At $17,803/yr net price, Southwest University at El Paso graduates earn $29,648/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,803 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,212 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,648/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,352/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,720/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,091/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,909/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,041 | $41,654 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $25,826 | $20,000 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $24,615 | $47,083 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $21,312 | $48,996 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $21,234 | $20,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $18,999 | $19,998 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $18,047 | $24,750 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $17,246 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $16,580 | $17,367 |
The Risk Factor
65.7% of students at Southwest University at El Paso graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Southwest University at El Paso delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $29,648 ten years after graduation despite $17,803 in annual costs. This for-profit institution's financial picture is troubling across nearly all programs.
Allied Health programs offer the only pathway to decent earnings at $48,041 annually, though you'll graduate with $41,654 in debt. Vehicle Maintenance provides more reasonable debt levels at $20,000 but pays just $25,826. Business programs create a financial disaster with $47,083 in debt leading to only $24,615 in earnings. Public Health graduates face an even worse scenario with nearly $49,000 in debt for $21,312 in annual income.
The school's 65% graduation rate means one-third of students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. The 64% retention rate signals students frequently transfer or drop out after freshman year, suggesting widespread dissatisfaction.
This school makes financial sense only if you're pursuing Allied Health and have exhausted other options. The local El Paso job market cannot support the debt loads most programs create. You'll find better value at El Paso Community College for career training or University of Texas at El Paso for four-year degrees.
With 79% of students receiving aid, the school relies heavily on federal student loans. Avoid programs outside Allied Health entirely. If you must attend, choose Vehicle Maintenance or Health Administrative Services to minimize debt exposure, but recognize even these programs offer limited earning potential relative to cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southwest University at El Paso worth the cost?
With graduates earning just $29,648 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $17,803 annually, Southwest University at El Paso shows poor return on investment for most students. Only the Allied Health programs offer decent earning potential at $48,041.
What are the best paying programs at Southwest University at El Paso?
Allied Health Diagnostic programs lead with $48,041 in median earnings, while Vehicle Maintenance pays $25,826. Most other programs, including Business and Public Health, produce graduates earning around $21,000-24,000.
How much debt do Southwest University at El Paso graduates have?
The median debt is $20,000, which creates financial stress when most graduates earn under $30,000 annually. Only students in Allied Health programs can reasonably manage this debt load.
What is the graduation rate at Southwest University at El Paso?
About 66% of students graduate, meaning one in three students leave without a degree while potentially carrying debt. This adds significant risk to an already challenging financial picture for most programs.