Electrical Engineering at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Las Cruces, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
76 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
78
Optimistic
76
Base Case
72
Pessimistic
Earnings $82,790/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Large (54,500 openings/yr)
ROI 26.1x earnings multiple (8.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #23 of 262 Electrical programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Electrical Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $891K $850K $714K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 27.3x 26.1x 21.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.8x 8.4x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 78% 70% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 78 76 72

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 (8.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$26,988
17% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,250
3.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$97,373
18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $82,790 per year, Electrical Engineering graduates from New Mexico State University-Main Campus earn slightly above the $77,516 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 26.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Electrical Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $22,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #23 of 262 programs, this Electrical Engineering program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The limited growth from $82,790 to $97,373 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About New Mexico State University-Main Campus

With 76% of applicants admitted, New Mexico State University-Main Campus prioritizes broad access, enrolling 11,561 students 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

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Computer hardware engineers $155,020/yr
Aerospace engineers $134,830/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Electrical Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 76/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Electrical Engineering at New Mexico State University-Main Campus?
At 76/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Electrical Engineering at New Mexico State University-Main Campus?
The 56% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →