USW vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM with Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Midwestern State University is larger than USW based on total student enrollment (5,324 students vs. 1,130 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of the Southwest is located in Hobbs, NM (Rural Fringe setting); Midwestern State University is in Wichita Falls, TX (Midsize City setting).
• University of the Southwest is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Midwestern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of the Southwest 21:1; Midwestern State University 18:1.

USW vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USW or MSU? 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 Midwestern State University than USW ($11,215 vs. $17,243).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Southwest are 27.2% lower than at Midwestern State University ($8,100 vs. $11,124).
• University of the Southwest is 57.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $6,090 more per year; $16,670.00 vs. $10,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33% higher at USW than at Midwestern State University (about $4,140 more per year; $16,670.00 vs. $12,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Southwest than at Midwestern State University (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Midwestern State University students is 5.8% larger than aid received by University of the Southwest students ($11,037 vs. $10,436).

USW vs. MSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USW or MSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between MSU and USW.

• University of the Southwest reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresMidwestern State University 910/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresMidwestern State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USW - Open admission; MSU - Test-free.
• Enrolled freshman MSU students have a 0.57 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at USW (2.63).

USW vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USW and MSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Midwestern State University's six-year graduation rate (34%) is higher than University of the Southwest's (18%).
• Graduates from University of the Southwest earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than MSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Midwestern State University graduates have a $1,201 lower median loan debt than USW graduates ($22,299 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USW graduates ($230 vs. $242).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USW students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.