Christian college
University of the Southwest
Hobbs, NM · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Other Protestant
Real cost
Average price after aid $16,927 a year
Median debt at graduation: $21,303 (all students)
Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator
University of the Southwest is a private, four-year Christian university in Hobbs, New Mexico, founded in 1962. Its official pages describe a Christ-centered mission, a weekly Wednesday chapel in the Scarborough Memorial Activity Center, and a Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter that meets weekly for Bible study. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies for students who want careers in Christian ministry. The academic catalog is behind a login.
Faith life at a glance
Questions students ask
What's a normal week?
Worship is held in the Scarborough Memorial Activity Center from 11 to 11:30 a.m. each Wednesday when school is in session.
Source: usw.eduWhere do I find community?
Students meet weekly for spiritual growth through Bible study and discussion.
Source: usw.eduCan I serve or go on mission trips?
The demonstration of faith in acts of service is encouraged.
Source: usw.eduAcademic Excellence
Each measure counts for the share shown.
- Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.17%
- First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.55%
- Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
- Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.21 to 1
- Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$4,066
Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.
Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))
Faith scorecard
Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.
Partly researched
We have checked some of this college’s faith and campus life facts against its own official pages. There is not yet enough verified to grade them, so the findings below are what we could confirm. Anything not listed has not been confirmed yet.
- Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizations: A few (The campus ministry page describes one Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter that meets weekly for Bible study.)
- Chapel services during the week: Once a week (One weekly chapel, Wednesdays 11:00 to 11:30 AM when school is in session.)
- Chapel attendance expected of students: Encouraged or partly required (Students, faculty, staff and guests are all welcome; attendance is encouraged.)
- A chapel or worship space on campus: Yes (Campus chapel service is held in the Scarborough Memorial Activity Center on published days and hours.)
- Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer: 1 or 2 times a week (1 weekly time documented: 1 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)
- Bible, theology or ministry major offered: Yes (A Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies is offered, designed for careers in Christian ministry.)
- A published statement of faith: Yes (The mission statement sets out the university's belief in God, the Bible and Jesus Christ.)
- Service explicitly rooted in the Christian mission: Yes (The mission statement says the demonstration of faith in acts of service is encouraged, within a Christ-centered mission.)
Worship and chapel
Not enough information · 4 of 7 found
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (One weekly chapel, Wednesdays 11:00 to 11:30 AM when school is in session.)
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“is held in the Scarborough Memorial Activity Center (SMAC) from 11:00AM - 11:30AM each Wednesday when school is in session.”
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Chapel attendance expected of studentsEncouraged or partly required (Students, faculty, staff and guests are all welcome; attendance is encouraged.)
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Students, faculty, staff, and guests from the community are all welcome.”
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.A chapel or worship space on campusYes (Campus chapel service is held in the Scarborough Memorial Activity Center on published days and hours.)
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“is held in the Scarborough Memorial Activity Center (SMAC) from 11:00AM - 11:30AM each Wednesday when school is in session.”
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (1 weekly time documented: 1 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
Bible and theology
Not enough information · 2 of 6 found
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (A Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies is offered, designed for careers in Christian ministry.)
Sources (1)
- Christian Studies | USWusw.edu/undergraduate-programs/christian-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Studies program is designed for students wishing to pursue careers in Christian ministry.”
- Christian Studies | USWusw.edu/undergraduate-programs/christian-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.A published statement of faithYes (The mission statement sets out the university's belief in God, the Bible and Jesus Christ.)
Sources (1)
- Mission | USWusw.edu/about/mission · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Teaching at University of the Southwest adheres to belief in God, in the Bible as the inspired Word of God”
- Mission | USWusw.edu/about/mission · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Christian community
Not enough information · 1 of 7 found
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few (The campus ministry page describes one Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter that meets weekly for Bible study.)
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“meet weekly for spiritual growth through Bible study and discussion”
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Missions and service
Not enough information · 1 of 6 found
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Service or outreach officeNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Missions trips offered to studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.Cross-cultural or global ministry programsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
- Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes (The mission statement says the demonstration of faith in acts of service is encouraged, within a Christ-centered mission.)
Sources (1)
- Mission | USWusw.edu/about/mission · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“the demonstration of faith in acts of service is encouraged”
- Mission | USWusw.edu/about/mission · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Strengths
- Weekly Wednesday worship is published, and the chapel is open to students, staff and guests.
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“is held in the Scarborough Memorial Activity Center (SMAC) from 11:00AM - 11:30AM each Wednesday when school is in session.”
“Students, faculty, staff, and guests from the community are all welcome.”
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- A Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies is offered, designed for careers in Christian ministry.
Sources (1)
- Christian Studies | USWusw.edu/undergraduate-programs/christian-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Christian Studies program is designed for students wishing to pursue careers in Christian ministry.”
