About Southwest University at El Paso
Southwest University at El Paso serves 1,817 students in the heart of Texas's border region. This private institution has built its reputation around serving the Hispanic community, with 86% of students identifying as Hispanic. The university operates on a quarter system, allowing for accelerated progress through degree programs. Nearly two-thirds of students are women, reflecting the school's appeal to nontraditional learners seeking flexible career advancement.
The financial picture tells a complex story. Students pay an average net price of $17,803 annually, with tuition set at $16,000 regardless of residency status. However, graduates earn a median of just $29,648 ten years after graduation. The school's predominantly low-income student body relies heavily on federal aid, with 79% receiving Pell Grants. Monthly loan payments average $212, though only 18% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The graduation rates reveal both promise and challenge. While 71% of students complete their degrees within four years, the retention rate sits at just 64%. Nearly all students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community rooted in local culture. The employment rate reaches 89%, suggesting the school effectively connects graduates to regional job markets despite modest earning potential.
The financial picture tells a complex story. Students pay an average net price of $17,803 annually, with tuition set at $16,000 regardless of residency status. However, graduates earn a median of just $29,648 ten years after graduation. The school's predominantly low-income student body relies heavily on federal aid, with 79% receiving Pell Grants. Monthly loan payments average $212, though only 18% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The graduation rates reveal both promise and challenge. While 71% of students complete their degrees within four years, the retention rate sits at just 64%. Nearly all students come from Texas, creating a tight-knit community rooted in local culture. The employment rate reaches 89%, suggesting the school effectively connects graduates to regional job markets despite modest earning potential.
Academics & Faculty
Southwest University at El Paso operates as a private for-profit institution serving a predominantly Hispanic student body, with 86.02% of students identifying as Hispanic. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio suggests moderately sized classes, though the 63.82% retention rate indicates some students struggle to persist through their programs. The school achieves a 70.90% four-year graduation rate, which is relatively strong for a for-profit institution. However, graduates face significant financial challenges, with median earnings of just $29,648 ten years after graduation and a concerning 18.44% loan repayment rate. The institution primarily serves local students, with 91.32% coming from Texas, and focuses on career-oriented programs rather than traditional liberal arts education.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.7%
- Retention Rate
- 63.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $29,648
- Carnegie Classification
- Associate College (High Career)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,041 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $25,826 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $24,615 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $21,312 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $21,234 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $18,999 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $18,047 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $17,246 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $16,580 |
Campus Life
This private university serves 1,817 students in downtown El Paso, right on the border with Mexico. The campus sits in the heart of a city of 680,000 people, with the Franklin Mountains creating a dramatic desert backdrop. You'll need plenty of sunscreen here - El Paso averages over 300 sunny days per year with summer temperatures regularly hitting triple digits.
The student body is 86% Hispanic, reflecting the border community's culture. With 66% women and a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be discussion-heavy and collaborative. Most of the 91% in-state students commute from around El Paso, creating a different social active than traditional residential campuses. Weekend activities often spill into Juárez across the border or the outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby mountains. The quarter system keeps academic pace quick, with 79% of students receiving financial aid to manage the $16,000 tuition. The low loan repayment rate of 18% suggests many graduates struggle financially after earning median salaries around $29,648 ten years out.
The student body is 86% Hispanic, reflecting the border community's culture. With 66% women and a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend to be discussion-heavy and collaborative. Most of the 91% in-state students commute from around El Paso, creating a different social active than traditional residential campuses. Weekend activities often spill into Juárez across the border or the outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby mountains. The quarter system keeps academic pace quick, with 79% of students receiving financial aid to manage the $16,000 tuition. The low loan repayment rate of 18% suggests many graduates struggle financially after earning median salaries around $29,648 ten years out.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–57°F
- July Avg
- 70°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 20.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- -770.8"
Student Demographics
Southwest University at El Paso primarily serves the local Hispanic community, with over four-fifths of students identifying as Latino. The student body draws heavily from Texas, reflecting the institution's deep roots in the border region. Women outnumber men, typical for career-focused programs in healthcare and business that appeal to first-generation college students. Nearly all students qualify for Pell Grants, indicating the university fulfills its mission of providing accessible higher education to working-class families. The demographics mirror El Paso's population, making this a true community institution.
- Men
- 33.9%
- Women
- 66.2%
- White
- 5.9%
- Black
- 6.1%
- Hispanic
- 86.0%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 91.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 79.1%
Location
Southwest University at El Paso sits in Texas's sixth-largest city, right on the Mexican border across from Ciudad Juárez. The campus serves a metropolitan area of over 680,000 people in the Chihuahuan Desert. El Paso lies 550 miles from Dallas and 350 miles from San Antonio, making it one of the most isolated major cities in Texas. The region combines desert landscapes with mountain views from the Franklin Mountains. The border location creates a unique bicultural environment where 86.02% of students are Hispanic. El Paso's economy centers on international trade, military installations like Fort Bliss, and manufacturing. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Southwest University at El Paso with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- El Paso, Texas 79925
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $29,648
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $30,605
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $23,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 18.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $212/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements like at Southwest University at El Paso?
Southwest University at El Paso maintains a selective admissions process as a private institution serving 1,817 students. The school attracts primarily Hispanic students, who make up 86% of the student body, reflecting its mission to serve the diverse El Paso community.
How much does Southwest University at El Paso cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,803 annually, with 79% receiving financial aid. The school offers institutional grants averaging $5,946 to nearly half of students, helping offset the $16,000 tuition rate.
What is the academic experience like at Southwest University at El Paso?
Classes operate on a quarter system with a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to professors. The retention rate of 64% suggests some students struggle with the academic demands or find better fits elsewhere.
What kind of career outcomes do Southwest University at El Paso graduates achieve?
Graduates earn a median salary of $29,648 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 89%. However, the loan repayment rate of just 18% indicates many alumni struggle with their $20,000 median debt burden.
Where is Southwest University at El Paso located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in El Paso, a large border city offering urban opportunities and cultural diversity. With 66% women and 34% men, the student body skews heavily female across the small community of under 2,000 students.
Is Southwest University at El Paso worth the investment for career training?
The 71% four-year graduation rate outpaces many institutions, showing students can complete degrees efficiently. However, graduates face monthly loan payments of $212 while earning starting salaries around $27,000, creating potential financial strain early in their careers.
