematics, General.-
Mechanic and repair has 40 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician.-
Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician.-
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other.-
Biologyhas 38 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Biotechnology.-
Communication has 36 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Communication, General.$35,180
Homeland security has 32 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.$38,461
Criminal Justice/Police Science.$38,461
Fire Science/Fire-fighting.-
Construction trades has 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Electrician.-
Building Construction Technology/Technician.-
Plumbing Technology/Plumber.-
English has 24 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
English Language and Literature, General.-
Legal professionshas 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Pre-Law Studies.-
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
Agricultural has 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant.-
Physical scienceshas 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Chemistry, General.-
Geology/Earth Science, General.-
Physics, General.-
Foreign languages has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Foreign Languages and Literatures, General.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.-
History has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
History, General.-
Engineering technologieshas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD.-
Cultural has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Latin American Studies.-
American Indian/Native American Studies.-
Hispanic-American, Puerto Rican, and Mexican-American/Chicano Studies.-
Architecture has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Environmental Design/Architecture.-
Architectural History and Criticism, General.-
Philosophy has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Philosophy.-

Students

19,342 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 39:61 · Freshman retention 60.0%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (19,342)

Hispanic
10,569 · 54.6%
White
4,775 · 24.7%
Unknown
1,229 · 6.4%
Two or more races
612 · 3.2%
Black
519 · 2.7%
Asian
390 · 2.0%
International
57 · 0.3%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
18.0%
18–19
15.5%
20–21
12.6%
22–24
12.6%
25 and over
41.3%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Central New Mexico Community College in 2023

The student demographics at Central New Mexico Community College reveal a significant gender disparity across various categories of students. In 2023, the data indicates that undergraduate freshmen represent a substantial portion of the student body, with females making up 58.7% compared to 41.3% males. This trend continues among undergraduate older students, where female enrollment is even higher at 63.9%. Such figures highlight the growing presence and engagement of women in higher education, which is a positive development in the pursuit of gender equity.

In contrast, the proportions for transfer students indicate a slightly lower female representation, with 59.4% female and 40.6% male. The overall data suggests that while female students dominate in the undergraduate categories, there is still a noticeable presence of male students, particularly among transfer students.

Furthermore, the total number of students enrolled across all categories is significant, with nearly 14,000 students. Such diversity in the student body is crucial for fostering a rich educational environment. However, the breakdown by race and ethnicity is somewhat limited in the available data, which is essential for understanding the full scope of diversity at the institution.

The collective data constitutes an essential foundation for initiatives aimed at enhancing minority representation and support services, particularly for underrepresented groups. As educational institutions strive to create inclusive environments, continuous monitoring of demographics is vital for informing policy and practice to support all students effectively.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Central New Mexico Community College

The age distribution data from Central New Mexico Community College presents an interesting insight into the demographics of its student body. A significant portion of the student population is comprised of younger individuals, particularly those under 24 years of age. For instance, nearly 90% of the total student body is made up of students who are 24 or younger, with the largest group being those aged 18-19, which alone accounts for approximately 30% of the total enrollment.

Moreover, as students progress into older age brackets, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment numbers. The group aged 30-34 sees a drop to around 7% of the overall student body, while those aged 50-64 and above 65 represent a mere 4% combined. This trend may reflect broader societal patterns where younger individuals are increasingly pursuing higher education immediately after high school, while older adults might be less likely to enroll in traditional college settings.

The absence of graduate male and female students in the data further emphasizes the need for institutions to consider programs that cater to non-traditional students or those seeking advanced degrees. This gap presents an opportunity for Central New Mexico Community College to enhance its offerings and attract a more diverse age range of students, especially as the workforce increasingly values lifelong learning and continuous professional development.

