NMSU-Carlsbad is a two-year branch community college of New Mexico State University and is independently accredited by the North Central Association. For 1998, 1999, and 2000, NMSU-C was the only two-year college in the state to be recognized consecutively by Quality New Mexico. NMSU-C has a student population of approximately 1,200 students, approximately 28 full-time faculty, 45 part-time faculty and 70 full-time staff members.

NMSU-Carlsbad offers a variety of quality educational opportunities. The college is the Eddy County provider of Adult Basic Education services (ABE). The college offers developmental studies designed to provide students with basic skills needed to achieve academic success. Certificate programs of 30-36 credit hours are designed to provide the students with marketable and employable skills upon completion. Associate of Arts degrees are designed for individuals who plan to complete their educational goals with a baccalaureate degree. Associate of Applied Science degrees are designed for those who enter the work force upon graduation. Transfer programs are designed to provide freshman- and sophomore-level course work for students planning to transfer to institutions offering baccalaureate degrees. Non-credit programs offered through Community Services and Continuing Education programs provide a variety of educational, personal interest, and enrichment programs for all ages. NMSU-Carlsbad hosts the regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Manufacturing Sector Development Program (MSDP) that serves business and industry training needs through customized programs.

The college has a facility of 142,000 square feet at its primary Carlsbad campus with more the 500 personal computers for faculty, staff, and student use. More than 400 are networked and have Internet access. The remaining computers are used for testing and teaching beginning computer skills in the ABE Program. The MSDP, a state-of-the-art training program located on campus, is equipped with computer-integrated manufacturing systems and equipment, such as computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, and computer numerically controlled systems (CAD/CAM/CNC).

The Board of Regents of New Mexico State University is the governing board of NMSU-Carlsbad. Through an agreement between the Carlsbad Municipal School District and NMSU-Carlsbad, the local elected Board of Education for the Carlsbad Municipal Schools serves as an advisory board for NMSU-Carlsbad. The campus is a leader in the new NCA Academic Quality Improvement Project (AQIP). Specialized accreditation or certification is ongoing for the National League for Nursing, the New Mexico Board of Nursing, and the New Mexico State Department of Education.

NMSU-Carlsbad is a dynamic, quality driven institution serving the rapidly changing community needs and has positioned itself to lead the community into the 21st century. The college provides a leadership role in fashioning the future, anticipating changes in our community, and provides access to post-secondary education and vocational skills to address these challenges.