USW vs. Wayland Baptist University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of the Southwest in Hobbs, NM with Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayland Baptist University is larger than USW based on total student enrollment (2,809 students vs. 1,130 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of the Southwest is located in Hobbs, NM (Rural Fringe setting); Wayland Baptist University is in Plainview, TX (Remote Town setting).
• University of the Southwest is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayland Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of the Southwest 21:1; Wayland Baptist University 10:1.

USW vs. Wayland Baptist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USW or Wayland Baptist 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 Wayland Baptist University ($17,243 vs. $20,446).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Southwest are 16.1% lower than at Wayland Baptist University ($8,100 vs. $9,654).
• Wayland Baptist University is 42.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than USW (about $7,112 more per year; $23,782.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.7% higher at Wayland Baptist University than at University of the Southwest (about $7,112 more per year; $23,782.00 vs. $16,670.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Southwest than at Wayland Baptist University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wayland Baptist University students is 51.4% larger than aid received by University of the Southwest students ($15,801 vs. $10,436).

USW vs. Wayland Baptist University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USW or Wayland Baptist 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 Wayland Baptist University and USW.

• University of the Southwest reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWayland Baptist University 900/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWayland Baptist University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USW - Open admission; Wayland Baptist University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wayland Baptist University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wayland Baptist University students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.14) than students at USW (2.63).

USW vs. Wayland Baptist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USW and Wayland Baptist 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).

• Wayland Baptist University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than University of the Southwest's (18%).
• Graduates from University of the Southwest earn a median of about $900 more per year than Wayland Baptist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayland Baptist University graduates have a $3,625 lower median loan debt than USW graduates ($19,875 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Wayland Baptist University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USW graduates ($205 vs. $242).
• More USW graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wayland Baptist University students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.