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Private nonprofit, 4-year

University of the Southwest

Hobbs, New Mexico · www.usw.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

45.4%

2020

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$16,670

$24,770 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

346

Student-faculty ratio 21:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

21.3%

4-year; 6-year rate 26.6%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Southwest University, located in Chongqing, China, is renowned for its comprehensive educational offerings and vibrant campus culture. Established in 2005 through the merger of several institutions, it has rapidly developed into a key player in higher education in the region. The university's motto, "Integrity, Diligence, and Innovation," reflects its commitment to fostering ethical values, hard work, and creativity among its students. The institution boasts a diverse range of programs across various disciplines, including agriculture, engineering, and social sciences, making it a versatile choice for aspiring scholars.

The campus is not only equipped with modern facilities but is also surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes, providing a conducive environment for learning and personal growth. Southwest University emphasizes a holistic education approach, integrating both academic and extracurricular activities. Students can engage in various sports, cultural events, and community service, which enrich their university experience. Additionally, the university is committed to research and innovation, contributing significantly to local and national development. With a strong focus on employability, many graduates have successfully entered the workforce, gaining recognition in their respective fields. The supportive faculty and vibrant student life further enhance the educational experience, making Southwest University a distinguished institution in China's higher education landscape.

Analysis of Key Metrics at the University of the Southwest

The University of the Southwest, a private institution, presents a compelling case for analysis, particularly in the areas of tuition costs, student retention, graduation rates, and student-to-faculty ratios. Over the years, there has been a noticeable increase in tuition fees, especially for undergraduate students. For instance, from 2014 to 2023, the in-state undergraduate tuition rose from $14,280 to $17,200, which is a significant increase of approximately 20%. This upward trend in tuition could raise concerns among prospective students and their families, particularly given the financial burdens associated with higher education.

In terms of student retention, the university has shown a remarkable improvement from a retention rate of 40% in 2014 to 82.76% in 2023. This increase is indicative of the institution’s efforts to enhance student satisfaction and support services, which are crucial for maintaining enrollment and fostering academic success. Higher retention rates often correlate with better academic outcomes and can enhance the university's reputation.

However, graduation rates paint a more mixed picture. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates was notably low in earlier years but saw an uptick to approximately 23.4% in 2022. While this improvement is encouraging, it still indicates that a significant portion of students may not be completing their degrees on time, which could impact future enrollment decisions and institutional funding.

Finally, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, with figures indicating a ratio of 19 students for every faculty member by 2023. While this is a reasonable number, it is essential for the university to ensure that this ratio supports effective teaching and personalized attention for students.

In summary, while the University of the Southwest has made strides in improving student retention and has seen a gradual increase in graduation rates, the rising tuition costs and the challenges in timely graduation present areas for further development. Addressing these issues will be essential for sustaining growth and ensuring the long-term success of its students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Remote town
Nearest major city
El Paso, about 200 mi
Nearest international airport
El Paso International Airport (ELP), about 200 mi
Hobbs, New Mexico
Also known as
USW
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Ryan Tipton (President)
Phone
5753926561
City
Hobbs, New Mexico
Address
6610 North Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, NM 88240

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2020

Men
55.0%
Women
37.1%

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at University of the Southwest

The admission data from the University of the Southwest reveals significant fluctuations in both acceptance rates and enrollment numbers over the years. In 2009, the university had a remarkably high acceptance rate for males at approximately 85.2%, while the rate for females was around 72.9%. This indicates a welcoming environment for male applicants in that year. However, the following years saw a dramatic decline in acceptance rates, especially noted in 2010, where male acceptance dropped to about 49.5% and female acceptance to roughly 34.9%. This could suggest a strategic shift in admission policies, possibly responding to an increased number of applications or a desire to enhance the institution's selectivity.
Moreover, the enrollment numbers have also varied, peaking at 122 students in 2010, but later dropping considerably. By 2018, the total enrollment was 108 students, with a noticeable increase in rejection rates. The university appears to be becoming more selective, as seen in the declining acceptance rates alongside the increased number of applicants denied admission.
The data also indicates a trend towards deferrals, which could reflect external factors influencing students' decisions to postpone their college education, such as economic conditions or changes in societal norms regarding education. Overall, the trends at the University of the Southwest highlight a dynamic admission landscape, influenced by both internal policies and external circumstances, warranting attention from prospective students and stakeholders alike.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 5 in 10

282 applicants in 2020, 45.4% admitted

128 admitted 154 not admitted Yield 69.5%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's792 international (2.5%)
Master's2100 international (0.0%)
Doctoral130 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
General Studies
15
Business Administration and Management, General
11
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
9
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
8
Psychology, General
8
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
6
Secondary Education and Teaching
4
Special Education and Teaching, General
3
Elementary Education and Teaching
3
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
3

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Mental Health Counseling/Counselor · Master's46 (0% international)
  • Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services · Master's45 (0% international)
  • Biology/Biological Sciences, General · Master's18 (0% international)
  • Curriculum and Instruction · Master's17 (0% international)
  • Exercise Science and Kinesiology · Master's14 (0% international)
  • Educational Assessment, Testing, and Measurement · Master's11 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from University of the Southwest

The graduation data from the University of the Southwest in 2023 reveals notable trends in various academic disciplines. A significant observation is the absence of undergraduate degrees awarded across multiple fields, particularly in education and business. This trend highlights a potential shift in student interest or institutional focus, especially given that education traditionally sees substantial enrollment numbers.

