2026 Best Value Criminal Justice Studies Schools in New Mexico

1

New Mexico State University Dona Ana
Las Cruces, NM

For return on investment in criminal justice studies, no school beat New Mexico State University Dona Ana this year. Located in the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Dona Ana is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,322, compared with $6,360 for out-of-state students. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $7,425 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from New Mexico State University Dona Ana generally make around $27,638. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Portales, NM

Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Portales, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,074, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,912 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus earn a median of $31,599 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,912 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.

3

New Mexico Junior College
Hobbs, NM

Students looking for strong value in criminal justice studies will find it at New Mexico Junior College, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Hobbs, New Mexico Junior College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,440, compared with $2,280 for out-of-state students. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $9,986 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from New Mexico Junior College generally make around $50,220. Set against $9,986 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

New Mexico State University Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM

New Mexico State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $14,034. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of New Mexico State University Main Campus earn a median of $34,870 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

5

Western New Mexico University
Silver City, NM

A rank of #5 makes Western New Mexico University one of the best values for criminal justice studies. Western New Mexico University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Silver City. In-state tuition and fees average $7,855, while out-of-state students pay about $14,341. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $20,379 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Western New Mexico University generally make around $32,386. That is a strong return on a $20,379 median debt.

6

New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM

New Mexico Highlands University landed the #6 spot for criminal justice studies value this year. New Mexico Highlands University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Las Vegas. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,416, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $18,900. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from New Mexico Highlands University generally make around $21,630. Set against $18,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.