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.
Other Cities in New Mexico
Las Cruces
12 colleges · Avg tuition $7,554
Santa Fe
7 colleges · Avg tuition $13,566
Roswell
2 colleges · Avg tuition $5,760
Rio Rancho
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Farmington
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
South Valley
2 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Hobbs
2 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Clovis
2 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Carlsbad
2 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Alamogordo
2 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Gallup
2 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Sunland Park
2 colleges · Avg tuition $7,700
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Albuquerque
How we compile Albuquerque college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Albuquerque institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Albuquerque's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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