Northern New Mexico College
Out-of-state tuition
$14,328
In-state $5,064
Peer median $11,384
Undergraduates
1,425
Student-faculty ratio 10:1
Peer median 19 : 1
Graduation rate
3.1%
4-year; 6-year rate 13.8%
Peer median 4.8%
“Peers” are all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) is a vibrant institution located in El Rito, New Mexico, known for its commitment to community engagement and educational excellence. Established in 1970, NNMC serves a diverse student body, offering a wide range of programs from associate degrees to bachelor’s degrees across various fields, including arts, sciences, education, and business. One of the standout features of NNMC is its dedication to providing accessible education to underrepresented communities, which is reflected in its supportive academic environment. The college emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage, particularly that of the Hispanic and Native American populations in the region, integrating local culture and values into its curriculum and community outreach initiatives.
The campus itself is equipped with modern facilities that foster both academic and extracurricular activities. Students benefit from well-resourced libraries, laboratories, and artistic spaces, all designed to enhance their learning experiences. NNMC also promotes a strong sense of community through various student organizations and activities, encouraging involvement in sports, arts, and service projects. The college’s commitment to student success is evidenced by its dedicated faculty, many of whom are actively involved in research and community service, providing students with mentorship and guidance. NNMC's focus on holistic education and community development not only prepares students for successful careers but also fosters a strong sense of social responsibility and citizenship.
Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Northern New Mexico College
The data from Northern New Mexico College presents several important trends and highlights that merit discussion. One of the most significant observations is the tuition increase over the years, particularly for out-of-state undergraduate students. For instance, the out-of-state tuition rose from approximately $11,523 in 2014 to $14,328 in 2023, reflecting a substantial increase of about 24%. This rise in tuition could impact enrollment, especially as higher education costs continue to be a growing concern for students and families.
Another crucial aspect is the fluctuation in student enrollment numbers. The undergraduate student population showed a decrease from 1,601 in 2013 to 926 in 2019, followed by a slight recovery to 1,154 by 2023. This trend could indicate challenges in attracting and retaining students, potentially linked to increasing tuition costs and other factors such as market demand for degrees and the institution's reputation.
Moreover, graduation rates present a concerning picture. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates has been alarmingly low, with a peak of only 10.9% in 2022 and a drop to 5.7% in 2023. These figures suggest that many students may be struggling to complete their programs within the standard timeframe, which could be attributed to various factors, including academic support, financial stress, or personal circumstances.
Lastly, the retention rate has shown some variability, with a return to around 52.6% in 2023 after a low of 41.1% in 2019. Retention is critical for institutions as it directly affects graduation rates and institutional funding. As such, Northern New Mexico College may need to implement support systems to bolster student success, engagement, and overall satisfaction to improve these metrics further.
In summary, while Northern New Mexico College has made strides in certain areas, significant challenges remain in terms of tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention strategies. Addressing these issues will be vital for the college's future success and its ability to serve its community effectively.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Distant town
- Nearest major city
- Albuquerque, about 70 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 70 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Hector Balderas, JD, CFA (College President)
- Phone
- 5057472100
- City
- Espanola, New Mexico
- Address
- 921 Paseo de Onate, Espanola, NM 87532
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Northern New Mexico College
The graduation data from Northern New Mexico College for 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the trends of academic achievements across various programs. Notably, the Business Administration and Management program leads with 30 bachelor's degrees awarded, indicating a strong interest in business-related fields, which aligns with the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the business sector. This trend is particularly significant as the economy continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, creating job opportunities across various industries.
In the realm of healthcare education, the Registered Nursing program stands out with 11 associate degrees conferred. This reflects a growing emphasis on healthcare professions, especially in light of the ongoing global health challenges. The consistent need for healthcare workers has propelled many institutions to prioritize nursing programs, underscoring the importance of these roles in society.
