- Mesalands Community College is an institution of higher education that promotes student learning through quality education and services while fostering personal growth, leadership, and opportunity to a culturally diverse community.
School Highlights
Mesalands Community College serves 709 students (17% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is same as the state community college average of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 70%.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Enrollment: 709 students
- In-state tuition: $1,560
- Out-state tuition: $2,544
- Student:teacher ratio: 11:1
- Minority enrollment: 49%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Mesalands Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in New Mexico for:
Category
Attribute
School Resources
Completion Rates
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 64 teachers has grown by 88% over five years.
Mesalands Community College
(NM) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
64 staff
111 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Mesalands Community College has declined by 29% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 has decreased from 14:1 over five years.
The Mesalands Community College diversity score of 0.67 is equal to the state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
709 students
1,172 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1

# Full-Time Students
119 students
391 students

# Part-Time Students
590 students
781 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
371 students
426 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
119 students
554 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
96 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
590 students
781 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
68 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
32 students
258 students

% American Indian/Alaskan
3%
9%

% Asian
2%
2%

% Hispanic
24%
48%

% Black
8%
2%

% White
51%
30%

% Two or more races
n/a
2%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%

% Unknown races
12%
6%


Diversity Score
0.67
0.67

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
41%
25%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.99%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$24,200
$36,300

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,560 is less than the state average of $2,058. The in-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $2,544 is less than the state average of $4,616. The out-state tuition has declined by 12% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,560
$2,058

Out-State Tuition Fees
$2,544
$4,616

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
100%
89%

Median Debt for Graduates
$4,750
$13,236

Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,375
$6,125

Acceptance Rate
n/a
100%
SAT Reading
n/a
485
SAT Math
n/a
505
SAT Writing
n/a
455
ACT Composite
n/a
20
ACT English
n/a
19
ACT Math
n/a
21
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Mesalands Community College was established as Tucumcari Area Vocational School (TAVS) under the Area Vocational School Act of New Mexico during the thirty-third Legislative Session of the State of New Mexico. In January 1979, an act of the Legislature authorized the establishment of an area vocational school in Tucumcari. The school was authorized to offer programs of vocational education leading to certificates and diplomas. Mesalands Community College is situated at 911 South Tenth Street in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Tumcari, located in the eastern part of the state and surrounded by scenic mesas, is recognizable by its landmark, the 5,000-ft. butte known as Tucumcari Mountain. The campus of Mesalands Community College is positioned on 23 acres, with room for future expansion. The main campus is comprised of five buildings, with three additional buildings located at other sites off the main campus. As a community college, we are here to meet your educational goals and aspirations. Whether you are interested in improving your pre-collegiate skills, training for a technical career, or preparing to transfer to a four-year institution, we can fulfill your needs. As a small college, we can provide personal attention and a caring atmosphere that is difficult to find elsewhere. Our small classes and caring faculty create a learning environment designed to make our students successful. Mesalands Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Mesalands Community College cost?
Mesalands Community College's tuition is approximately $1,560 for In-State students and $2,544 for Out-State students.
What is Mesalands Community College's ranking?
Mesalands Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in New Mexico for: Percent of students receiving financial aid, Highest completion rates and Least debt for graduating students.
Recent Articles

How to Take Online Community College Classes for Free
Learn about programs across the country that allow students to take online community college classes for free.

A Nontraditional Student’s Guide to Community College
Going to college is hard work but it’s even more challenging for nontraditional students who are working or raising a family at the same time. If you’re considering community college to improve your life or further your career, here’s everything you need to know.

Beyond the High School Classroom: The Pros and Cons of Dual Enrollment
Explore the intricacies of dual enrollment, a growing educational trend that allows high school students to earn college credits. This comprehensive guide delves into its history, eligibility requirements, benefits, and drawbacks, offering valuable insights for both parents and students considering this path.