USW vs. Benedict College

Comparable Facts

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

Benedict College is larger than USW based on total student enrollment (1,691 students vs. 1,130 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of the Southwest is located in Hobbs, NM (Rural Fringe setting); Benedict College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• University of the Southwest is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of the Southwest 21:1; Benedict College 13:1.

USW vs. Benedict College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USW or Benedict College? 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 Benedict College ($17,243 vs. $18,665).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 11.8% lower than at University of the Southwest ($7,146 vs. $8,100).
• Benedict College is 4.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than USW (about $770 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.6% higher at Benedict College than at University of the Southwest (about $770 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Southwest than at Benedict College (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedict College students is 27.8% larger than aid received by University of the Southwest students ($13,335 vs. $10,436).

USW vs. Benedict College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USW or Benedict College? 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 Benedict College and USW.

• Both colleges report an open admissions policy; selectivity can still vary by program or major.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBenedict College 820/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBenedict College 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USW - Open admission; Benedict College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.

USW vs. Benedict College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USW and Benedict College? 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).

• Benedict College's six-year graduation rate (26%) is higher than University of the Southwest's (18%).
• Graduates from University of the Southwest earn a median of about $20,700 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of the Southwest graduates have a $19,398 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($23,500 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, USW graduates have an estimated $201 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($242 vs. $443).
• More USW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 13%)

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.