Business/Commerce, General at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Las Cruces, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,442/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (832,900 openings/yr)
ROI 15.0x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #175 of 242 Business/Commerce, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business/Commerce, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $488K $488K $460K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.0x 15.0x 14.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.8x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,588
Out-of-state: $101,084 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$26,988
17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,072
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,931
19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,442 place New Mexico State University-Main Campus below the $48,211 national median for Business/Commerce, General — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 15.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business/Commerce, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,072 against $39,442/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #175 ranking among 242 Business/Commerce, General programs places New Mexico State University-Main Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $39,442 to $46,931 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About New Mexico State University-Main Campus

New Mexico State University-Main Campus accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 11,561 in Las Cruces, NM. Pell Grant recipients make up 40% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at New Mexico State University-Main Campus →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr
Sales managers $138,060/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
View all 16 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business/Commerce, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Business/Commerce, General at New Mexico State University-Main Campus?
At 58/100, the score looks reasonable — but Business/Commerce, General is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Business/Commerce, General at New Mexico State University-Main Campus?
The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is New Mexico State University-Main Campus a good choice for Business/Commerce, General despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If New Mexico State University-Main Campus's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →