Compare 6 General Studies. programs in New Mexico. Average earnings: $33,309.
The highest-earning General Studies program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $24K earnings gap across 6 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus's General Studies program leads with graduates earning $44,007. The average across all programs is $33,309, yet this regional public outperforms the University of New Mexico ($39,130) despite UNM's broader name recognition—proof that program quality trumps institutional prestige.
For families, the math changes dramatically. Northern New Mexico College offers both the best student debt burden at 7.0% and best family burden at 7.0%, earning 'Excellent' ratings in both categories. Eastern New Mexico leads in earnings but carries a 20.3% family payment burden when parent loans are included.
Highest program earnings: $44,007
Strong outcomes ($44,007) with 55% acceptance
7.0% payment burden | Excellent
7.0% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $44,007 | 148 | $16,500 | Good | $13,200 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $39,130 | 205 | $18,450 | Manageable | $13,000 | High | |
| #3 | $35,854 | 166 | $17,095 | Manageable | $10,166 | High | |
| #4 | $34,261 | 7 | $6,000 | Excellent | $0 | Excellent | |
| #5 | $26,461 | 24 | $11,399 | High | $9,350 | High | |
| #6 | St. John's CollegePrivate | $20,140 | 74 | — | — | — | — |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
