Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and program length at accredited Albuquerque nursing schools
Albuquerque’s healthcare employers have been hiring LPNs at a pace that outstrips the local pipeline of graduates. The city supports fewer than a dozen accredited practical nursing programs, most running 10 to 16 months. Costs span a $15,000 range depending on the school, and employers are increasingly weighing NCLEX pass rates when hiring. That's one reason why practical nursing students in the area scrutinize program outcomes as closely as tuition.
Our ranking highlights the top LPN programs available to Albuquerque-area students, balancing cost, outcomes, and local access. The listed schools include options within Albuquerque and across New Mexico, all approved by the state Board of Nursing. Whether you prioritize affordability, accelerated pacing, or a public community college experience, the table below offers a side-by-side comparison to jumpstart your search.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Central New Mexico Community College | Albuquerque, NM | $0 – $5,000/yr | Albuquerque residents seeking affordable public LPN | |
Central New Mexico Community College is the largest public LPN program in the state and the primary training hub for Albuquerque's nursing workforce. The program holds ACEN accreditation and offers in-state tuition with strong financial aid support, making it an affordable choice for local students. With a campus in the heart of Albuquerque, CNM integrates clinical training across the city's healthcare system. The program serves as a stepping stone to advanced nursing degrees.
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| #2 | Brookline College-Albuquerque | Albuquerque, NM | ~$37,000/yr (est.) | Career changers needing fast-track Albuquerque LPN | |
Brookline College-Albuquerque offers a 48-week accelerated Practical Nursing program at its recently consolidated downtown campus, featuring updated simulation labs and modern classrooms. The program holds full approval from the New Mexico Board of Nursing and initial NLN CNEA accreditation. Fixed tuition of $28,755.25 includes state gross receipts tax, and flexible day and evening scheduling accommodates working adults. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam with hands-on clinical experiences.
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| #3 | New Mexico Junior College | Hobbs, NM | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | Budget-conscious students from rural New Mexico | |
Located in Hobbs, New Mexico Junior College provides a Certificate of Completion in Practical Nursing with a strong record of student success. The program boasts a notably high graduation rate of over 58% and serves primarily Pell Grant recipients. Low net price and small class sizes make it an attractive option for students from southeastern New Mexico seeking a supportive campus-based experience.
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| #4 | Southeast New Mexico College | Carlsbad, NM | $6,000/yr | ||
Southeast New Mexico College in Carlsbad offers a career-ladder LPN certificate that reports a 100% licensure pass rate and 100% graduate employment rate. The program emphasizes rural and community-focused care, with clinical rotations across southeastern New Mexico and west Texas. Its low net price and strong outcomes make it a standout for students prioritizing job placement and affordability.
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| #5 | New Mexico State University-Dona Ana | Las Cruces, NM | $2,000 – $6,000/yr | ||
New Mexico State University-Dona Ana in Las Cruces delivers an LPN Certificate of Completion that mirrors the rigorous curriculum of NMSU's main campus. The program offers a clear pathway to an ADN and serves a high percentage of Pell recipients. With a net price just over $6,000 and strong graduate earnings, it represents excellent value for students in southern New Mexico.
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| #6 | New Mexico State University-Alamogordo | Alamogordo, NM | $3,000 – $6,000/yr | ||
New Mexico State University-Alamogordo offers a Certificate of Achievement in LPN over four 16-week semesters. The program holds initial approval from the New Mexico Board of Nursing and is pursuing ACEN accreditation. A low student-faculty ratio of 13:1 supports hands-on learning, and the program targets the regional nursing shortage with competitive admissions.
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| #7 | Santa Fe Community College | Santa Fe, NM | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Santa Fe Community College provides a Practical Nursing Certificate as part of the New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium, using a concept-based curriculum. The program admits students in fall and spring and offers low in-district tuition rates. Located in Santa Fe, it includes strong student support services and prepares graduates for diverse healthcare roles across northern New Mexico.
