About University of the Southwest
The University of the Southwest, private, non-denominational liberal arts university, is located in Hobbs, New Mexico. Originally founded in 1956 as Hobbs Baptist College, a 2-year junior college, the name of the institution changed to New Mexico Baptist College in 1958, when it became a four-year college. The institution became known as the College of the Southwest in 1962, and in 2008 became the University of the Southwest. The University of the Southwest is a Christ-centered institution that teaches the belief of God, Jesus Christ, and the Bible, and faculty and staff with Christ centered values instruct students to live, work and learn together while valuing each others cultures and beliefs. The university is dedicated to preparing its students for a lifetime in faith-based leadership and service.
The University of the Southwest offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Online courses are available to students requiring a more flexible schedule, as well as online career training programs that lead to professional certificates. These online programs are in the fields of arts and sciences, education, and business administration.
Accreditation & Licensing
University of the Southwest is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 356 ; Graduate: 997Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 17% ; Graduate: 100%Graduation Rate:
17%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$45,389Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$21,303Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
93%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$11,278Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by University of the Southwest
All Programs
Business
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Healthcare
Psychology & Human Services
Filters
University of the Southwest uses 8-week terms, so the pace stays fast. That timeline can help working adults finish sooner with a clear plan.
Students describe course requirements as accessible and easy to understand. Clear weekly expectations can save time and keep progress steady toward finish.
Tuition is listed at $16,670 per year, with some doctoral courses at $800 per credit. A school-provided laptop may lower upfront costs for some students.
At University of the Southwest, day-to-day support is a real plus. Staff are often easy to reach for class help and internship guidance. Professors are also available online, so students can get help when they need it.
In many courses, directions are clear and easy to follow. That helps students keep moving without confusion. Response times can vary by class, and quick replies matter in short terms.
With 8-week courses, timing is important. Fast feedback helps students stay on track and finish work on time. When communication is prompt, support feels strong, practical, and useful.
USW runs a fully online format. It fits full-time workers well. Classes use 8-week terms. The pace is quick but clear.
Textbooks are embedded into courses. The online management system is integrated and easy to follow. Instructors are often responsive and invested. That helps with weekly flow and deadlines.
Course quality can vary by instructor presence. Clear communication makes the online schedule feel smoother. Strong structure makes remote study easier to manage.
At University of the Southwest, classes are practical and tied to real jobs. Many students can use what they learn right away, including in special education work. Terms move fast, and classes usually follow a clear structure.
Some courses are lively and keep students involved. The program also expects strong self-direction and steady effort each week. Teaching quality can vary by class. In some courses, there is a strong focus on APA style and word count, with less group work.
Feedback timing is not always consistent, which can affect momentum. Still, when instructors are active and supportive, students can make solid progress.
University of the Southwest fits many busy adult learners. The online graduate format is fully remote. Courses run in 8-week blocks. Textbooks are embedded in classes.
That setup helps students keep pace while working. Support can be a strong point here. Staff are often available and helpful. Many professors are reachable online.
But course execution is uneven. Some classes have slow feedback. One report cites month-long assignment response delays. Communication quality can vary by instructor.
Teaching is practical in stronger classes. Some coursework applies right away at work. Other classes feel more self-directed and format-heavy. Overall, USW is a workable online option. It performs best when instructor presence is strong.
University of the Southwest fits many busy adult learners. The online graduate format is fully remote. Courses run in 8-week blocks. Textbooks are embedded in classes.
That setup helps students keep pace while working. Support can be a strong point here. Staff are often available and helpful. Many professors are reachable online.
But course execution is uneven. Some classes have slow feedback. One report cites month-long assignment response delays. Communication quality can vary by instructor.
Teaching is practical in stronger classes. Some coursework applies right away at work. Other classes feel more self-directed and format-heavy. Overall, USW is a workable online option. It performs best when instructor presence is strong.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of the Southwest
Is University of the Southwest accredited?
Yes. University of the Southwest is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does University of the Southwest offer?
University of the Southwest offers 34 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of the Southwest offer?
University of the Southwest offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at University of the Southwest?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of the Southwest expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of the Southwest falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of the Southwest?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask University of the Southwest first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most University of the Southwest programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Is University of the Southwest military friendly?
University of the Southwest shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from University of the Southwest through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for University of the Southwest applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Essay/Writing Sample. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of the Southwest accept life experience credit?
University of the Southwest accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are University of the Southwest programs fully online or mixed?
University of the Southwest programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does University of the Southwest offer?
University of the Southwest has online program options in areas such as Business, Education, Healthcare, and Criminal Justice, Safety & Law; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of the Southwest?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any University of the Southwest programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at University of the Southwest?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of the Southwest, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of the Southwest programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a University of the Southwest program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
University of the Southwest is featured in 26 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
University of the Southwest is located in New Mexico
New Mexico at a Glance:
Top Majors in New Mexico:
Top Incentives in New Mexico:
- New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship: Full tuition coverage
Top Career Pathways in New Mexico:
- Entry Level: Field Engineer ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Project Manager ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Operations Director ($140,000+)
- Required Education: BS Engineering
- Certifications: PE, PMP