University of the Southwest is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Hobbs, New Mexico with 346 undergraduates. It has open admission, costs an average of $17,550 a year after grants and graduates 19% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
University of the Southwest acceptance rate and admissions
University of the Southwest has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
University of the Southwest tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $17,582 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $8,100 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $28,504 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $17,550 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $17,550 a year after grants and scholarships, $10,954 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run University of the Southwest's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
University of the Southwest graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 19% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $47,669 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $15,989 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 34% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
University of the Southwest majors and what graduates earn
University of the Southwest awarded bachelor's degrees in 16 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from teacher education by grade level ($47,402).
All 16 majors at University of the Southwest
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher education by grade level | 10 | n/a | $47,402 | n/a |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | 11 | $32,600 | $38,080 | $15,878 |
| Liberal arts and general studies | 15 | n/a | n/a | $13,000 |
| Criminal justice | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Business administration | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Psychology | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Religious studies | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Biology | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Health administration | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Marketing | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Communication | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Accounting | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Finance | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Special education | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| International business | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at University of the Southwest
31 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 31 graduate programs
Students and location
- 346 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 47% women, 53% men
- 21 students for every faculty member
- Setting: remote town
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into University of the Southwest?
No. University of the Southwest has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does University of the Southwest cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $17,582. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $17,550 a year in 2024-25.
What is the graduation rate at University of the Southwest?
19% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do University of the Southwest graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $47,669 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in New Mexico · University of the Southwest on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.