Conversely, it is noteworthy that there were no international students graduating from any of the bachelor’s or higher degree programs. This could indicate potential barriers for international students, possibly due to visa restrictions or financial challenges, which may require further investigation by the college to enhance diversity and inclusion within its student body.
Additionally, the data reveals substantial graduation numbers in various educational fields, with programs like Early Childhood Education and Teaching and Elementary Education and Teaching seeing a combined total of 22 degrees. This demonstrates a commitment to developing future educators, an essential factor in shaping the next generation.
Overall, the graduation statistics from Northern New Mexico College not only highlight areas of strength but also point to opportunities for growth, particularly in attracting international students and expanding technical and vocational training programs to meet the 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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $53,936 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $40,252 | ||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | $40,252 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | - | ||
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other. | - | ||
| Chemical Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering Technology/Technician. | - | ||
| Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Technology/Plumber. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | - |
Students
1,425 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 44:56 · Freshman retention 52.3%
- Continuing undergraduates 650
- First-year undergraduates 129
- Transfers and others 646
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,425)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Northern New Mexico College in 2023
The student population at Northern New Mexico College in 2023 presents an insightful look into the demographics and gender distribution among various categories of students. The data shows a total of 143 first-year undergraduate students, where female students comprise a significant 60.8%, indicating a trend towards greater female enrollment in higher education. This is mirrored in the continuing undergraduate students category, where females make up 67% of the 572 students, suggesting a consistent pattern of female predominance in the undergraduate demographic.
Interestingly, transfer undergraduate students also show a similar trend, with females representing 66% of the 97 students. This pattern raises questions about the factors driving higher female enrollment and retention rates compared to their male counterparts, who represent only 39.2%, 33%, and 34% in respective categories. The higher male ratio in the non-degree category, at nearly 60%, could indicate a different demographic or engagement strategy for non-traditional students.
In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the limited data provided reveals a small representation of white students among first-year students, with only 5 individuals. This points towards a potentially diverse student body, although the overall numbers for other ethnic groups remain unclear due to the absence of comprehensive statistics.
Overall, Northern New Mexico College appears to be fostering a diverse and predominantly female student population, which might reflect broader societal trends in education. Understanding these dynamics can help the institution tailor its support services and outreach programs to address the unique needs of its students effectively.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Northern New Mexico College
The age distribution of students at Northern New Mexico College in 2023 reveals some interesting trends regarding both undergraduate and graduate demographics. Notably, the majority of students fall within the younger age brackets, particularly those under 24 years old. This finding aligns with national trends in higher education, where younger students typically represent a significant portion of the student body, reflecting the traditional college age demographic.
For students under 18, there are 79 male undergraduates and 93 female undergraduates, indicating a gender distribution that slightly favors females in this age group. This trend continues through the 18-19 bracket, where males and females are similarly represented, but the female population still holds a slight edge. However, as students progress into the 20-21 and 22-24 age groups, the number of male undergraduates begins to decline. This could suggest a potential trend of male students either opting out of traditional college routes or facing challenges that lead to lower enrollment.
Furthermore, the data indicates a complete absence of graduate students among the male demographic across all age categories. This could be reflective of broader societal trends where fewer men pursue graduate education, or it may point to specific institutional barriers that need addressing.
Interestingly, the number of female students remains relatively stable across various age groups, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 brackets, where they outnumber male students. This could indicate that women are increasingly pursuing higher education later in life, which is a significant shift compared to past decades.
Overall, the data presents a picture of a predominantly young, female student body at Northern New Mexico College, highlighting the importance of understanding gender dynamics and age-related factors in higher education enrollment strategies.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
10 in 2025 · 0.5% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Northern New Mexico College
The data regarding international student enrollment at Northern New Mexico College reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in the undergraduate segment. From a mere 0.05% of international students in the early 2000s, there was a remarkable increase to 0.84% in 2017, highlighting a peak moment for the institution. However, this surge was not sustained, as the subsequent years saw a decline, with international student representation dropping to 0.43% by 2023.