Moreover, while there are no bachelor degrees reported, Master's programs in Counselor Education and Curriculum and Instruction show strong completion rates, with 39 and 29 graduates, respectively. This indicates a sustained demand for advanced education in these areas, which could be responding to the increasing need for qualified professionals in the educational and counseling sectors, especially post-pandemic, as schools and communities prioritize mental health and educational quality.

In the realm of international students, the data shows no graduates at the bachelor level, suggesting potential barriers for international enrollment in undergraduate programs or a greater inclination towards graduate studies among this demographic. With 11 doctorate degrees awarded in Business Administration, it reflects an increasing trend towards specialization and higher qualifications in business-related fields, which is essential in a competitive job market.

Interestingly, programs like Mental Health Counseling and Exercise Science also contribute to the diversity of graduate output, indicating a broadening academic portfolio aimed at addressing current societal needs. Overall, this data provides insight into the evolving educational landscape at the University of the Southwest, mirroring wider trends in higher education where advanced degrees are becoming increasingly valuable.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Educationhas 103 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Curriculum and Instruction.$56,741
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.-
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration.-
Educational Assessment, Testing, and Measurement.$59,705
Special Education and Teaching, General.-
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.$58,902
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Secondary Education and Teaching.-
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Health professionshas 59 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.-
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies, Other.-
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor.$57,416
Businesshas 40 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Project Management.-
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.-
Accounting.-
Finance, General.-
Human Resources Management and Services, Other.-
International Business/Trade/Commerce.-
Business Statistics.-
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.-
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.$32,600-$52,487
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.$32,600-$52,487
Biologyhas 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$50,659
Psychology has 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.-
Educational Psychology.-
Performance and Sport Psychology.-
Liberal arts has 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
General Studies.-
Philosophy has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Religion/Religious Studies.-
Homeland security has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Corrections.-

Students

1,130 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 53:47 · Freshman retention 55.1%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (346)

Hispanic
224 · 64.7%
White
56 · 16.2%
Unknown
28 · 8.1%
Black
27 · 7.8%
Two or more races
5 · 1.4%
Asian
3 · 0.9%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
0.6%
18–19
38.7%
20–21
31.5%
22–24
17.3%
25 and over
11.8%

Graduate students

Under 22
0.8%
22–24
12.2%
25–29
20.5%
30–34
14.4%
35 and over
52.0%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at University of the Southwest in 2023

The demographic composition of students at the University of the Southwest in 2023 reflects notable trends in gender representation and diversity among different student categories. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 27, with a significant male representation of 70.4%, while female students account for 29.6%. This suggests a strong inclination towards male enrollment in this group, which may indicate a need for initiatives to attract more female students.

For undergraduate continuing students, there are 201 enrolled, comprising 62.7% males and 37.3% females. This trend of higher male enrollment continues, although the gap is slightly reduced compared to freshmen. In contrast, the undergraduate transfer students show a reverse trend, with 44.7% males and 55.3% females, highlighting a shift in gender balance that may reflect broader societal changes as more women pursue higher education.

Graduate students represent the largest group at 697, with a striking 28% male to 72% female ratio. This significant female majority in graduate studies is indicative of changing dynamics in higher education, where women are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees, potentially in response to evolving job market demands and educational opportunities.

The data also highlights the racial and ethnic diversity among the student population. Notably, the breakdown of various racial subgroups is crucial for understanding the university's commitment to inclusivity. The presence of various demographics, including white, Asian, Latinx, and others, reflects a growing awareness and acknowledgment of diversity in educational institutions.

In summary, the demographics at the University of the Southwest reveal interesting patterns in gender representation across different student categories, with an overall trend towards greater female enrollment in graduate programs. This data can guide future recruitment strategies and support services to foster a more balanced and inclusive educational environment.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at University of the Southwest

The age composition of students at the University of the Southwest reveals intriguing trends regarding the demographics of its undergraduate and graduate population. Notably, the largest group of undergraduate males is found in the 18-19 age bracket, representing approximately 30% of the total male student body. Conversely, the 22-24 age group stands out for graduate males, indicating a significant presence of older students pursuing advanced degrees.

Interestingly, the data shows a diverse female student population, particularly in the 25-29 and 40-49 age groups, where there are 89 and 102 female students, respectively. This may reflect a growing trend of women returning to education later in life, a movement that has been gaining momentum across various institutions. The overall gender balance within each age category also highlights a notable disparity, especially in the younger age brackets, where male students outnumber female students.

