Students at University of the Southwest benefit from substantial financial aid that keeps college costs manageable, particularly for low-income families who pay well below typical private college rates.
The university also helps graduates earn somewhat more than similar students elsewhere, despite overall modest earnings levels.
University of the Southwest is a small private nonprofit institution in Hobbs, New Mexico, that focuses primarily on providing educational access to underserved student populations. Nearly 56% of students receive Pell Grants and about 47% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving those who might not otherwise have college opportunities. The institution ranks in the lower tier nationally for overall outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $45,389 ten years after enrollment.
What distinguishes University of the Southwest is its role as an access-focused institution rather than an outcomes-driven one. The university provides relatively affordable net prices, particularly for low-income students who pay around $17,598 annually, well below many private college averages. However, completion rates remain challenging, with only about 27% of students graduating within six years, which significantly impacts long-term career outcomes.
As a small private college in southeastern New Mexico, University of the Southwest serves a specific regional mission. While earnings outcomes lag behind national averages, the institution does provide some students with opportunities they might not find elsewhere. For families prioritizing access and affordability over competitive outcomes, the university offers a pathway to higher education in a supportive, close-knit environment.
University of the Southwest operates as a small, focused institution with limited program offerings, which constrains the detailed program-level analysis available for larger universities. The absence of comprehensive program data reflects the university's boutique scale and specialized mission rather than broad academic breadth. This focused approach means students have fewer major options but may receive more personalized attention within their chosen fields.
The university's small graduating classes across all programs create intimate learning environments but also limit the scale of alumni networks and employer recruitment opportunities. With only 35 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the institution's career outcomes reflect both its size constraints and the regional job market in southeastern New Mexico. Students considering University of the Southwest should understand that program choices will be more limited than at larger institutions, but the trade-off includes smaller class sizes and closer faculty relationships.
For students who thrive in small, supportive academic environments and don't require extensive program variety, University of the Southwest's focused approach can provide valuable educational experiences. However, those seeking diverse academic options or access to high-earning career tracks may find the limited program portfolio constraining for their long-term goals.
Graduates of University of the Southwest face mixed long-term financial outcomes. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $45,389, which places the institution in the bottom quartile nationally for earnings performance. However, graduates do achieve some earnings beyond expectations, earning about $5,071 more than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting the university adds modest value despite overall lower earnings levels.
The university's small size and limited program offerings contribute to constrained career pathways for graduates. With only 35 students earning more than $75,000 annually in recent cohorts, the institution struggles to place graduates in high-earning career tracks. The lack of comprehensive program data reflects the university's focused but narrow academic portfolio, which may limit students' exposure to higher-return fields like engineering, computer science, or business that typically drive stronger earnings outcomes.
While absolute earnings remain below national averages, the positive earnings beyond expectations suggests that University of the Southwest does provide some educational value for the students it serves. The modest earnings premium indicates that despite resource constraints, the institution manages to prepare students somewhat better than peer institutions with similar profiles and student populations.
University of the Southwest offers relatively strong affordability, particularly for low-income families. Low-income students pay a net price of about $17,598 annually, which is competitive among private nonprofit institutions and reflects substantial financial aid support. Middle-income families face net costs around $22,163, while higher-income students pay approximately $23,279, showing a progressive pricing structure that supports those with the greatest financial need.
Debt levels are moderate but manageable for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $21,303 in federal loan debt, a reasonable amount given the private college context. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,925, which is relatively modest compared to many private institutions where family debt can climb much higher. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that despite modest earnings outcomes, graduates are generally able to meet their loan obligations.
The combination of competitive net prices and moderate debt levels makes University of the Southwest accessible to families across income ranges. While earnings outcomes are below average, the institution's pricing structure ensures that students aren't taking on excessive debt relative to their likely post-graduation income, creating a sustainable financial pathway for many students who might struggle to afford other private college options.
University Of The Southwest Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