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Each program’s position reflects a blend of affordability, student outcomes, and local relevance. We combined three main signals: an institution’s overall graduation rate, the average net price a student pays after grants and scholarships, and program-level data where available from the College Scorecard.
The graduation rate is school-wide, not specific to the LPN track, so it signals institutional strength rather than program selectivity. Net price is an average, and your actual cost depends on your financial situation and any state or federal aid you receive.
Wherever possible, we looked at earnings and employment data for graduates of LPN programs, drawn from the College Scorecard. Because these measures reflect student success after completing a program, they carry significant weight.
NCLEX-PN pass rates come from the New Mexico Board of Nursing, which oversees nursing programs in New Mexico, and follow a different reporting cycle. We address them in their own section rather than folding them into the ranking, ensuring you can compare programs on both licensure readiness and broader value.
Only schools with a campus within roughly 75 miles of downtown Albuquerque were considered. If too few programs fell within that radius, we expanded the search to surface enough options while keeping the focus local.
Net price is what students pay after grants and scholarships are applied, making it a better gauge of affordability than sticker tuition. Across ranked programs, the net price ranges from $4,621 at Central New Mexico Community College to $37,459 at private Brookline College-Albuquerque. Pell Grant eligibility is high at most public schools, over 90% at CNM and Santa Fe Community College, signaling strong aid access.
What are the admission requirements for LPN programs in Albuquerque? Programs differ in their LPN prerequisites, entrance exams, and GPA expectations. Some demand high school biology and math with a B or better, while others only require a diploma and a placement test. Reviewing the specifics for each school will keep your application on track.
All programs will expect a background check and drug screening before clinical placements. Additional schools like Carrington College may have unique requirements, so confirm directly with each institution. Contacting admissions offices early can prevent last-minute surprises.
While national NCLEX-PN pass rates provide a broad benchmark, every program’s own results tell the real story. A school with a consistent record above the national average gives you stronger confidence than one hovering just at the line.
In 2025, first-time test-takers educated in the U.S. passed at a rate of 86.6%.1 The combined rate for all candidates (including repeats and internationally educated examinees) dropped to 77.3%1, underscoring that the first-time pass figure is the more useful yardstick for new students. Over recent years, the first-time pass rate nationally has stayed in the 83-84% range2, providing a stable reference point.
For Albuquerque LPN programs, the New Mexico Board of Nursing publishes annual NCLEX-PN results.3 When comparing schools, look beyond a single year; a program that dips by a few points one year may rebound, and two- to three-year averages paint a more accurate picture. Programs like Central New Mexico Community College or Pima Medical Institute typically report rates at or above the national first-time average, but confirm the latest figures directly with the board.
Median earnings one year after finishing a program offer a reality check on career readiness. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard provides this data for many schools, but at the time of writing, detailed program-level earnings for small LPN cohorts in Albuquerque were not available in a ready-to-compare format. Before enrolling, ask each program for its most recent employment and salary survey results, or check the nursing board’s workforce reports for New Mexico.
LPN students who need to balance work or family obligations can look for accelerated, evening, or part-time pathways. These formats adjust the pace and scheduling of classroom and clinical work. In Albuquerque, multiple schools offer flexible arrangements, but details shift from year to year, always verify current offerings with each program.
Clinical hours form the practical backbone of LPN education. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that LPN programs commonly require between 300 and 600 supervised hours, yet individual state boards set the binding minimum. Check New Mexico’s board of nursing for exact requirements, and consult organizations like NAPNES for professional guidance. Online student communities such as allnurses.com can reveal how schedules play out in practice.
To become an LPN in New Mexico, you must complete an approved practical nursing program, then register for and pass the NCLEX-PN. After passing, apply for licensure through the online Nurse Portal, including a fingerprint-based background check via Idemia/IdentoGo. The entire process takes about 12 to 18 months, and once licensed, you must renew your license every two years with continuing education requirements tracked through CE Broker.
Get straightforward answers to the most common questions about Practical Nursing programs in Albuquerque. Learn about accelerated options, program details at Carrington College, timelines, costs, and salary expectations.
