College Costs in South Valley, NM 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in South Valley, 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
$672
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
South Valley Overview
Population
40,976
Student Population
2,612 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
95.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for South Valley
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$87,232
Total After Financial Aid
$87,232
Annual Cost
$21,808
Annual After Aid
$21,808
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $87,232 |
| Monthly Payment | $991 |
| Total Interest | $31,628 |
| Total Loan Cost | $118,860 |
Universities in South Valley
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| South Valley State University | Public | $6,950 |
| South Valley Community College | Community | $5,775 |
South Valley has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in South Valley vs. National Average
| Category | South Valley | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,700 | $10,940 | -$3,240 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $672 | $1,050 | -$378 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.4 | 100 | -4.599999999999994 |
South Valley's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in South Valley
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,612 students
South Valley has a total population of 40,976, with approximately 2,612 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, South Valley offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in South Valley
$31,844
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in South Valley earn a median starting salary of $31,844, which is -$3,156 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $87,232 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,128 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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