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Kinesiology Degree in Albuquerque, NM — Salary & ROI 2026

Kinesiology degree analysis for Albuquerque, NM. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$56K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$69K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

4.5 yrs

in Albuquerque

Cost of Living

111

index (100 = avg)

Kinesiology in Albuquerque, NM Overview

Albuquerque is one of New Mexico's top college towns, with 40 institutions and a student population of 37,837. Public tuition averages $4,872/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Kinesiology enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology. The adjusted starting salary in Albuquerque is approximately $55,500.

Category

Healthcare

Local Colleges

40

Public Tuition

$4,872/yr

Private Tuition

$14,580/yr

Room & Board

$13,830/yr

Avg Fin. Aid

$13,246/yr

Unemployment

4.4%

Graduation Rate

70%

Kinesiology Salary in Albuquerque (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Albuquerque's cost of living index of 111 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,500(+$5,500 vs national)
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
$68,820(+$6,820 vs national)
Senior Level (15+ yrs)
$86,580(+$8,580 vs national)

Note: National average Kinesiology salary: $50,000 starting, $62,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Albuquerque adjustment factor: 1.11x based on the local cost of living index.

Kinesiology ROI Calculator for Albuquerque

Estimate your return on investment for a Kinesiology degree using local Albuquerque tuition and cost of living data.

Public avg: $4,872 | Private avg: $14,580

Albuquerque avg aid: $13,246/yr

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$74,808

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$16,650

vs HS diploma in Albuquerque

ROI Payback Period

4.5 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Albuquerque

$258,192

Lifetime earnings premium ($333,000) minus total education cost ($74,808)

Student Loan Payoff for Kinesiology in Albuquerque

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$74,808
Monthly Payment$849
Total Interest$27,124
% of Monthly Income18%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$74,808
Monthly Payment$1,464
Total Interest$13,014
Interest Savings$14,109

Colleges in Albuquerque for Kinesiology

University of New Mexico

public

$8,064/yr

$32,256 total

National American University

private

$14,580/yr

$58,320 total

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute

public

$1,680/yr

$6,720 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Central New Mexico Community College

$1,848/yr

Top Employers for Kinesiology in Albuquerque

Albuquerque offers opportunities in Hospitals, Medical centers, Private practices for Kinesiology graduates. National top employers in this field include:

HospitalsSports TeamsPhysical Therapy ClinicsFitness CentersSchools

Key Albuquerque Hiring Sectors for Healthcare

Hospitals

Medical centers

Private practices

Health systems

Pharma companies

Common Kinesiology Job Titles

Physical Therapist AssistantAthletic TrainerExercise Physiologist

Kinesiology Degree in Albuquerque — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

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