New Mexico university campus representing computer programming education
Updated December 2025

Best Computer Programming Programs in New Mexico: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 4 top accredited computer programming programs in New Mexico. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces.

Programs Ranked4
Median Salary$96,540
Cost of Living91.4%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Computer Programming Programs in New Mexico 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NMPublic

32 computer programming graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$8K
Tuition/yr
54.7
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Las Cruces, NMPublic

11 computer programming graduates annually, 86% graduation rate

$6K
Tuition/yr
86%
Grad Rate
51.1
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, NMPublic

25 computer programming graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$2K
Tuition/yr
37.3
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.New Mexico offers 4+ accredited computer programming programs across public and private universities
  • 2.New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology leads with strong% graduation rate
  • 3.New Mexico software developers earn median $96,540 annually (BLS OES 2024)
  • 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces
  • 5.Cost of living index: 91.4% of US average (below average)

Computer Programming Education in New Mexico: Overview

New Mexico offers 4 accredited computer programming programs, producing approximately 70 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, with major employers including Sandia National Labs, Los Alamos National Lab, Intel.

With a median software developer salary of $96,540 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 91.4% compared to the US average, New Mexico offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.

The top computer programming programs in the state are led by New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, New Mexico State University-Main Campus, Central New Mexico Community College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

New Mexico Computer Programming Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1New Mexico Institute of Mining and TechnologySocorro, NMPublic$7,664โ€”54.7
2New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces, NMPublic$6,28386%51.1
3Central New Mexico Community CollegeAlbuquerque, NMPublic$1,584โ€”37.3
4Santa Fe Community CollegeSanta Fe, NMPublic$1,830โ€”28.5

Top 5 Computer Programming Programs in New Mexico: Side-by-Side

SchoolNew Mexico Institute of...New Mexico StateCentral New Mexico...Santa Fe Community College
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
In-State Tuition
$7,664
$6,283
$1,584
$1,830
Graduation Rate
N/A%
86%
N/A%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
32
11
25
2
Acceptance Rate
54%
76%
N/A
N/A
Type
Public
Public
Public
Public
Score
54.7/100
51.1/100
37.3/100
28.5/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Programming in New Mexico

New Mexico offers 1 bachelor's-level computer programming programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $67,578 in the New Mexico market.

A bachelor's in computer programming typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs in New Mexico

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 New Mexico Institute of...
$7,664
N/A%
32
54.7

Top Computer Programming Schools for Master's Degrees in New Mexico

For graduate study, New Mexico offers 2 master's-level computer programming programs. Leading institutions include New Mexico State University-Main Campus, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in New Mexico reaching $125,502 or more.

Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer programming master's programs for more options beyond New Mexico.

Top 3 Computer Programming Master's Programs in New Mexico

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 New Mexico State
$6,283
86%
11
51.1
#2 New Mexico Institute of...
$7,664
N/A%
8
44.8

Most Affordable Computer Programming Colleges in New Mexico

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer programming programs in New Mexico are at Central New Mexico Community College ($1,584/year), Santa Fe Community College ($1,830/year), New Mexico State University-Main Campus ($6,283/year). These programs offer strong ROI given New Mexico's competitive tech salaries.

At Central New Mexico Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $6,336 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $67,578, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.2 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Programming Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Computer Programming Programs in New Mexico (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Central New Mexico...
$1,584
$6,336
0.2 years
Public
#2 Santa Fe Community College
$1,830
$7,320
0.2 years
Public
#3 New Mexico State
$6,283
$25,132
0.8 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Programming Schools in New Mexico

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer programming programs in New Mexico, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.

#1

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,664 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 32 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 54.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 32 computer programming graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 54.7 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (32 graduates), state salary outcomes ($96,540), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Las Cruces, NM โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $6,283 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 11 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 51.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 86% graduation rate
  • 11 computer programming graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 51.1 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (86%), program size (11 graduates), state salary outcomes ($96,540), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $1,584 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 25 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 37.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 25 computer programming graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 37.3 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (25 graduates), state salary outcomes ($96,540), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

Santa Fe Community College

Santa Fe, NM โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $1,830 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 2 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 28.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 2 computer programming graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 28.5 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($96,540), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$67,578
Starting Salary
$96,540
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
84
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$101,615

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Systems Analyst opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$90,129

IT Manager

SOC 15-1299
+15%

IT Manager opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$95,276
+15%

Technical Consultant opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$102,131

Database Administrator opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$90,429

Computer Programming Programs in Other States

Which Should You Choose?

Choose New Mexico if...
  • You want access to tech jobs in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces
  • You're seeking lower cost of living (91.4% of US average)
  • You want to work at companies like Sandia National Labs or Los Alamos National Lab
  • You prefer New Mexico's quality of life
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs New Mexico's 4)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration

Computer Programming in New Mexico FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 4 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Computer Programming degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

New Mexico-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Related Resources

Data Sources & Methodology

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - New Mexico salary data

2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

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