Top 3 Computer Science Programs in New Mexico 2025
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
51 computer science graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
48 computer science graduates annually, 86% graduation rate
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
32 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.New Mexico offers 13+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of New Mexico-Main Campus leads with 90% 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 Science Education in New Mexico: Overview
New Mexico offers 13 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 259 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 science programs in the state are led by University of New Mexico-Main Campus, New Mexico State University-Main Campus, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
New Mexico Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of New Mexico-Main Campus | Albuquerque, NM | Public | $6,803 | 90% | 64.9 |
| 2 | New Mexico State University-Main Campus | Las Cruces, NM | Public | $6,283 | 86% | 63.7 |
| 3 | New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology | Socorro, NM | Public | $7,664 | — | 54.7 |
| 4 | San Juan College | Farmington, NM | Public | $1,344 | — | 48.4 |
| 5 | Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | Portales, NM | Public | $4,194 | — | 47.8 |
| 6 | Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque, NM | Public | $1,584 | — | 46.4 |
| 7 | New Mexico Highlands University | Las Vegas, NM | Public | $4,888 | — | 43.6 |
| 8 | New Mexico Junior College | Hobbs, NM | Public | $1,440 | — | 41.8 |
| 9 | University of New Mexico-Taos Campus | Ranchos de Taos, NM | Public | $1,872 | — | 41.8 |
| 10 | University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus | Los Alamos, NM | Public | $2,096 | — | 39.2 |
| 11 | Santa Fe Community College | Santa Fe, NM | Public | $1,830 | — | 32 |
| 12 | Luna Community College | Las Vegas, NM | Public | $1,584 | — | 29.9 |
| 13 | Clovis Community College | Clovis, NM | Public | $1,416 | — | 27.5 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in New Mexico: Side-by-Side
| School | U of New Mexico | New Mexico State | New Mexico Institute of... | San Juan College | Eastern New Mexico |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,803 | $6,283 | $7,664 | $1,344 | $4,194 |
| Graduation Rate | 90% | 86% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 51 | 48 | 32 | 13 | 14 |
| Acceptance Rate | 95% | 76% | 54% | N/A | 55% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 64.9/100 | 63.7/100 | 54.7/100 | 48.4/100 | 47.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in New Mexico
New Mexico offers 5 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of New Mexico-Main Campus, New Mexico State University-Main Campus, 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 science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in New Mexico
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of New Mexico | $6,803 | 90% | 51 | 64.9 |
| #2 New Mexico State | $6,283 | 86% | 48 | 63.7 |
| #3 New Mexico Institute of... | $7,664 | N/A% | 32 | 54.7 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in New Mexico
For graduate study, New Mexico offers 3 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include New Mexico State University-Main Campus, University of New Mexico-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 science master's programs for more options beyond New Mexico.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in New Mexico
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 New Mexico State | $6,283 | 86% | 22 | 55.9 |
| #2 U of New Mexico | $6,803 | 90% | 29 | 55.7 |
| #3 New Mexico Institute of... | $7,664 | N/A% | 8 | 44.8 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in New Mexico
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in New Mexico are at San Juan College ($1,344/year), Clovis Community College ($1,416/year), New Mexico Junior College ($1,440/year). These programs offer strong ROI given New Mexico's competitive tech salaries.
At San Juan College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $5,376 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 Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in New Mexico (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 San Juan College | $1,344 | $5,376 | 0.2 years | Public |
| #2 Clovis Community College | $1,416 | $5,664 | 0.2 years | Public |
| #3 New Mexico Junior College | $1,440 | $5,760 | 0.2 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in New Mexico
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science 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.
University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,803 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 51 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 95%
- • Ranking Score: 64.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 51 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (51 graduates), state salary outcomes ($96,540), and selectivity (95% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of New Mexico Computer Science program has offered degrees since 1973 and provides both undergraduate and graduate options including a B.S./M.S. Shared-Credit accelerated program. The program offers research opportunities in cutting-edge areas and maintains ABET accreditation for quality assurance.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH 162 (Calculus I)
- •MATH 163 (Calculus II)
- •MATH 314 or 321 (Linear Algebra)
- •STAT 345 (Elements of Mathematical Statistics and Probability Theory)
- •English 101
- •English 102
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,283 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 48 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 63.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 48 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 63.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (86%), program size (48 graduates), state salary outcomes ($96,540), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, NM • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,664 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 32 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 54.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 32 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 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.
San Juan College
Farmington, NM • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $1,344 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 13 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 48.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 13 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.4 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (13 graduates), state salary outcomes ($96,540), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Portales, NM • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,194 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 14 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 55%
- • Ranking Score: 47.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 14 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 47.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (14 graduates), state salary outcomes ($96,540), and selectivity (55% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- 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
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs New Mexico's 13)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in New Mexico FAQ
Based on 13 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
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
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.