Paine College vs. USW

Comparable Facts

Compare Paine College in Augusta, GA with University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of the Southwest is larger than Paine College based on total student enrollment (1,130 students vs. 390 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Paine College is located in Augusta, GA (Midsize City setting); University of the Southwest is in Hobbs, NM (Rural Fringe setting).
• Paine College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the Southwest is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Paine College 11:1; University of the Southwest 21:1.

Paine College vs. USW Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Paine College 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 Paine College than USW ($15,935 vs. $17,243).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Paine College are 7.3% lower than at University of the Southwest ($7,512 vs. $8,100).
• University of the Southwest is 14.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Paine College (about $2,074 more per year; $16,670.00 vs. $14,596.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.2% higher at USW than at Paine College (about $2,074 more per year; $16,670.00 vs. $14,596.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Paine College than at University of the Southwest (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Paine College students is 16.4% larger than aid received by University of the Southwest students ($12,145 vs. $10,436).

Paine College vs. USW Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Paine College 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 Paine College.

• University of the Southwest reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Paine College 776/976.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Paine College 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Paine College - Test-free; USW - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Paine College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Paine College students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (2.81) than students at USW (2.63).

Paine College vs. USW Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Paine College 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).

• Paine College's six-year graduation rate (27%) is higher than University of the Southwest's (18%).
• Graduates from University of the Southwest earn a median of about $17,300 more per year than Paine College graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $28,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of the Southwest graduates have a $12,250 lower median loan debt than Paine College graduates ($23,500 vs. $35,750).
• Among borrowers, USW graduates have an estimated $127 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Paine College graduates ($242 vs. $369).
• More USW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Paine College students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 15%)

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.