In summary, while the current demographic skews young, there exists a potential for growth in attracting older students who may wish to further their education or shift career paths, aligning with the ongoing trends in the job market that emphasize adaptability and skill acquisition across all ages.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.3%

57 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.1%2017: 0.1%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.2%2020: 0.2%2021: 0.2%2022: 0.3%2023: 0.3%2024: 0.3%2025: 0.3%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at Central New Mexico Community College

The data on international student enrollment at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) reveals significant fluctuations over nearly two decades. From 2004 to 2015, there was a notable increase in the number of undergraduate international students, rising from just 14 to 976, which corresponds to a dramatic increase in the percentage of international students from 0.06% to 3.65%. This growth suggests that CNM was increasingly becoming a destination for international students during this period, likely due to factors such as improved recruitment strategies, global interest in U.S. education, and the diverse programs offered.

However, starting in 2016, there was a stark decline in international student enrollment. The numbers dropped sharply, with the percentage plummeting to as low as 0.05% in 2018. This decline may be attributed to various factors, including changing immigration policies, global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, and shifting perceptions of the U.S. as a study destination. Such trends are reflective of a broader national pattern impacting many U.S. educational institutions.

The slight recovery observed in 2022 and 2023, with international student numbers reaching 51 and 60 respectively, indicates a potential stabilization or rebound. However, the current percentages remain low compared to the peak years. As institutions like CNM look to rebuild and attract international students, strategies to enhance the student experience and improve support services will be crucial in regaining the confidence of prospective students globally.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$22,258

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$8,684
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$2,060
Room and board
$13,574
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 30% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 54%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$285M

Government grants and contracts
$214M75.0%
Tuition and fees
$16.0M5.6%
Gifts and private grants
$2.8M1.0%
Sales and services of educational activities
$1.3M0.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.1M0.4%
Other
$49.9M17.5%

Expenses$170M

Instruction
$79.8M47.0%
Student services
$28.5M16.8%
Academic support
$22.2M13.0%
Institutional support
$19.1M11.2%
Scholarships
$14.9M8.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.0M0.6%
Public service
$715K0.4%
Other
$3.7M2.2%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$65,259peers $68,588
Instructor
$65,259peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding Central New Mexico Community College:

  1. University of New Mexico-Main Campus - Ranked 236 in the 2024 US News rankings, it is a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  2. St. John's College - This liberal arts college is ranked 93 and is known for its unique curriculum that emphasizes the study of great books and the Socratic method.

  3. New Mexico State University-Main Campus - With a ranking of 296, this comprehensive university offers diverse programs and is committed to research and community engagement.

  4. Colorado College - Ranked 33, this liberal arts college is renowned for its Block Plan, allowing students to immerse themselves in one course at a time.

  5. University of Arizona - Ranked 115, this comprehensive university is known for its research initiatives and a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

  6. University of Colorado Boulder - With a ranking of 105, this comprehensive university is recognized for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life.

These institutions represent a mix of comprehensive universities and liberal arts colleges, providing a variety of educational opportunities in the area.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Stalking
18
Motor vehicle theft
16
Burglary
7
Domestic violence
6
Arson
3
Fondling
2

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Crime Trends at Central New Mexico Community College

The crime rates reported at Central New Mexico Community College over the years present a mixed picture of campus safety. Analyzing the data from 2013 to 2023, we observe a significant spike in incidents in 2016 with an average of 2.84 crimes per 1,000 students, which is notably higher than the surrounding years. This period raised concerns about campus security and led to calls for better safety measures.

Following 2016, the crime rates fluctuated sharply. In 2017 and 2018, incidents were still relatively high, with averages of 1.51 and 1.89 per 1,000 students respectively. However, a stark decline is evident in 2021, where the average dropped to 0.38, the lowest recorded in the past decade. This decrease might indicate the effectiveness of implemented safety policies or a response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered campus life significantly.

The data shows that firearm-related arrests were a recurring theme in the statistics, which reflects a broader national conversation about gun violence and campus safety. Moreover, the sporadic nature of the reports suggests that while there are years of heightened concern, there are also periods where crime rates drop significantly.

Overall, while Central New Mexico Community College has faced challenges regarding crime, particularly in certain years, the recent trends indicate a positive trajectory towards improved safety for students. Continuous efforts in safety measures and community engagement will be essential in maintaining this trend. For more information on how crime rates are calculated, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.