College Costs in Portales, NM 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Portales, 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
$687
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Portales Overview
Population
11,891
Student Population
671 (5.6%)
Cost of Living Index
90.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Portales
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$82,792
Total After Financial Aid
$82,792
Annual Cost
$20,698
Annual After Aid
$20,698
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $82,792 |
| Monthly Payment | $940 |
| Total Interest | $30,018 |
| Total Loan Cost | $112,810 |
Universities in Portales
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Portales State University | Public | $7,985 |
| Portales Community College | Community | $5,784 |
Portales has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Portales vs. National Average
| Category | Portales | 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 | 90.3 | 100 | -9.700000000000003 |
Portales'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 Portales
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
671 students
Portales has a total population of 11,891, with approximately 671 college students (5.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Portales offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Portales
$26,809
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Portales earn a median starting salary of $26,809, which is -$8,191 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $82,792 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,805 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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