USW vs. Warren Wilson

Comparable Facts

Compare University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM with Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of the Southwest is larger than Warren Wilson based on total student enrollment (1,130 students vs. 791 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of the Southwest is located in Hobbs, NM (Rural Fringe setting); Warren Wilson College is in Swannanoa, NC (Midsize Suburban setting).
• University of the Southwest is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Warren Wilson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of the Southwest 21:1; Warren Wilson College 12:1.

USW vs. Warren Wilson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USW or Warren Wilson? 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 Warren Wilson ($17,243 vs. $26,084).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Southwest are 37.9% lower than at Warren Wilson College ($8,100 vs. $13,050).
• Warren Wilson College is 149% more expensive for in-state tuition than USW (about $24,830 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 149% higher at Warren Wilson than at University of the Southwest (about $24,830 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Warren Wilson College than at University of the Southwest (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Warren Wilson College students is 196% larger than aid received by University of the Southwest students ($30,887 vs. $10,436).

USW vs. Warren Wilson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USW or Warren Wilson? 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 Warren Wilson and USW.

• University of the Southwest reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWarren Wilson College 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USW - Open admission; Warren Wilson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Warren Wilson Jul 3, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Warren Wilson students have a 0.97 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at USW (2.63).

USW vs. Warren Wilson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USW and Warren Wilson? 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).

• Warren Wilson College's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than University of the Southwest's (18%).
• Graduates from University of the Southwest earn a median of about $14,900 more per year than Warren Wilson graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $30,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Warren Wilson College graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than USW graduates ($23,000 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Warren Wilson graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USW graduates ($237 vs. $242).
• More Warren Wilson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USW students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.