The college was established in 1950 as Carlsbad Instructional Center.
It later became a branch campus of New Mexico State University named New Mexico State University Carlsbad.
The college offers certificate programs and associate degrees.
It is also the provider of Adult Basic Education services (ABE) and host the regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Manufacturing Sector Development Program (MSDP) that provides business and industry training in Eddy County.
It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.