Luna Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$3,418
In-state $1,906
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
743
Student-faculty ratio 11:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
38.7%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 43.4%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Luna Community College, located in Las Vegas, New Mexico, is a vibrant institution that emphasizes accessibility and community engagement. Established in 1972, the college serves a diverse student body, offering an array of associate degree programs and certificates aimed at equipping students with practical skills for the workforce or for further education. The college is particularly known for its strong focus on community service and partnerships, making it a hub for local development and support. With a commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment, Luna Community College boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized instruction and mentorship from dedicated educators.
The campus culture at Luna is rich and inclusive, promoting not only academic growth but also personal development. The college encourages student involvement through various clubs, organizations, and athletic programs, cultivating a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students. The college's motto, "Empowerment through Education," reflects its mission to empower individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to society. With modern facilities and resources, including a well-equipped library and technology labs, Luna Community College provides an excellent environment for learning and innovation. As a result, graduates of Luna often find themselves well-prepared for the job market or for transferring to four-year institutions, demonstrating the college's commitment to student success and community enrichment.
Analysis of Key Trends at Luna Community College
Over the years, Luna Community College has experienced significant changes in its tuition, student enrollment, and graduation rates. The increase in tuition fees for in-state students has risen from $1,198 in 2014 to $1,634 in 2024, which marks a substantial increase of approximately 36.4%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition has also seen an upward trend, escalating from $2,230 to $3,050 during the same period. These rising costs may influence prospective students' decisions and could be a factor in the declining enrollment numbers.
Student enrollment has sharply decreased from a peak of 1,739 in 2013 to just 774 in 2023. This trend raises concerns about the college's ability to attract and retain students, potentially due to the increasing financial burden of tuition and the lack of graduate programs, which could limit options for higher education. The retention rate has shown a positive trend, increasing from 53.3% in 2013 to 70.8% in 2023. This improvement suggests that although fewer students are enrolling, those who do are more likely to stay and complete their studies.
Graduation rates have fluctuated, with the timely graduation rate for undergraduates at 15.7% in 2023, which is an improvement from the earlier years but still reflects challenges in ensuring that students complete their degrees in a timely manner. This points to a need for institutions to enhance support systems to help students navigate their academic journeys successfully.
In summary, while there are some positive signs in retention and graduation rates, the rising tuition costs and declining enrollment present significant challenges for Luna Community College. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the institution's future sustainability and growth.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Albuquerque, about 90 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 90 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Carol Linder (President)
- Phone
- 5054542500
- City
- Las Vegas, New Mexico
- Address
- 336 Luna Drive, Las Vegas, NM 87701
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Luna Community College
The graduation data from Luna Community College for the year 2023 reveals some intriguing insights into the trends across various fields of study. Notably, the health-related programs show a significant number of graduates, particularly in Registered Nursing, with 23 graduates, and Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services, which produced 21 graduates. This trend reflects a growing demand for healthcare professionals in the post-pandemic era, underscoring the importance of investing in health education.
Conversely, fields such as Mass Communication and Computer and Information Sciences saw no graduates at all. This absence may raise concerns about student interests or the viability of these programs in the current job market. With the rapid evolution of technology and media, it is vital for educational institutions to adapt curricula that meet the changing demands of these industries.
Interestingly, the data shows that there are no international students graduating from any program, which could indicate a need for Luna Community College to enhance its global outreach or support services for international students. This absence could limit the diversity of perspectives within the college's academic environment.
Overall, the data from Luna Community College serves as a microcosm of broader educational and employment trends. As industries evolve, so too must educational institutions, ensuring that they remain relevant and responsive to the needs of students and the job market alike.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services, Other. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $77,291 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education, Multiple Levels. | - | |
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - | |
| General Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - |
Students
743 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 42:58 · Freshman retention 43.0%
- Continuing undergraduates 273
- First-year undergraduates 104
- Transfers and others 366
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (743)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Luna Community College for 2023
The student body composition at Luna Community College in 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding gender and ethnicity among undergraduate and graduate populations. The data shows that the number of first-year undergraduate students stands at 107, with a male-to-female ratio of 55.1% to 44.9%, indicating a slightly higher proportion of male students in this group. This trend contrasts with the upperclassmen, where the number of students is significantly higher at 309, but the gender ratio shifts dramatically, with females comprising 65.4% of the population. This suggests a growing retention of female students in higher academic years, which may reflect broader societal shifts towards gender equity in education.
Furthermore, the data on transfer students, although limited with only 14 individuals, shows a relatively balanced gender distribution with males at 57.1% and females at 42.9%. This may indicate that transfer students have diverse backgrounds and motivations, potentially influenced by external circumstances such as job opportunities or family commitments.
The overall demographic landscape is further complicated by the graduate student population, which includes a considerable number of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds. However, the specific data for graduate students appears to be incomplete.
In conclusion, the trends at Luna Community College highlight significant gender disparities across different student categories, which could influence future recruitment and retention strategies. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for fostering an inclusive environment that supports all students in their academic journeys.
