College Cost Planning in Los Alamos, NM 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Los Alamos, New Mexico. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Los Alamos as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,700
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$20,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$687
per month
Local Cost Market
1
benchmark points
Los Alamos Overview
Population
12,669
Student Population
809 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
89.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Los Alamos
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,532
Total After Financial Aid
$86,532
Annual Cost
$21,633
Annual After Aid
$21,633
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,532 |
| Monthly Payment | $983 |
| Total Interest | $31,374 |
| Total Loan Cost | $117,906 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Los Alamos
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
1
Public tuition
$7,700
Private tuition
$20,000
Community college
$5,609
Cost of Living in Los Alamos vs. National Average
| Category | Los Alamos | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,700 | $10,940 | -$3,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $687 | $1,050 | -$363 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.8 | 100 | -10.200000000000003 |
Los Alamos'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 Los Alamos
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
809 students
Los Alamos has a total population of 12,669, with approximately 809 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Los Alamos offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Los Alamos
$24,849
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
Review
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Los Alamos earn a median starting salary of $24,849, which is $10,151 less per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. The modeled starting salary does not create a positive premium over the high-school earnings benchmark, so this market needs extra scrutiny before borrowing. With average financial aid of $10,816 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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 Los Alamos
How we compile Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos 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: Los Alamos'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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Los Alamos, NM?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Los Alamos is $7,700. Private university tuition averages $20,000, and community college tuition averages $5,609. When room and board ($13,933/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $21,633.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Los Alamos, NM?
Los Alamos uses approximately 1 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 809, which represents 6.4% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Los Alamos?
The average rent near college campuses in Los Alamos is approximately $687 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 89.8 (national average is 100), a walk score of 39, and a public transit score of 21. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Los Alamos?
College graduates in Los Alamos earn a median starting salary of $24,849. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%. With an average financial aid package of $10,816 per student and a 57% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Los Alamos, NM?
With a median starting salary of $24,849 and an average 4-year public university cost of $86,532 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium is not strong enough to show a standard payback period. Use grants, lower-cost school choices, and program-specific earnings before borrowing.
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