USW vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM with Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lenoir Rhyne University is larger than USW based on total student enrollment (2,256 students vs. 1,130 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of the Southwest is located in Hobbs, NM (Rural Fringe setting); Lenoir Rhyne University is in Hickory, NC (Small City setting).
• University of the Southwest is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of the Southwest 21:1; Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1.

USW vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USW or Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($17,243 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Southwest are 39.6% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($8,100 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 91.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than USW (about $15,230 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 91.4% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at University of the Southwest (about $15,230 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at University of the Southwest (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 124.9% larger than aid received by University of the Southwest students ($23,467 vs. $10,436).

USW vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USW or Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University and USW.

• University of the Southwest reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USW - Open admission; Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Lenoir-Rhyne University students have a 0.78 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at USW (2.63).

USW vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USW and Lenoir-Rhyne 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).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than University of the Southwest's (18%).
• Graduates from University of the Southwest earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of the Southwest graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, USW graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USW students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 47%)

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.