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University of the Southwest vs Western New Mexico University

University of the Southwest is a private university in Hobbs, NM, and Western New Mexico University is a public university in Silver City, NM. University of the Southwest is the more selective of the two, admitting about 45% of applicants against 100% at Western New Mexico University. Western New Mexico University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $8,522 a year against $16,927 at University of the Southwest. About 34% of students graduate at Western New Mexico University, compared with 23% at University of the Southwest. Ten years after enrolling, University of the Southwest alumni earn a median of about $45,389, against $39,095 for Western New Mexico University.

University of the Southwest

Hobbs, NM · Private

Western New Mexico University

Silver City, NM · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Hobbs, NM
Silver City, NM
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
346
2,026
Acceptance rate
45%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
Test policy
Not reported
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,927
$8,522
Full cost / yr
$28,210
$21,562
In-state tuition
$16,670
$7,856
Out-of-state tuition
$16,670
$14,342
Application fee
Not reported
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,384
$8,381
$30k - $48k
$14,090
$8,336
$48k - $75k
$15,943
$12,493
$75k - $110k
$20,077
Not reported
Over $110k
$21,985
$13,210
Outcomes
Graduation rate
23%
34%
Freshman retention
55%
58%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,600
$31,166
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,389
$39,095
Median debt at graduation
$21,303
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
55%
43%
First-generation students
47%
48%
International students
0%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of the Southwest or Western New Mexico University harder to get into?
University of the Southwest is harder to get into. It admits about 45% of applicants, compared with 100% at Western New Mexico University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of the Southwest or Western New Mexico University?
Western New Mexico University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,522 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,927 at University of the Southwest. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of the Southwest and Western New Mexico University?
Before aid, Western New Mexico University costs about $21,562 a year and University of the Southwest about $28,210. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of the Southwest or Western New Mexico University?
Western New Mexico University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,381 there, against about $15,384 at University of the Southwest. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of the Southwest or Western New Mexico University?
Western New Mexico University is the larger of the two, with about 2,026 undergraduates against 346 at University of the Southwest.
Does University of the Southwest or Western New Mexico University have a better graduation rate?
Western New Mexico University has the higher graduation rate, at about 34% against 23% at University of the Southwest.
Do graduates of University of the Southwest or Western New Mexico University earn more?
University of the Southwest alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,389 ten years after enrolling, against about $39,095 for Western New Mexico University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school