College Costs in Albuquerque, NM 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 40 colleges in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$4,872
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$14,580
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,652
per month
Colleges & Universities
40
institutions
Albuquerque Overview
Population
564,559
Student Population
37,837 (6.7%)
Cost of Living Index
111 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
89/100
Transit Score
60/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Albuquerque
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$74,808
Total After Financial Aid
$74,808
Annual Cost
$18,702
Annual After Aid
$18,702
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $74,808 |
| Monthly Payment | $849 |
| Total Interest | $27,124 |
| Total Loan Cost | $101,932 |
Universities in Albuquerque
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of New Mexico | Public | $8,064 |
| National American University | Private | $14,580 |
| Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute | Public | $1,680 |
| Central New Mexico Community College | Community | $1,848 |
Albuquerque has 40 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Albuquerque vs. National Average
| Category | Albuquerque | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $4,872 | $10,940 | -$6,068 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,652 | $1,050 | +$602 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 100 | +11 |
Albuquerque's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Albuquerque
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
37,837 students
Albuquerque has a total population of 564,559, with approximately 37,837 college students (6.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Albuquerque offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Albuquerque
$59,867
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Albuquerque earn a median starting salary of $59,867, which is $24,867 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $74,808 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,246 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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