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University of the Southwest

Hobbs, NM·Private nonprofit·346 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access and students from lower-income families. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here; freshman retention is below 65%. 55% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

N/A
Accept
346
Students
$16,927
Net Price
17%
Grad Rate
$41,000
Earnings
10 yr
$21,303
Debt

About This School

University of the Southwest is a private nonprofit institution located in Hobbs, New Mexico with approximately 346 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $16,927 per year. The graduation rate is 17%, and the typical graduate earns $41,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of the Southwest is a private Christian university in Hobbs, New Mexico, United States. It was incorporated as College of the Southwest in 1962, although the college had existed for several years prior as a two-year Baptist educational institution.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 27% graduation rate and 53% freshman retention rate suggest many students struggle to finish, which is a serious red flag worth investigating before enrolling. On the positive side, debt at graduation is relatively low at $14,000, and the small enrollment of 337 undergrads means a more personal experience — but that only matters if you make it to graduation day. Worth considering only if you've spoken directly with advisors about support systems and have a clear plan for staying on track.

Founded
1962
Setting
Remote town
Avg Faculty Salary
$3,737

Popular Programs

Education19%
Business & Marketing15%
Psychology7%
Biological Sciences4%
Health Professions3%
Communications1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$16,670
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,670
Avg Net Price
$16,927
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$15,384
$30–48k$14,090
$48–75k$15,943
$75–110k$20,077
$110k+$21,985

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants55%
Median debt at graduation$21,303

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
17%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
55%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,303
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$40,100
Female graduates$28,900

Gap: 28% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,303
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White16%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino65%
Asian1%
Two or more races1%
American Indian/Alaska Native1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (346 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of the Southwest

6610 North Lovington Hwy

Hobbs, NM 88240

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New Mexico

Browse all New Mexico schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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