Luna Community College
- Luna Community College is an institution of higher learning committed to serving the changing needs of its student population and the surrounding communities. Its mission is to provide comprehensive education, preparation for relevant employment, and opportunities for life-long learning.
School Highlights
- Luna Community College serves 1,440 students (30% of students are full-time).
- The college's student:teacher ratio of 48:1 is higher than the state community college average of 30:1.
- Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 65%.
- Luna Community College is the only community colleges within San Miguel County, NM.
- The nearest community college to Luna Community College is Santa Fe Community College (42.7 miles away).
Top Placements
Luna Community College places among the top 20% of community colleges in New Mexico for:
- Category Attribute
- Affordability Least expensive tuition
- Debt For Students Least debt for graduating students
School Overview
- The teacher population of 30 teachers has declined by 54% over five years.
| Luna Community College | (NM) Community College Avg. | |
| Institution Level | At least 2 but less than 4 years | At least 2 yrs but < 4 yrs |
| Institution Control | Public | Public |
| Total Faculty | 30 staff | 72 staff |
| Total Enrollment | 1,440 students | 1,793 students |
 | ||
| Student : Teacher Ratio | 48:1 | 30:1 |
| # Full-Time Students | 433 students | 604 students |
| # Part-Time Students | 1,007 students | 1,189 students |
 |  | |
| % American Indian/Alaskan | 3% | 10% |
| % Asian | 2% | 2% |
| % Hispanic | 75% | 44% |
| % Black | - | 2% |
| % White | 18% | 35% |
| % Unknown races | 2% | 5% |
 |  | |
| Diversity Score | 0.40 | 0.67 |
 | ||
| College Completion Rate | 18% | 13% |
| Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years) | $28,200 | $34,400 |
Source: 2016 (or latest year available) IPEDS
School Notes
- Luna Community College continues to be an outstanding institution of higher education. With a strong history of vocational-technical education, which began in 1970, and becoming a comprehensive community college in 1997, Luna Community College is dedicated to excellence in meeting the needs of students. With a broadened focus, Luna Community College offers the first two years of a Baccalaureate Degree and various Associate Degrees and Certificates, which meet the needs of students in Business and Professional Studies, Vocational Education, Technologies, Health Sciences and Developmental Education. Luna Community College (LCC) is the only community college in northeastern New Mexico. LCC is located in the lower slopes of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range overlooking the city of Las Vegas, New Mexico. LCC enjoys an outstanding reputation for its caliber of facilities, teaching methods, curricula, and dedication to excellence. Luna Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Nearby Schools
- The nearest community college to Luna Community College is Santa Fe Community College (42.7 miles away).
- College Location Mi. Students
- 6,242 students | 42.70 Mi6401 Richards Ave
Santa Fe, NM 87508
(505)428-1000 42.706,242 - Southwestern College (Santa Fe)Private, non-profit162 students | 45.80 Mi3960 San Felipe
Santa Fe, NM 87507
(505)467-6821 45.80162 - 1,371 students | 54.80 Mi921 Paseo de Onate
Espanola, NM 87532
(505)747-2100 54.801,371 - 1,793 students | 56.90 Mi1157 County Road 110
Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557
(575)737-6200 56.901,793 - 848 students | 63.60 Mi4000 University Dr
Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505)662-5919 63.60848
Recent Articles
The Online Education Initiative will greatly expand course offerings for community college students, while making the transfer process between institutions much more smooth. The Initiative has its critics, however, who decry the loss of local control over education.
A recent study reveals that job applicants with a credential or associate’s degree from a community college have slightly better chances of getting a job interview than students who attend a for-profit college or university. Since community colleges are much more budget friendly than for-profit institutions and have much better job placement results, community colleges are a much better option for employment-minded students.
After City College of San Francisco loses its accreditation, other community colleges in the state are facing warnings, sanctions and possible loss of accreditation as well.
