
Reported completion outcomes at New Mexico Highlands University warrant close attention: the supplied IPEDS figures show a 27% six-year graduation rate and a 4% four-year rate. The reported first-year student retention rate is 50%.
Federal graduation-rate measures generally follow a defined group of first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students rather than everyone enrolled. They therefore do not directly describe the outcomes of all transfer students, part-time students, or returning adults - a consequential limitation at a university serving many of those learners. The reported overall graduation figure is 26%, but readers should not treat it as interchangeable with a rate for every degree or student group. Before enrolling, ask the department for a realistic course sequence, how often required classes are offered, and what advising is available if a student falls behind.
College Scorecard program-level figures describe reported earnings roughly one year after completion for the relevant federally aided student population; they are not starting-salary offers or predictions for an individual graduate. The figures associated with Highlands include $73,248 for registered nursing, $37,607 for business administration, and $36,591 for criminal justice.
Reported amounts differ substantially by field and by the jobs graduates enter. One-year figures also capture only an early career point: graduates who continue their education, work part time, change fields, or enter occupations with different pay structures may have different experiences. When comparing programs, consider the credential, local job market, licensing requirements, borrowing, and the time needed to complete the degree - not just a single earnings number.
Degrees
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$37,607Criminal Justice and Corrections
$36,591Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$17,340Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
$24,626Psychology, General
$20,674Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$73,248Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$33,115Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$25,820BACHELOR’S Degree
Education
Health Professions and Related Programs
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Psychology
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Visual and Performing Arts
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Natural Resources and Conservation
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
MASTER’S Degree
Health Professions and Related Programs
Education
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Psychology
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Physical Sciences
Social Sciences
Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Data last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.