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Public, 2-year

University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus

Los Alamos, New Mexico · losalamos.unm.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$5,578

In-state $2,214

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

349

Student-faculty ratio 12:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

29.6%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 38.9%

Peer median 33.7%

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

About

The University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus (UNM-LA) is a prominent educational institution situated in the scenic town of Los Alamos, New Mexico. Known for its strong commitment to providing quality education, UNM-LA offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees and certificates in various fields such as liberal arts, science, and technology. The campus is particularly recognized for its focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, catering to the needs of a community that is home to several national laboratories, including the Los Alamos National Laboratory. This proximity to cutting-edge research institutions enhances the educational experience and provides students with unique opportunities for internships and collaborative projects.

UNM-LA fosters a vibrant campus culture that encourages student involvement and community engagement. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and a library, all designed to support a conducive learning environment. With a strong emphasis on student success, UNM-LA offers various support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career services, which help students navigate their educational pathways and prepare for successful careers. The university's commitment to inclusivity and diversity enriches the human experience on campus, creating a welcoming atmosphere for students from various backgrounds. Overall, the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus stands out as a hub for educational excellence and community collaboration in the region.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus

The University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus has shown notable trends in several crucial educational metrics over the years. One of the most significant observations is the increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. From 2014 to 2024, in-state tuition has risen from $1,665 to $2,214, while out-of-state tuition increased from $4,572 to $5,578. This upward trend reflects a broader national pattern where higher education costs continue to escalate, possibly impacting student enrollment and affordability.

Another striking metric is the graduation rates. The on-time graduation rate has fluctuated, with a notable low of 5.17% in 2013, peaking at 13.04% in 2022, before dropping to 6.35% in 2023. This inconsistency may indicate challenges within the academic support systems or shifts in student demographics. Meanwhile, the 150% graduation rate has shown a more encouraging trend, rising from 8.62% in 2013 to 26.98% in 2023, suggesting that while fewer students graduate on time, a larger proportion eventually complete their degrees.

Retention rates have displayed a somewhat erratic pattern as well. The retention rate improved from 44.44% in 2013 to 61.11% in 2022, indicating positive developments in student satisfaction and support. However, it experienced a significant decline to 40% in 2023, which could signal emerging issues that need addressing to improve student engagement and retention strategies.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has varied over the years, with a peak of 26 students per faculty member in 2020, followed by a slight decrease to 23 in 2023. A lower ratio typically correlates with enhanced educational support, which is crucial for student success.

In summary, while the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus has made strides in certain areas, the challenges in tuition affordability and retention remain critical focal points for future improvements. Addressing these issues will be vital for maintaining a robust educational environment conducive to student achievement.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Distant town
Nearest major city
Albuquerque, about 60 mi
Nearest international airport
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 60 mi
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Also known as
UNM - Los Alamos
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Mike Holtzclaw (Chancellor)
Phone
5056625919
City
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Address
4000 University Dr, Los Alamos, NM 87544

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate510 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
16
General Studies
10
Business Administration and Management, General
8
Engineering, General
6
Computer and Information Sciences, General
3
Physical Sciences, General
2
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other
2
Accounting
2
Fire Science/Fire-fighting
1
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
1

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus

The graduation data from the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus for 2023 reveals significant insights into the academic trends and demographics of students. Notably, there are no graduates reported for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees across all fields, highlighting a potential gap in advanced degree offerings or student enrollment in those programs. This could indicate institutional challenges in attracting or retaining students for higher-level studies, which may need addressing for future growth.

Conversely, the associate degree programs show a more active participation, with several fields producing graduates. For instance, General Studies and Business Administration yielded 10 and 12 graduates, respectively, suggesting these areas remain appealing to students. However, it is worth noting that international students did not graduate in any of the programs, which may reflect a lack of targeted recruitment strategies for international candidates or perhaps a broader trend in the current educational climate influenced by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover, the absence of graduates in fields such as Engineering and Computer Sciences raises questions about the industry's alignment with educational offerings. The current labor market demands skilled professionals in these sectors, and the university may need to reassess its curriculum or support services to better prepare students for these in-demand careers.

Overall, the data presents a mixed picture of the academic environment at the campus, with strong potential in associate degrees but notable challenges at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Stakeholders might consider strategies to enhance program visibility, improve student support, and attract a diverse student body to foster a more vibrant academic community.

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 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$26,214
General Studies.$26,214
Businesshas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting.-
Engineeringhas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Engineering, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Health professionshas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$48,175
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other.-
Physical scienceshas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Physical Sciences, General.-
Homeland security has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Fire Science/Fire-fighting.-

Students

349 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 51:49 · Freshman retention 50.0%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (349)

Hispanic
160 · 45.8%
White
143 · 41.0%
Two or more races
10 · 2.9%
Unknown
8 · 2.3%
Asian
7 · 2.0%
International
6 · 1.7%
Black
1 · 0.3%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
32.1%
18–19
13.5%
20–21
9.5%
22–24
12.0%
25 and over
33.0%

Data insights

Student Demographics at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus in 2023

The data from the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus for 2023 reveals insightful trends in student demographics across various classifications. The undergraduate freshman class consists of 100 students, with a slight female majority at 54%, which reflects a broader trend in higher education where female enrollment has been steadily rising. The undergraduate sophomore group is significantly larger, with 678 students, maintaining the same gender ratio, indicating a consistent retention of female students in the program.

Interestingly, the undergraduate transfer student group includes 89 individuals, displaying a near gender balance with 50.6% male and 49.4% female. This suggests that transfer students might be more diverse in their backgrounds and experiences, thereby reflecting a varied demographic landscape.

