Oakwood University vs. USW

Comparable Facts

Compare Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL with University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oakwood University is larger than USW based on total student enrollment (1,226 students vs. 1,130 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oakwood University is located in Huntsville, AL (Midsize City setting); University of the Southwest is in Hobbs, NM (Rural Fringe setting).
• Oakwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the Southwest is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oakwood University 14:1; University of the Southwest 21:1.

Oakwood University vs. USW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oakwood University or USW? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of the Southwest than Oakwood University ($17,243 vs. $26,730).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Southwest are 13.7% lower than at Oakwood University ($8,100 vs. $9,384).
• Oakwood University is 35% more expensive for in-state tuition than USW (about $5,842 more per year; $22,512.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35% higher at Oakwood University than at University of the Southwest (about $5,842 more per year; $22,512.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Oakwood University as at University of the Southwest (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oakwood University students is 28% larger than aid received by University of the Southwest students ($13,356 vs. $10,436).

Oakwood University vs. USW Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oakwood University or USW? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USW and Oakwood University.

• University of the Southwest reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oakwood University - Test-free; USW - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Oakwood University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (2.99) than students at USW (2.63).

Oakwood University vs. USW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oakwood University and USW? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Oakwood University's six-year graduation rate (35%) is higher than University of the Southwest's (18%).
• Graduates from University of the Southwest earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than Oakwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of the Southwest graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Oakwood University graduates ($23,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, USW graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Oakwood University graduates ($242 vs. $320).
• More USW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Oakwood University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 27%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.