University of the Southwest: $16,670 Tuition

$16,670Tuition

337Students

27%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,389Earnings

#24 in New MexicoPrivate nonprofit4-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About University of the Southwest

The University of the Southwest serves 337 students in the oil country of southeastern New Mexico. This private Christian university has built its identity around serving a predominantly Hispanic student population in one of the state's most remote regions. Nearly 63% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the school's mission to provide higher education access in an underserved area. The Mustangs compete in NAIA athletics across 11 sports, with 297 total athletes making up the majority of the student body.

Students face an average net price of $19,969, which varies based on family income. Low-income students pay around $17,598 after aid, while wealthier families pay over $23,000. Graduates earn a median of $45,389 ten years after graduation, creating a challenging financial equation for many. With median debt of $21,303 and monthly loan payments of $226, the return on investment requires careful consideration. Only 45% of borrowers successfully repay their loans.

The university struggles with retention and completion. Just 53% of students return for their second year, and only 27% graduate within six years. These outcomes reflect the challenges facing a small institution serving first-generation college students in a remote location. Despite employment rates reaching 97%, the low graduation rates signal significant academic and financial hurdles for many students.

Academics & Faculty

The University of the Southwest operates as a small Christian university focused on personalized education and practical career preparation. With just 337 students and a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain intimate and professors know students by name. The school emphasizes business, education, and ministry programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment in the Southwest region. However, the 26.7% six-year graduation rate reflects significant academic challenges, often stemming from the financial pressures many students face. The 53% retention rate suggests that while some students thrive in the close-knit environment, others struggle to persist through their degree programs despite the individual attention available.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 26.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 26.7%
Retention Rate: 53.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,389
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Master	$47,650
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Master	$47,260

View all 56 programs →

Campus Life

This small Christian university sits in southeastern New Mexico's oil country, about 110 miles from Lubbock. With only 337 students total, you'll know most faces on campus within your first semester. Just 70% of students can live in the limited on-campus housing for 236 residents, creating a tight-knit residential community where upperclassmen often move off-campus.

The high desert climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and layers for chilly winter mornings that warm to comfortable afternoons. Nearly 300 students participate in the school's 11 NAIA sports programs, making athletics central to campus life. With 62.61% Hispanic enrollment, the student body reflects the region's cultural heritage. Weekend options in remote Hobbs center around campus activities, sports events, and trips to nearby Carlsbad Caverns. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles. Chapel services and Christian fellowship activities anchor the weekly rhythm at this faith-based institution where small size creates family-like bonds but limited social variety.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 236 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1962

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–56°F
July Avg: 64°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 36.2"
Annual Snowfall: -771.6"

Student Demographics

The student body reflects the school's role as a regional Christian institution serving New Mexico's diverse population. Hispanic students make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, mirroring the local demographics of southeastern New Mexico. About 43% come from in-state, showing the university draws heavily from its immediate region while also attracting students from across state lines. The Pell Grant rate of 56% indicates the school prioritizes access for first-generation and lower-income students. This small Christian university has become a pathway for underserved populations seeking faith-based higher education in an underresourced area.

Men: 50.7%
Women: 49.3%
White: 20.2%
Black: 8.3%
Hispanic: 62.6%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 42.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 55.7%

Location

Hobbs sits in the oil-rich Permian Basin of southeastern New Mexico, about 110 miles southwest of Lubbock, Texas. The town of roughly 40,000 people centers around energy production, with oil derricks dotting the desert landscape. With 88% of students living off-campus due to limited housing capacity of just 236 beds, many find apartments in this working-class community where the median household income hovers around $60,000. The high desert setting offers wide-open spaces and stunning sunsets, but few traditional college town amenities. The nearest major city, Albuquerque, lies 280 miles northwest. Students considering colleges in New Mexico may also compare University of the Southwest with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hobbs, New Mexico 88240

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,389
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,411
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 45.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $226/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,303

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission at University of the Southwest?

University of the Southwest maintains a 53.16% retention rate, indicating that just over half of students return for their second year. This Christian university in rural New Mexico serves a predominantly Hispanic student body, with 62.61% of the 337 students identifying as Hispanic.

What does University of the Southwest cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,969 annually, despite tuition being set at $16,670. About 55.73% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve students from lower-income backgrounds in southeastern New Mexico.

What is the academic experience like at University of the Southwest?

Classes average 21 students per faculty member, providing relatively personal attention at this small institution. The university operates on a semester system and has built its reputation around Christian education and serving the diverse population of the Permian Basin region.

How successful are University of the Southwest graduates financially?

Alumni earn a median salary of $45,389 ten years after graduation, with a 96.7% employment rate. However, only 26.70% of students graduate within six years, reflecting challenges common among institutions serving first-generation college students.

What is campus life like at University of the Southwest?

The campus houses 236 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere in the remote town of Hobbs. With room and board costing $8,000 annually, students experience affordable campus living while being part of the university's strong athletic culture.

How prominent are athletics at University of the Southwest?

Nearly all enrolled students participate in varsity athletics, with 297 athletes among the 337 total students competing in 11 NAIA sports. The Mustangs benefit from $1,876,038 in athletic scholarships, making this one of the most athletically-focused small universities in the country.