For the second year in a row and the eighth time since 2009, the University of the Southwest has officially captured the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) GPA Award. Click this link to read the official Red River Athletic Conference announcement and see the full leaderboards.

-- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- HOBBS, N.M. — University of the Southwest is proud to announce that its on-campus residence halls have reached 100% occupancy for the Fall 2026 semester, marking the highest residential housing utilization since before the COVID-19 pandemic and signaling continued momentum in the University's enrollment growth and vibrant campus community. With more than 300 students expected to be on campus this fall, over three-quarters of those students will call University of the Southwest home, creating one of the most active and engaged residential communities in recent history. Demand for campus housing has been so strong that the University has established a waiting list for students seeking on-campus accommodations. "This milestone reflects the incredible momentum we're experiencing at USW," said Dr. Ryan Tipton, President of University of the Southwest. "A full residential campus creates an unmatched collegiate experience where students build meaningful relationships, engage in campus life, and develop both spiritually and academically. We are excited to welcome our largest residential community since before the pandemic." The return to full occupancy underscores the University's commitment to providing an exceptional student experience through quality academic programs, a supportive campus environment, and opportunities for leadership, service, and spiritual growth. A thriving residential campus fosters stronger student engagement, increased collaboration, and a dynamic atmosphere that enhances learning both inside and outside the classroom. "This achievement is about more than filling residence halls," Tipton added. "It reflects the confidence that students and families have in the transformational experience at the University of the Southwest. We look forward to an exciting academic year filled with new opportunities, meaningful connections, and a campus energized by a full community of Mustangs." As the University prepares to welcome students in August, faculty and staff are finalizing plans for an engaging Orientation Week, expanded student activities, and programs designed to help new and returning students thrive throughout the academic year. University leaders continue to evaluate future housing opportunities to accommodate growing student demand while maintaining the high-quality residential experience that has become a hallmark of campus life.

Higher education research platform recognizes top master’s programs across disciplines Hobbs, NM – OnlineMasters.com, an independent higher education research platform specializing in online graduate education, has recognized multiple programs at University of the Southwest in its 2026 rankings. The university earned top distinctions across several online master’s disciplines, reinforcing its leadership in academic quality, affordability, and career-focused education. OnlineMasters.com uses a rigorous, data-driven methodology to evaluate accredited online master’s programs nationwide. Each program is assessed using a proprietary scoring model that measures performance across four core factors: academic quality, graduation outcomes, cost and return on investment, and student support resources. Programs receive an Online Master’s Score ranging from 0 to 100 based on their overall performance. The evaluation process incorporates trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, NCES College Navigator, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, College Board, publicly available institutional disclosures, and aggregated performance indicators from recognized ranking organizations such as U.S. News & World Report. All data undergo multiple rounds of internal review to ensure accuracy, consistency, and objectivity. In today’s rapidly evolving workforce shaped by artificial intelligence and technological innovation, graduate education has become an increasingly important differentiator. Online master’s programs that demonstrate strong academic rigor, competitive tuition structures, measurable career pathways, and robust support for online learners stand out in the rankings. University of the Southwest has been recognized for the following 2026 awards: Best Online Master's in Counseling Programs | Ranked 18 https://www.onlinemasters.com/best-degree-programs/counseling/ Best Online Master's in Online Teaching Degree Programs | Ranked 20 https://www.onlinemasters.com/best-degree-programs/education/online-teaching/ Best Online Master's in School Counseling Degree Programs | Ranked 50 https://www.onlinemasters.com/best-degree-programs/counseling/school-counseling/ This recognition underscores University of the Southwest’s commitment to delivering high-quality online graduate education designed to meet the demands of modern industries and support long-term student success. “Being recognized by OnlineMasters.com affirms our commitment to academic excellence and student outcomes,” said Dr. Ryan Tipton, university President. “We are proud that our online master’s programs continue to provide students with the knowledge, flexibility, and career preparation needed to succeed in a competitive and rapidly changing workforce.” ⸻ ABOUT ONLINEMASTERS.COM OnlineMasters.com is an independent higher education research platform dedicated to evaluating accredited online master’s programs across the United States. Led by a team of data analysts and higher education researchers, the organization operates independently to ensure objectivity and methodological integrity. Using verified federal education data, aggregated third-party rankings including U.S. News & World Report, and labor market research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, OnlineMasters.com produces transparent, research-driven rankings that evaluate academic quality, affordability, return on investment, and student support. The platform’s mission is to provide clear, unbiased insights that empower prospective graduate students to make confident, informed decisions about advanced education. To learn more, visit https://www.onlinemasters.com.

