Private not-for-profit

Small

University of the Southwest SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT Range15 to 21

Average GPA2.63

Acceptance Rate100%

With a 100% acceptance rate, your main decision at USW is whether the school offers the support and value you need to finish. If you submit testing, aim for an ACT around 21 or higher, and use the 55% freshman retention rate to ask direct questions about advising, tutoring, and cost.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

University of the Southwest facts and stats

Quick Facts

University of the Southwest is a small institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 346 students in a small-town setting. USW has a freshman retention rate of 55%, reflecting the share of first-year students who return for their second year. Its 6-year graduation rate is 17%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1.

Location

Hobbs, NM

Undergrad Enrollment346

Freshman Retention55%

SettingSmall town

Student to Faculty Ratio21:1

Graduation Rate17%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at USW?

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Key University of the Southwest application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

—

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Coming soon

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional USW, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes to build a stronger superscore where accepted, and make your last fall retake the latest test whose scores will arrive before USW’s Regular Decision deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

USW is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $16,670, and 56% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $7,500.

Tuition and Fees$16,670

Room and Board$8,000

Average Merit Award$7,500

Application FeeN/A

Students on Aid56%

Average Aid Package$17,500

Average Debt at GradN/A

At University of the Southwest, the listed cost of attendance is about $24,670, including $16,670 in tuition and fees and $8,000 for room and board. About 56% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $17,500. USW also reports an average merit award of $7,500, which can help lower out-of-pocket costs for qualifying students.