USW vs. Claflin University

Comparable Facts

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

Claflin University is larger than USW based on total student enrollment (1,852 students vs. 1,130 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of the Southwest is located in Hobbs, NM (Rural Fringe setting); Claflin University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• University of the Southwest is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of the Southwest 21:1; Claflin University 13:1.

USW vs. Claflin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USW or Claflin University? 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 Claflin University ($17,243 vs. $17,272).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Southwest are 14.6% lower than at Claflin University ($8,100 vs. $9,480).
• Claflin University is 9.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than USW (about $1,612 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.7% higher at Claflin University than at University of the Southwest (about $1,612 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Southwest than at Claflin University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Claflin University students is 59% larger than aid received by University of the Southwest students ($16,596 vs. $10,436).

USW vs. Claflin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USW or Claflin University? 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 Claflin University and USW.

• University of the Southwest reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsClaflin University 840/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsClaflin University 16/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USW - Open admission; Claflin University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Claflin University students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at USW (2.63).

USW vs. Claflin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USW and Claflin University? 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).

• Claflin University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than University of the Southwest's (18%).
• Graduates from University of the Southwest earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of the Southwest graduates have a $8,684 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($23,500 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, USW graduates have an estimated $90 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($242 vs. $332).
• More USW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 25%)

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.