The overall representation of different ethnic groups among these students is crucial for understanding the campus culture. While specific ethnic breakdowns for the undergraduate freshman and transfer students are available, data for the sophomore class remains absent. The data shows that the white demographic is present in all classifications, with a notable percentage of white students in the freshman class. This aligns with national trends where white students typically represent a significant portion of the student body in many universities.

As higher education institutions increasingly prioritize diversity and inclusion, it will be important for the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus to continue monitoring these demographics to ensure that all students have equitable opportunities for success. This data serves as a foundation for understanding student composition and can guide future recruitment strategies to foster a more inclusive educational environment.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus

The age distribution of students at the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus reveals a predominantly younger demographic, with the majority of students falling within the under-21 age range. For instance, students aged 18-19 account for 38.3% of the total female population, while those aged 20-21 make up 31.8%. This trend indicates a strong presence of traditional college-aged students, which is typical for many universities across the United States, particularly in undergraduate programs.

Another noteworthy observation is the absence of graduate male and female students, which highlights a potential gap in advanced degree pursuits at this campus. The data reveals that a significant portion of the student body is engaged in undergraduate studies, suggesting that the institution may need to implement strategies to attract and retain graduate students.

The overall gender distribution is also interesting; while the total number of male students is 482, the female student population stands at 459. This indicates a slightly male-dominated environment, although the difference is not substantial.

Additionally, older age groups, such as those aged 40-49 and above 50, make up a very small fraction of the student body, which may reflect broader societal trends regarding education. As lifelong learning becomes more prevalent, universities might benefit from developing programs targeted toward older students.

In conclusion, the data from the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus paints a picture of a youthful, primarily undergraduate student body, with opportunities for growth in graduate enrollment and support for non-traditional students.

International Students

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

Undergraduates1.7%

6 in 2025 · 0.5% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.5%2017: 0.9%2018: 1.1%2019: 0.3%2020: 1.0%2021: 2.5%2022: 2.2%2023: 1.4%2024: 0.8%2025: 1.7%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at University of New Mexico-Los Alamos

The data on international student enrollment at the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos highlights a fluctuating pattern over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the proportion of international undergraduate students has shown notable variations, with the highest percentage recorded in 2021 at 2.48%. This spike may reflect broader trends in higher education, where universities increasingly seek to attract a diverse student body amidst a competitive global landscape.

Despite the peak in 2021, the overall enrollment of international students appears to have faced challenges in subsequent years, particularly in 2019 and 2020, where the percentage dropped significantly to 0.34% and 0.99%, respectively. This decline could correlate with factors such as changing immigration policies, the global pandemic, and the shifting perceptions of the U.S. as a destination for higher education.

Interestingly, the data indicates a recovery of sorts in 2022, with a rise to 2.25%. However, the numbers suggest that the international student community remains relatively small compared to the total undergraduate population, often hovering around 1% in many years.

This pattern underscores the ongoing need for universities to engage in strategic outreach and support initiatives for international students, especially as the global education landscape continues to evolve. The fluctuations in enrollment reflect not only institutional policies but also external socio-political factors that may impact students' decisions to study abroad in the U.S.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$17,578

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$5,578
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$2,214
Room and board
$12,000
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 10% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 28%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$9.1M

Government grants and contracts
$6.0M65.9%
Tuition and fees
$537K5.9%
Investment return
$132K1.4%
Gifts and private grants
$112K1.2%
Auxiliary enterprises
$46K0.5%
Other
$2.3M25.1%

Expenses$5.8M

Instruction
$1.4M23.9%
Institutional support
$1.3M21.9%
Public service
$1.3M21.8%
Academic support
$847K14.5%
Student services
$725K12.4%
Research
$253K4.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$51K0.9%
Scholarships
$0K0.0%

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
$56,400peers $68,588
Assistant professor
$56,400peers $62,785

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 the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus:

  1. University of New Mexico-Main Campus - Ranked 236th in the 2024 US News rankings, this is a comprehensive university located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  2. Colorado College - This liberal arts college is ranked 33rd and is known for its unique Block Plan, which allows students to focus on one course at a time. It is situated in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

  3. United States Air Force Academy - With a remarkable ranking of 7th, this prestigious military academy in Colorado Springs trains future leaders of the U.S. Air Force and offers a rigorous academic program.

  4. University of Denver - Ranked 124th, this comprehensive university is located in Denver, Colorado, and is known for its strong focus on research and diverse academic offerings.

  5. Colorado School of Mines - This specialized university, ranked 76th, focuses on engineering and applied sciences, particularly in the fields of mining and energy, located in Golden, Colorado.

These institutions not only provide diverse academic opportunities but also contribute significantly to the educational landscape of the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

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

Data insights

Crime Rates at the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus

The crime data from the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus over the past decade presents an encouraging trend regarding campus safety. In 2013, the campus recorded a crime rate of 4.39 incidents per 1,000 students, primarily due to gun-related arrests. However, in the subsequent years, the crime statistics have shown a dramatic decline, with zero incidents reported from 2014 through 2023.

Such a significant drop in crime rates can be attributed to several factors, including effective campus security measures, community engagement initiatives, and possibly an increase in student awareness regarding safety protocols. The absence of drug and alcohol-related arrests also indicates a shift towards a more responsible campus culture.

This data is particularly relevant in the context of growing national concerns about safety on college campuses. Many institutions are striving to create safer environments for their students, and the success of Los Alamos can serve as a model for others. The efforts to maintain a secure campus not only enhance the overall educational experience but also contribute positively to the mental well-being of students.

As crime rates on college campuses become an increasingly important issue, the University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus's recent record could inspire other universities to adopt similar strategies in combating campus crime. For further insights into how crime rates are calculated, please refer to the following 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.