Age Composition of Luna Community College Students in 2023
The age distribution of students at Luna Community College in 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of its student body. A significant portion of the students falls within the younger age brackets, particularly those under 18 and in the 18-19 age range, which collectively comprises approximately 43% of the total male and female students. This trend may reflect the college's appeal to recent high school graduates who are eager to pursue higher education.
Interestingly, there is a noticeable decline in student numbers within the 20-21 age group, where only 9% of the total student population is represented, suggesting that students may be taking a gap year or transitioning to other educational paths. Furthermore, the data indicates a gradual decrease in enrollment as students age, with only 3% of the population being 35 years or older. This could imply that Luna Community College primarily attracts younger learners, which is consistent with national trends showing that traditional-age students dominate community college enrollment.
Moreover, the gender distribution remains balanced across various age categories, with a slight majority of females, especially in the younger age cohorts. This could signal a growing interest among women in pursuing higher education, aligning with broader societal changes that encourage educational attainment among females.
Overall, the age composition of Luna Community College's students highlights a youthful demographic, emphasizing the institution's role in supporting early college education while also reflecting national patterns in community college enrollment. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it will be essential for the college to adapt its programs and services to meet the needs of this vibrant student population.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Luna Community College
The data from Luna Community College reveals a modest yet notable trend in the enrollment of international students over the years analyzed. In 2007, the college had a total of 2 international undergraduate students, which represented a mere 0.10% of the total undergraduate population of 2007 students. This figure suggests that international representation within the student body was quite limited at that time.
By 2012, the college saw a slight increase in the number of international undergraduates to 6, raising their proportion to 0.32%. While this increase is positive, the percentage still highlights that international students constituted a small fraction of the overall undergraduate population. This trend could reflect broader patterns in community college enrollment, where international students may be less represented compared to larger universities.
It is important to note that the data for graduate students is absent, indicating a lack of available information for that segment. This gap limits our understanding of the complete picture regarding international student enrollment at the graduate level.
In light of the increasing globalization of education and the push for more diverse student bodies in U.S. colleges and universities, Luna Community College may want to consider strategies to attract more international students. Such strategies could include enhancing support services for international students, increasing outreach efforts, and promoting programs that are especially appealing to an international audience. Given that the global education landscape is continually evolving, fostering a more inclusive environment will be essential for the college to remain competitive and relevant.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$18,442
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $3,418
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $1,906
- Room and board
- $15,024
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 53% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 130%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$15.3M
Expenses$14.0M
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.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 36 | - |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 36 | - |
| Softball | - | 22 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 35 | - |
| Softball | - | 18 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque · 85.5 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Colorado CollegeColorado Springs · 224.6 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
United States Air Force AcademyUSAF Academy · 235.4 mi
Liberal Arts #11
-
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock · 237.9 mi
U.S. News #186
-
New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces · 245.9 mi
U.S. News #250
-
University of Texas--El PasoEl Paso · 275.3 mi
U.S. News #262
-
University of DenverDenver · 281.1 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Colorado School of MinesGolden · 285.7 mi
U.S. News #80
-
University of Colorado DenverDenver · 286.2 mi
U.S. News #236
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Luna Community College:
-
United States Air Force Academy - Ranked 7th in the 2024 US News rankings, the Academy is known for its rigorous academic programs and leadership training, specializing in preparing future leaders for the U.S. Air Force.
-
Colorado College - With a rank of 33, Colorado College offers a unique Block Plan, allowing students to immerse themselves in one course at a time for three and a half weeks.
-
University of Denver - Ranked 124th, the University of Denver is a private university offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on research and community engagement.
-
Colorado School of Mines - This institution, ranked 76th, is renowned for its engineering and applied science programs, particularly in mining, energy, and environmental studies.
-
University of Arizona - Ranked 115th, the University of Arizona is a major research university with a wide range of programs and a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.
These institutions provide diverse academic opportunities and are well-regarded in their respective fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Luna Community College
The crime data from Luna Community College presents an interesting trend over the years. From 2013 to 2018, the college experienced some incidents involving firearms, drug-related offenses, and alcohol-related arrests, with a peak of 4.42 incidents per 1000 students in 2018. However, a significant drop in crime rates is observed from 2019 onwards, where the college reported zero incidents.
The fluctuation in crime rates can be indicative of various factors, such as enhanced campus security measures, changes in student behavior, or even broader societal influences. The spike in crime in 2018 could reflect a temporary issue that was effectively addressed shortly thereafter. It is crucial to consider that a low crime rate not only contributes to a safer campus environment but can also enhance the overall reputation of the institution, potentially attracting more students.
Moreover, the absence of reported incidents from 2019 to 2023 is noteworthy. It raises questions about the factors contributing to this remarkable decline, such as improved education on safety, better mental health resources, or community outreach programs. It is essential for the college to maintain this focus on safety and well-being to ensure that students feel secure while pursuing their education.
Overall, while the past few years have shown a positive trend in crime reduction, continued vigilance and proactive measures will be key to sustaining this environment. For further insight into calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link.
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.