New Mexico university campus representing information security education
Updated December 2025

Best Information Security Programs in New Mexico: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 4 top accredited information security 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 Information Security Programs in New Mexico 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, NMPublic

77 information security graduates annually, 90% graduation rate

$7K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
70.9
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute

Albuquerque, NMPublic

3 information security graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$0K
Tuition/yr
41.8
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus

Los Alamos, NMPublic

2 information security graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$2K
Tuition/yr
40.7
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.New Mexico offers 4+ accredited information security 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)

Information Security Education in New Mexico: Overview

New Mexico offers 4 accredited information security programs, producing approximately 89 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 information security programs in the state are led by University of New Mexico-Main Campus, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

New Mexico Information Security Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque, NMPublic$6,80390%70.9
2Southwestern Indian Polytechnic InstituteAlbuquerque, NMPublic$0โ€”41.8
3University of New Mexico-Los Alamos CampusLos Alamos, NMPublic$2,096โ€”40.7
4Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community CollegeRuidoso, NMPublic$1,704โ€”31.5

Top 5 Information Security Programs in New Mexico: Side-by-Side

SchoolU of New MexicoSouthwestern Indian...U of New Mexico-Los AlamosEastern New Mexico...
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
In-State Tuition
$6,803
$0
$2,096
$1,704
Graduation Rate
90%
N/A%
N/A%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
77
3
2
7
Acceptance Rate
95%
N/A
N/A
N/A
Type
Public
Public
Public
Public
Score
70.9/100
41.8/100
40.7/100
31.5/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Security in New Mexico

Limited bachelor's-level information security programs are available in New Mexico. Consider nearby states or online programs for more options.

Top Information Security Schools for Master's Degrees in New Mexico

For graduate study, New Mexico offers 1 master's-level information security programs. Leading institutions include University of New Mexico-Main Campus. 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 information security master's programs for more options beyond New Mexico.

Top 3 Information Security Master's Programs in New Mexico

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of New Mexico
$6,803
90%
77
70.9

Most Affordable Information Security Colleges in New Mexico

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information security programs in New Mexico are at Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College ($1,704/year), University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus ($2,096/year), University of New Mexico-Main Campus ($6,803/year). These programs offer strong ROI given New Mexico's competitive tech salaries.

At Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $6,816 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $67,578, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.2 years. See our Most Affordable Information Security Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Information Security Programs in New Mexico (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Eastern New Mexico...
$1,704
$6,816
0.2 years
Public
#2 U of New Mexico-Los Alamos
$2,096
$8,384
0.3 years
Public
#3 U of New Mexico
$6,803
$27,212
0.8 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Security Schools in New Mexico

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information security 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

University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $6,803 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 77 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 95%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 70.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • 77 information security graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 70.9 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (77 graduates), state salary outcomes ($96,540), and selectivity (95% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $0 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 3 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 41.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 3 information security graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 41.8 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($96,540), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus

Los Alamos, NM โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $2,096 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 2 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 40.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 2 information security graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 40.7 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 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.

#4

Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College

Ruidoso, NM โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $1,704 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 7 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 31.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 7 information security graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 31.5 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (7 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
107
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$87,598

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Systems Analyst opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$87,095

IT Manager

SOC 15-1299
+15%

IT Manager opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$98,138
+15%

Technical Consultant opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$103,360

Database Administrator opportunities in New Mexico with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$87,603

Information Security 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

Information Security in New Mexico FAQ

Ranking Methodology

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

Program Strength35%

Information Security 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

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.