- 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 1,156 students (13% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the state community college average of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 74%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 1,156 students
- In-state tuition: $1,560
- Out-state tuition: $2,544
- Student:teacher ratio: 18:1
- Minority enrollment: 66%
- 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
Diversity
School Resources
Completion Rates
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 64 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Mesalands Community College
(NM) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional
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 grown by 31% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Mesalands Community College diversity score of 0.69 is more than the state average of 0.67. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,156 students
2,145 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
16:1

# Full-Time Students
156 students
371 students

# Part-Time Students
1,000 students
1,774 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
115 students
284 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
156 students
490 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
146 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,000 students
1,774 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
128 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
32 students
258 students

% American Indian/Alaskan
3%
10%

% Asian
1%
2%

% Hispanic
42%
50%

% Black
4%
3%

% White
34%
26%

% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a

% Two or more races
1%
3%

% Non Resident races
1%
1%

% Unknown races
14%
5%


Diversity Score
0.69
0.67

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.5231%
0.2452%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.3955%
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 26% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $2,544 is less than the state average of $4,570. The out-state tuition has declined by 25% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,560
$2,058

Out-State Tuition Fees
$2,544
$4,570

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
100%
91%

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: 2024 (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: Diversity in US community colleges, Percent of students receiving financial aid, Highest completion rates and Least debt for graduating students.
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