
New Mexico State University – Carlsbad is the oldest community college in New Mexico established in 1950. It was first known as Carlsbad Instructional Center and after ten years, it was renamed as a branch campus of NMSU.
NMSU Carlsbad is the only two-year college in the state that has been recognized by the Quality New Mexico for three consecutive years – 1998, 1999 and 2000 and it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Moreover, it is among the first institutions admitted to the HLC’s Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP), a distinct accreditation process directed towards continuous quality improvement.
Utilizing the latest technology and innovative approach in higher education, NMSU Carlsbad provides quality and affordable education in the Carlsbad, Eddy County and southeast New Mexico. The campus facility of NMSU Carlsbad lies in a 142,000 square feet land area located at 1500 University Drive Carlsbad, NM 88220.
With several Associate degrees and Certificate programs, NMSU Carlsbad helps students achieve their educational goals and become successful in different fields such as Business, Nursing, Science, Digital Media, Manufacturing and Social Sciences.
For students who wish to pursue a baccalaureate degree, they may opt to take Developmental Studies, Associate of Arts degree and Transfer programs. As part of the NMSU system, students from this institution can take advantage of the seamless transfer to NMSULas Cruces, Dona Ana, Alamogordo, and Grants New Mexico.
Certificate programs and Associate of Applied Science degree, on the other hand, are for students who would like to start a professional career upon finishing a course. To accommodate a broader range of students, dual credit programs, non-credit continuing education training, workforce development and online learning programs are also offered by NMSU Carlsbad.
Future Student’s Guide http://carlsbad.nmsu.edu/students/future-students/
Tuition and Fees http://carlsbad.nmsu.edu/departments/business-office/tuition-fees/
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $7,700. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. There is also a $20 application fee for students applying to the school. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- State Residents: $940-$1,100
- Out-of-State: $3,700-$4,435
- Part-time students are charged:
- State Residents: $39-$47 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $150-$180 per credit unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 84% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 84% | $3,389 |
Receiving Student Loans | 4% | $3,286 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help support students, New Mexico State University – Carlsbad may provide services to students including:
- Online course work available
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial courses
- Counseling assistance
- Work study style employment
- Employment search assistance
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges often offer both career training programs and options for students to transfer-out to four year institutions, which is why the table below is so important, it compares NMSU-Carlsbad against community colleges in New Mexico.
NMSU-Carlsbad | Eddy County | New Mexico | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 3.5% | - | 14.7% |
Transfer-out Rate | 15.1% | - | 15.6% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1990)
- Compare all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in New Mexico
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by New Mexico State University – Carlsbad by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Commerce (A)
- Bookkeeping (C)
- Administrative Assistant (A)
Communication Technology
Communications and Journalism
Computer and Information Sciences
- Data Processing Technology (A, C)
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Construction Trades
- Carpentry (C)
- Construction Trades
- Electrician
Education
Engineering
- Engineering (A)
Engineering Technology
Health and Clinical Professions
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Natural Sciences (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- General Studies (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Industrial Mechanics (A, C)
- Electrical Equipment Installation and Repair (C)
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Precision Production
- Welding (A, C)
Public Administration and Social Services
Security and Protective Services
- Criminal Justice (A)
- Police Science
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to New Mexico State University – Carlsbad.
- New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, NM (67 miles away)
- New Mexico State University - Alamogordo in Alamogordo, NM (102 miles away)
- University of New Mexico - Valencia Campus in Los Lunas, NM (212 miles away)
- Luna Community College in Las Vegas, NM (226 miles away)
- Clarendon College in Clarendon, TX (262 miles away)