- Christian Studies | USWusw.edu/undergraduate-programs/christian-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
- The mission statement sets out the university's belief in God and the Bible, and encourages faith expressed through service.
Sources (1)
- Mission | USWusw.edu/about/mission · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Teaching at University of the Southwest adheres to belief in God, in the Bible as the inspired Word of God”
“the demonstration of faith in acts of service is encouraged”
- Mission | USWusw.edu/about/mission · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Concerns
- Official pages describe one weekly Bible study group (FCA).
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“meet weekly for spiritual growth through Bible study and discussion”
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.
Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.
Campus ministry home
Campus Ministry, University of the Southwest
- Address: 6610 N Lovington Highway, Hobbs, NM 88240
- Location: On campus
- Facilities: Scarborough Memorial Activity Center (SMAC), where weekly chapel is held
Source: usw.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, usw.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026
Campus ministry
Sources (1)
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“is held in the Scarborough Memorial Activity Center (SMAC) from 11:00AM - 11:30AM each Wednesday when school is in session.”
“6610 N Lovington Highway”
Christian clubs and student life
1 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 0 off campus
Clubs and groups 1
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapterOn campusWeeklyStudent-athletes and other students who meet weekly for Bible study, discussion and fellowship.
Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.
Chapel, worship and prayer
Confirm with the campus ministry
Chapel 1
- Wednesday11:00 AMScarborough Memorial Activity Center (SMAC) · Weekly chapel when school is in session; the 11:30 end time is published as well.
Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.
Sources for these times (1)
- Campus Ministry | USWusw.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“is held in the Scarborough Memorial Activity Center (SMAC) from 11:00AM - 11:30AM each Wednesday when school is in session.”
Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.
| Family income | Price after aid |
|---|---|
| Up to $30,000 | |
| $30,001–$48,000 | |
| $48,001–$75,000 | |
| $75,001–$110,000 | |
| Over $110,000 |
Full cost of attendance before aid: $28,210 a year.
Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.
Cost and value
Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.
| Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS) | 337 |
|---|---|
| Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023 | Men 53% · Women 47% |
| First-generation students College Scorecard | 47% |
| Total students | 1,034 |
| Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid | $16,927 |
| Cost of attendance (per year) | $28,210 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,303 |
| Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time | 17% |
| Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years | 30% |
| Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years | 45% |
| First-year retention | 55% |
| Median earnings 10 years after entry | $45,389 |
| Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24 | No application fee |
| Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026 | About $1,068 a month for a one-bedroom |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 55% |
Value index: 45 / 100 (how it’s computed)
Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.
Earnings by major
Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).
| Major | Median earnings |
|---|---|
| Teacher education | |
| Kinesiology and exercise science |
Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Biology, Business administration, Clinical and counseling psychology, Communication studies, Criminal justice, English, Finance, Health administration, History, Hospitality management, International business, Liberal arts, Marketing, Natural resources and conservation, Other business, management, marketing, and related support services, Pastoral counseling, Psychology, Religious studies, Social sciences, Special education.
What students study most
Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).
| Field | Share of degrees |
|---|---|
| Liberal arts and general studies | |
| Parks, recreation and fitness | |
| Business | |
| Education | |
| Criminal justice and security |
Campus facts
| School colors | |
|---|---|
| Setting | Town |
| Part-time undergraduates | 7% |
| Undergraduates aged 25 and older | 12% |
| On-campus room and board (per year) | $8,100 |
| Sports | NAIA · Red River Athletic Conference |
| Students per faculty member | 21 to 1 |
| Undergraduates registered with the disability office | About 4%IPEDS, 2023–24 |
| Disability services | Visit the office’s pageThe college’s own page |
| Faculty who are full-time | 100%College Scorecard, fall 2023 |
| Endowment per student | $17,987IPEDS, 2023, per student |
| Dorm space | For about 70% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus |
| Nearest airport with airline service | Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF)About 81 miles away · about 2 hours by car |
| Town population | 40,252Census, 2020–2024 |
| Nearest city of 250,000 people or more | LubbockAbout 93 miles away · about 2 hours 10 minutes by car |
| Typical weather | 42°F in January · 81°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Hobbs, NM, about 5 miles away |
Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.
Campus safety reports
On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.
| Category | This campus | U.S. rate |
|---|---|---|
| Rape | 0.00 | 0.07 |
| Robbery | 0.00 | 0.01 |
| Aggravated assault | 0.00 | 0.04 |
| Burglary | 0.00 | 0.08 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 0.00 | 0.15 |
Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.
Christian churches nearby
No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.
Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.
Questions families ask
- Is University of the Southwest a Christian college?
- Yes. University of the Southwest is a Christian college.
- Where is chapel held at University of the Southwest?
- Chapel is listed at Scarborough Memorial Activity Center (SMAC). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.
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About this school’s data
- IPEDS unit ID 188182
- Carnegie classification: Master's university (larger programs)
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
- Report an error or a newer source
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