Federal Loans Back Previous Next Direct PLUS Loans 1. Purpose and Elgibility: Direct PLUS Loans, also known as Parent PLUS Loans and Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans, are federal loans offered through the U.S. Department of Education. These loans are designed to provide financial assistance to: Parents of dependent undergraduate students (Parent PLUS Loans) Beginning July 1, 2026, parent borrowers may be subject to new annual and aggregate borrowing limits unless their student qualifies for the federal limited exception . Graduate/professional students who meet the federal “limited exception” criteria (Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans) Beginning July 1, 2026, Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans are discontinued for most students . Only students who meet the limited exception may continue borrowing PLUS Loans. To qualify, the student must: Have been enrolled in their graduate/professional program on or before June 30, 2026 , Have borrowed a Direct Loan for that same program before July 1, 2026 , and Remain continuously enrolled in the same program at the same school. PLUS Loans are credit-based, and eligibility depends on the borrower's creditworthiness. Borrowers must not have an adverse credit history to qualify. If they do, they may still be eligible with an endorser (co-signer) or by demonstrating extenuating circumstances. Important: Major federal changes to PLUS Loans take effect July 1, 2026 . These changes affect eligibility, borrowing limits, and the availability of Graduate PLUS Loans. See the section “10. Changes Effective July 1, 2026” below. 2. Interest Rates: Direct PLUS Loans have fixed interest rates that are determined by Congress and can vary from year to year. These rates are generally higher than those for other federal student loans, such as Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. Borrowers can check the Federal Student Aid website or contact their loan servicer for the most up-to-date interest rate information. 3. Borrowing Limits: Beginning July 1, 2026, PLUS Loan borrowing limits change significantly: Parent PLUS Borrowers If the student qualifies for the limited exception → Parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other aid . If the student does not qualify → Parents may borrow up to $20,000 per year with a $65,000 aggregate limit . Graduate/Professional Borrowers Graduate PLUS Loans are discontinued except for limited-exception borrowers. Most graduate/professional students will rely on Direct Unsubsidized Loans with new limits: Graduate students: $20,500/year , $100,000 aggregate Graduate students previously in professional programs: $20,500/year , $200,000 aggregate Professional students: $50,000/year , $200,000 aggregate Lifetime maximum: $257,500 4. Credit Check: To apply for a Direct PLUS Loan, the borrower must undergo a credit check. The credit check assesses the borrower's credit history to determine eligibility. Adverse credit history includes issues like bankruptcies, unpaid collections, and defaults on loans. If a borrower has an adverse credit history , they must complete PLUS Counseling within 30 days of the credit decision to remain eligible. 5. Repayment Options: Direct PLUS Loan borrowers have several repayment options available: Standard Repayment: Fixed monthly payments over a ten-year term. Graduated Repayment: Payments start lower and increase over time. Extended Repayment: Fixed or graduated payments over an extended term (up to 25 years). Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plans: Payments are based on your income and family size, making them more manageable if your income is lower or unpredictable. Click here for more information about IDR plans. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): If you work in a qualifying public service or nonprofit job and make 120 qualifying payments, your remaining loan balance may be forgiven. Borrowers may review repayment options using the Loan Simulator . You can also learn more about repayment options here . 6. Loan Fees: Direct PLUS Loans may have loan fees, which are deducted from each disbursement. These fees are typically higher than those associated with other federal loans. 7. Application Process: To apply for a Direct PLUS Loan, borrowers must complete the PLUS Loan Application and undergo a credit check. Graduate/professional students applying for Direct PLUS Loans must have submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Parents applying for Parent PLUS Loans for dependent undergraduate students must also ensure the student has submitted the FAFSA. The PLUS application allows borrowers to: Request deferment while the student is enrolled Authorize the school to use loan funds for charges other than tuition/fees Request a specific loan amount or allow the school to determine the amount Update or reduce the loan amount after approval Schools may have additional requirements or internal processes. Graduate PLUS applications will only be available to limited-exception borrowers beginning July 1, 2026. 8. Master Promissory Note (MPN): Once approved for a Direct PLUS Loan, borrowers must sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN), a legal document outlining the terms and conditions of the loan. 9. Responsibilities of Borrowers: Direct PLUS Loan borrowers are responsible for: Repaying the loan, including interest. Informing the loan servicer of any changes in contact information. Complying with the terms and conditions of the loan. Meeting any loan forgiveness or discharge criteria for which they may qualify. 10. Changes Effective July 1, 2026 Beginning July 1, 2026, the following federal changes to PLUS Loans take effect under the FAFSA Simplification Act and related regulations: Key Changes Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans are eliminated for most students. Parent PLUS Loans now have new annual and aggregate limits unless the student qualifies for the limited exception . Graduate/professional students will rely primarily on Direct Unsubsidized Loans with new borrowing limits. Borrowers with adverse credit must complete PLUS Counseling . Schools may apply additional institutional borrowing limits.

Biography Back Previous Next Dr. Brianna Lopez Vice President of Instruction & Academic Affairs, Chief Academic Officer Born and raised in Midland, TX, Brianna Lopez embarked on her academic journey in Hobbs, NM, joining the University of the Southwest (USW) in 2013 as an undergraduate student-athlete. Her dedication and commitment to her studies at USW led her to attain a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, followed by two Master of Business Administration degrees in Marketing and Strategic Management, and lastly, in 2021, earning a Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Strategy and Innovation. Professionally, Brianna began her journey with USW in 2017. Over the years, she has taken on multiple roles and responsibilities within the College of Business Administration. Presently she serves as Chief Academic Officer and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Biography Back Previous Next Joshua Ford Vice President of Information Technology, Information Security Officer Joshua Ford has worked in the IT space since 1999, beginning with work as a repair tech in the Houston area for home and office systems, and continued working in the Lea County area after moving there in 2001 as a freelance technician serving both businesses and individuals in the area until being hired in 2007 by the then College of the Southwest as a network technician. Within a year, Joshua had taken over administration for everything on campus, from Servers and network infrastructure to user devices. As staffing in the IT department changed over time, he eventually transitioned to a dedicated infrastructure admin, server admin, database admin, Exchange/ADDS admin, and systems integration, while others took on roles handling user-facing devices. Eventually, he transitioned to the Director role in the late 2010s and took on the additional role as ISO in 2023-24 to build and maintain the university’s information security program. Since that time, Joshua has taken on the role of VP of IT and ISO in late 2025 and continues to work with the IT staff to further the University’s technology programs to meet increasing regulatory requirements and better serve students, staff, and faculty.