College Costs in Bernalillo, NM 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Bernalillo, New Mexico. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$20,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$720
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Bernalillo Overview
Population
10,039
Student Population
1,488 (14.8%)
Cost of Living Index
83.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
College Cost Calculator for Bernalillo
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$84,020
Total After Financial Aid
$84,020
Annual Cost
$21,005
Annual After Aid
$21,005
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $84,020 |
| Monthly Payment | $954 |
| Total Interest | $30,464 |
| Total Loan Cost | $114,484 |
Universities in Bernalillo
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bernalillo State University | Public | $8,199 |
| Bernalillo Community College | Community | $5,072 |
Bernalillo has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bernalillo vs. National Average
| Category | Bernalillo | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,700 | $10,940 | -$3,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $720 | $1,050 | -$330 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83.5 | 100 | -16.5 |
Bernalillo's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Bernalillo
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,488 students
Bernalillo has a total population of 10,039, with approximately 1,488 college students (14.8% of the population). Bernalillo has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bernalillo
$33,215
Starting Salary
5.1%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bernalillo earn a median starting salary of $33,215, which is -$1,785 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $84,020 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,994 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in New Mexico
Albuquerque
40 colleges · Avg tuition $4,872
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
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bernalillo
How we compile Bernalillo 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 Bernalillo 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: Bernalillo'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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