At $19,969/yr net price, University of the Southwest graduates earn $45,389/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,389/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,969 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,876 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,389/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,389/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,303 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,598/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,554/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,163/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,814/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,279/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $47,650 | $41,000 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $47,260 | $71,750 |
The Risk Factor
26.7% of students at University of the Southwest graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
University of the Southwest gives you a weak financial return. Ten-year median earnings of $45,389 barely clear what your $21,303 in median debt and roughly $20,000 a year in net price demand. The bigger problem is that only about a quarter of students graduate, and just over half come back for a second year. Pay for a degree you don't finish and you get the debt without the earnings, which is the core risk here.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there's no data to point you toward a major that pays off or one that doesn't. That absence matters: you're choosing this school without proof that any specific program at USW produces strong salaries in the Hobbs region or anywhere else.
The net price tiers cut against the usual pattern. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about $17,600 a year, while families over $110k pay roughly $23,300. That's a smaller gap than most schools, meaning lower-income families here don't get the steep discount you'd expect, and you'll still borrow to cover the difference. Grants trim the sticker price, but not to a level that makes a non-degree gamble safe.
This school works for you if you're already committed to finishing and have a clear post-graduation plan, ideally tied to work you can start locally in southeastern New Mexico or west Texas. If you're unsure whether you'll stay past freshman year, the retention and graduation numbers say the odds are against you, and paying $20,000 a year to find out is a poor bet. Compare the net price against a public in-state option before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of the Southwest worth the cost for most students?
University of the Southwest has concerning ROI metrics with a 27% graduation rate and median earnings of $45,389 ten years after enrollment. The $19,969 annual net price may not justify these outcomes for most students compared to other options.
What are the best paying programs at University of the Southwest?
Student counseling programs and mental health services offer the strongest earnings potential at around $47,000-$47,650 annually. These programs slightly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings average of $45,389.
How much debt do University of the Southwest graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $21,303, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does University of the Southwest have a good graduation rate?
No, University of the Southwest has a 27% graduation rate, meaning nearly three-quarters of students don't finish their degree. This significantly increases the risk of taking on debt without the earning benefits of a completed degree.