The pattern of enrollment suggests that Northern New Mexico College may be facing challenges in maintaining its appeal to international students, which is a concern shared by many institutions across the U.S. This is particularly noteworthy given the growing competition from universities worldwide, which are increasingly targeting international markets. Factors such as visa regulations, safety perceptions, and the overall global educational landscape can influence these trends.
Moreover, the data on graduate enrollment is sparse, indicating a potential lack of focus or resources directed towards attracting graduate international students. The single recorded instance of international graduate students in 2012 and 2013, with numbers showing a slight uptick in those years, also raises questions about the college's strategies for graduate-level recruitment.
As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, colleges like Northern New Mexico College may need to reassess their strategies to enhance their attractiveness to international students, ensuring that they not only attract but also retain this critical demographic for the institution's diversity and growth.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$26,868
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $14,328
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $5,064
- Room and board
- $12,540
- Graduate tuition
- $10,746
Peer median tuition + room and board $23,440 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 15% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 55%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$42.8M
Expenses$30.0M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA
| NAIA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 19 | 17 |
| Cross Country | 8 | 8 |
| Tennis | 4 | 4 |
| NAIA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 22 | 18 |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 20 | 15 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque · 70.4 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Colorado CollegeColorado Springs · 208.4 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
United States Air Force AcademyUSAF Academy · 217.8 mi
Liberal Arts #11
-
New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces · 260.0 mi
U.S. News #250
-
University of DenverDenver · 261.1 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Colorado School of MinesGolden · 263.1 mi
U.S. News #80
-
University of Colorado DenverDenver · 267.3 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Regis UniversityDenver · 267.7 mi
U.S. News #276
-
University of Colorado BoulderBoulder · 280.2 mi
U.S. News #109
Data insights
Here are some notable institutions surrounding Northern New Mexico College:
-
University of New Mexico-Main Campus - Ranked 236 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Colorado College - A prestigious liberal arts college, ranked 33rd in the nation, known for its unique block plan that enhances learning through immersive courses.
-
United States Air Force Academy - This highly ranked institution (7th) prepares future leaders in the U.S. Air Force with rigorous academics and military training.
-
University of Denver - With a ranking of 124, this comprehensive university is recognized for its strong programs in business, law, and international studies.
-
Colorado School of Mines - Ranked 76th, this specialized university focuses on engineering and applied sciences, particularly in the fields of mining and energy.
-
University of Colorado Boulder - A well-respected institution ranked 105, offering a wide variety of programs and renowned for its research initiatives.
These schools provide a range of educational opportunities and are notable players in higher education in the region.
Peer median 0.7 · all 47 public mixed baccalaureate/associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Criminal Incidents at Northern New Mexico College
The criminal incident data from Northern New Mexico College over the years presents an interesting trend. Starting from 2013, the college recorded a notably high crime rate of 5.14 incidents per 1,000 students. This number dramatically decreased in the following years, reaching a low of 0.00 in 2020 and continuing at that level until 2023. Such a decline is promising and suggests that the college may have implemented effective safety measures or community programs aimed at reducing crime.
Looking at specific types of incidents, the data indicates a consistent absence of serious crimes like murder, robbery, or sexual assault during the years reported. The most notable offenses documented were related to drug possession and alcohol violations, which are common issues in college environments. These findings align with national trends where substance-related incidents are prevalent on campuses.
The absence of reported incidents in the last three years could also point to a positive shift in campus culture, enhanced vigilance, or improved reporting practices. However, it is crucial for the institution to maintain this momentum and continue fostering a safe environment for students. Regular assessments and community engagement initiatives can further bolster campus safety.
Overall, while the decreasing trend is encouraging, continued efforts are essential to sustain low crime rates and address any underlying issues related to substance abuse. For further insights into calculating crime rates, 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.