Undergraduate FAQs
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers!
What majors does University of the Southwest offer?
See undergraduate majors/areas of emphasis here.
Does USW offer any 100% online undergraduate degrees?
Yes, USW offers a Bachelor of Business Administration 100% online.
What if I don’t know what I’d like to major in?
Explore our undergraduate majors/areas of emphasis here. Still not sure? Don’t fret. You may apply as General Studies or Undecided and an advisor will begin working closely with you in your first semester to discuss your interests and point you in the right direction.
Is it possible to change majors before enrollment?
Yes, please fill out the Request to Change Academic Information and communicate the change with your Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Student Support.
How and where do I apply?
Complete the online Undergraduate Admissions Application or if you are an international student, complete the International Undergraduate Admissions Application.
How much does it cost to apply?
All applications to USW may be submitted free of charge.
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
Allow 3 business days for your application to be processed. Upon receipt, you will be sent an acknowledgement via email by your Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Student Support. Next steps, additional information, further requests (if applicable) and initial admission decisions will be shared via email.
Who is my Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Student Support?
If your major falls under the College of Business Administration:
Amanda Guzman
If your major falls under College of Arts & Sciences or if you are undecided:
Hilda Enriquez
If your major falls under the College of Education:
Dacia Johnson
Contact us!
I just realized there is an error on my application. What do I do?
Contact admissions@usw.edu or your Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Student Support.
I previously attended USW. Do I need to reapply?
Students who have been absent one semester (Fall or Spring) or less, may return to USW through the appropriate academic dean and their academic advisor. A student who has attended USW previously, but who has not attended for one or more academic years or has previously officially withdrawn from USW, must reapply for admission and will be required to follow the current catalog and degree plans.
Where do I send my transcripts?
Documents can be sent via mail to:
University of the Southwest
Office of Admissions
6610 N Lovington Hwy, Suite T-20
Hobbs, NM 88240
Or electronically through the following e-transcript providers: Parchment, eScrip-Safe and National Student Clearinghouse.
Transcripts delivered in person must remain in the sealed envelope it was issued.
What makes a high school or college transcript final and official?
Final and official high school transcripts must indicate a graduation date, be signed by appropriate school representative and delivered in the sealed envelope it was issued or through an approved electronic transcript provider.
Final and official college transcripts must show no in-progress work, be signed by appropriate school representative and delivered in the sealed envelope it was issued or through an approved electronic transcript provider.
How do I send my transcripts?
Contact the registrar or front office at your previous or current institution to request transcripts.
How long will it take for my transcripts to get to USW?
Receipt of transcripts is heavily dependent on the sending party, when requests get processed and the method of delivery. Your admissions advisor will contact you upon receipt. If you have not been contacted within 2-3 weeks from the date it was originally requested, please let your Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Student Support know.
What are the admission requirements?
As a First-Time Freshman, complete the Undergraduate Admissions Application.
As a Transfer, you must have:
- Minimum 2.0 GPA (4.0 scale)
- Good academic standing at most recent institution
What if I don’t meet the standard admission requirements?
Transfer students who do not meet the standard undergraduate admissions requirements will be required to submit an appeal to be reconsidered for admission. Students required to appeal will be notified in the application process via email by the appropriate Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Student Support. Each appeal is assessed on an individual basis and may or may not change the initial decision.
When will I be notified of my admissions decision?
You will be notified of your admission decision via email upon receipt of all required admission documents.
Who is considered a transfer student?
If you have graduated high school and have attended or are currently attending another college or university, you are considered a transfer student.
Does USW accept transfer credits?
While efforts will be made to maximize the number of transfer credits, the University reserves the right to determine what constitutes an academic course. Remedial, developmental or intermediate coursework will not be accepted. Review your Academic Catalog for more detailed information regarding transfer credit.
How do I know if my previous college or university is regionally accredited?
University of the Southwest recognizes institutions that are regionally accredited by the following organizations:
HLC—Higher Learning Commission
MSA—Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools
NWCCU—Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities
NEASC-CIHE—New England Association of Schools & Colleges
SACS—Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
WASC-ACCJU Western Association of Schools & Colleges for Community & Junior Colleges
WASC-ACSCU-Western Association of Schools & Colleges for Senior Colleges & Universities
Does USW grant credit for AP and CLEP scores? What about college-level courses taken in high school?
Credit may be granted for AP scores of 3 or higher.
Credit may be granted for CLEP tests.
Credit may be granted for dual credit courses earned while attending high school.
Official scores and transcripts must be sent to USW in order to for credit to be reviewed/granted.
What is the maximum number of transfer credits USW will accept?
There is no limit on the number of credits that can transfer to USW. However, to receive a USW degree, students must complete at least 40 credit hours of upper-division courses and a minimum of 30 hours must be completed at USW as part of the requirements for the plan of study. Only credits that can be applied to current degree plan will be transferred.
When will I receive my credit evaluation to see which credits will transfer?
An official evaluation of your courses taken at other institutions is completed after you have been admitted to USW.
Is there a separate application for international students?
Yes, the International Undergraduate Admissions Application.
Are international students eligible for financial aid?
No, international students are not eligible for financial aid.
Where do I apply for financial aid?
https://fafsa.ed.gov/
How much does USW cost?
Review Tuition & Fee information.
How do I make a payment in Self-Service?
Review How to make a payment in Self-Service.
How do I apply for housing?
Submit the Housing Application.
I am interested in playing a sport at USW. How do I get in touch with a coach?
Fill out the Prospective Athlete Form.
Who do I contact with questions pertaining to my billing statement?
Contact the Business Office at 575-392-6562 or email Olivia Sisneros at osisneros@usw.edu or Julie Hillard at jhillard@usw.edu.
Who do I contact if I’d like to schedule a campus visit?
Schedule your campus visit today!
Or contact admissions@usw.edu.
I don’t see my question listed. Who can I contact?
Send general inquiries to admissions@usw.edu, contact your Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Student Support or Request More Info.