The presence of older students, particularly those aged 30 and above, suggests that the university caters to non-traditional students seeking further education or career advancement. This aligns with broader educational trends where more individuals are pursuing higher education later in life, driven by the evolving job market and the need for lifelong learning.

As the university continues to attract a diverse age range of students, it may benefit from developing programs tailored to these varying demographics, thereby enhancing the educational experience for all students.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 3.5%2019: 6.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.6%2019: 0.7%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at the University of the Southwest

The data on international student enrollment at the University of the Southwest reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in undergraduate programs. Starting with a modest 2.30% of the total undergraduate population in 2004, the percentage of international students rose dramatically in subsequent years, reaching a peak of 7.52% in 2008. This surge can be attributed to the growing globalization of education and the increasing appeal of American universities among international students.

However, the trend does not seem to be consistently upward. By 2015, the percentage dropped significantly to 0.55%, which raises concerns about the university's competitiveness in attracting international talent. Notably, there was also a lack of data for several years, indicating possible inconsistencies in reporting or changes in enrollment policies.

In the graduate programs, the international student population has remained relatively low, with the highest percentage recorded at 1.80%. This is striking when compared to the more robust representation found in undergraduate programs. The low enrollment might reflect broader trends in graduate education, where international students often prefer larger, well-established institutions that can offer more specialized programs.

Overall, while the University of the Southwest has seen some success in attracting international students, particularly at the undergraduate level, the variability and overall low percentages in graduate programs indicate potential areas for improvement. As universities worldwide continue to navigate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting immigration policies, it will be crucial for the University of the Southwest to strategically enhance its international recruitment efforts to ensure a diverse and vibrant campus community.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$24,770

Undergraduate tuition
$16,670
Room and board
$8,100
Graduate tuition
$11,682
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 14% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 14%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$17.9M

Tuition and fees
$10.9M60.7%
Investment return
$3.8M21.4%
Gifts and private grants
$1.7M9.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.3M7.2%
Government grants and contracts
$133K0.7%
Other
$96K0.5%

Expenses$13.4M

Institutional support
$4.9M36.8%
Instruction
$3.6M26.6%
Student services
$2.5M18.4%
Academic support
$1.2M9.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.2M9.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$33,629peers $68,006
Professor
$43,275peers $78,041
Associate professor
$34,688peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$30,275peers $63,827

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Red River Athletic Conference

Red River Athletic Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NAIA Division I MENWOMEN
Soccer4529
Baseball68-
Basketball3521
Softball-28
Golf1311
Volleyball-15
Cross Country93
2024
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Baseball73-
Soccer3932
Basketball4821
Softball-32
Volleyball-20
Golf126
Cross Country135
2023
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Baseball74-
Basketball3423
Soccer3121
Softball-28
Volleyball-16
Golf35
Cross Country44

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools around the University of the Southwest:

  1. Texas Tech University - Ranked 216 in the 2024 US News rankings, Texas Tech is a comprehensive university known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and law.

  2. University of New Mexico-Main Campus - With a rank of 236, this comprehensive university offers a diverse range of programs and is recognized for its research initiatives.

  3. Texas Christian University - Ranked 98, TCU is a comprehensive university known for its excellent liberal arts education and strong emphasis on community service.

  4. Trinity University - A highly regarded liberal arts college, Trinity is ranked 59 and is known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  5. Baylor University - With a rank of 93, Baylor is a comprehensive university with a strong commitment to academic excellence and Christian values.

These institutions provide a range of academic options and are well-regarded in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
8
Burglary
1
Drug referrals
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime and Disciplinary Rates at University of the Southwest

The data from the University of the Southwest reveals a fluctuating trend in crime and disciplinary incidents over the recorded years. Notably, from 2013 to 2014, there were no reported incidents, indicating a period of relative safety on campus. However, in 2015, the rate began to rise, peaking in 2018 with a rate of 10.14 incidents per 1,000 students. This spike may correlate with broader societal trends, as universities across the nation have experienced increases in crime rates, particularly related to substance abuses and violent behavior.

The subsequent years show a decline in incidents, with rates dropping to 0.75 in both 2022 and 2023. This decrease suggests that the university may have implemented effective measures to enhance campus safety and manage student behavior, possibly through increased awareness programs or stricter enforcement of policies.

Particularly concerning are the arrests related to gun possession, drugs, and alcohol, which are critical issues affecting many campuses nationwide. The fluctuation in these figures reflects not only institutional responses but also the prevailing societal attitudes toward these issues.

While the overall trend indicates improvements in maintaining a safer campus environment, ongoing vigilance and support measures are essential to ensure these rates do not rise again. As colleges and universities continue to navigate the complexities of student life, understanding and addressing the root causes of these incidents will be crucial for fostering a safe and conducive educational environment.

For more information on calculating crime rates, you can visit: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.