USW vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM with Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Union University is larger than USW based on total student enrollment (1,646 students vs. 1,130 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of the Southwest is located in Hobbs, NM (Rural Fringe setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• University of the Southwest is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of the Southwest 21:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

USW vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USW or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University than USW ($11,483 vs. $17,243).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Southwest are 26.5% lower than at Virginia Union University ($8,100 vs. $11,016).
• Virginia Union University is 4.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than USW (about $780 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at Virginia Union University than at University of the Southwest (about $780 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Southwest than at Virginia Union University (99% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Union University students is 67.9% larger than aid received by University of the Southwest students ($17,524 vs. $10,436).

USW vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USW or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University and USW.

• University of the Southwest reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsVirginia Union University 850/885.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USW - Open admission; Virginia Union University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Virginia Union University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (2.71) than students at USW (2.63).

USW vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USW and Virginia Union 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).

• Virginia Union University's six-year graduation rate (29%) is higher than University of the Southwest's (18%).
• Graduates from University of the Southwest earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Virginia Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of the Southwest graduates have a $10,250 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($23,500 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, USW graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($242 vs. $348).
• More USW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 19%)

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.