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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.

USW AT A GLANCE Founded in 1962 Undergraduate Programs 32 Graduate Programs 40 Online Graduate Program 100% Athletic Teams 11 Student Organizations 8 Receive Financial Aid 80% Student Faculty Ratio 19:1 Executive Cabinet Dr. Ryan Tipton President, Chief Executive Officer Steve Appel Vice President of Campus Facilities & Athletics, Head Baseball Coach Amanda Guzman-Appel Vice President of Campus Life & Student Affairs Dr. Brianna Lopez Vice President of Instruction & Academic Affairs, Chief Academic Officer Veronica Torrez Vice President of Human Resources Jennifer Burrola Vice President of Financial Services, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Joshua Ford Vice President of Information Technology, Information Security Officer Board of T rustees Lee Roberson Class of 2027 Chair: Board of Trustees Finance, Audit, & Development Committee Hobbs, NM David Shaw Class of 2028 Vice Chair: Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Committee Lovington, NM Mark Roddenberry Class of 2029 Secretary: Board of Trustees Finance, Audit, & Development Committee Hobbs, NM Bobby Shaw Class of 2029 Trustee-At-Large Institutional Resources Committee Hobbs, NM Brian Snider Class of 2026 Academic Affairs Committee Jal, NM Brittany Flemming Class of 2029 Finance, Audit, & Development Committee Hobbs, NM Cliff Brunson Class of 2028 Finance, Audit, & Development Committee Hobbs, NM Connie Sevier Class of 2029 Student Affairs & Campus Life Committee Lovington, NM Danielle Hernandez Class of 2030 Chair: Enrollment Management & Retention Committee Hobbs, NM Dr. George Klein Class of 2030 Chair: Academic Affairs Committee Hobbs, NM Heather Evans Class of 2027 Enrollment Management & Retention Committee Hobbs, NM Justin Bromley Class of 2030 Finance, Audit, & Development Committee Lovington, NM Laura Ponce Class of 2026 Enrollment Management & Retention Committee Hobbs, NM LeAnne Gandy Class of 2028 Academic Affairs Committee Lovington, NM Liz White Class of 2027 Chair: Student Affairs & Campus Life Committee Lovington, NM Michael Newell Class of 2028 Institutional Resources Committee Hobbs, NM Pam Quiñones Class of 2030 Academic Affairs Committee Lovington, NM Richard Sanchez Class of 2027 Chair: Institutional Resources Committee Hobbs, NM Russell Cowan Class of 2030 Student Affairs & Campus Life Committee Hobbs, NM Steven Cox Class of 2029 Seminole, TX

Grant Details Back Previous Next New Mexico Student Incentive Grant New Mexico Student Incentive Grant The New Mexico Student Incentive Grant (NMSIG) is a need-based grant for eligible New Mexico resident undergraduate students with substantial financial need. Funding is limited, and meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award. Purpose of the Program NMSIG helps eligible New Mexico residents meet the cost of attending an approved postsecondary institution in New Mexico. The program is intended for undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need. Eligibility Requirements To be considered for NMSIG at USW, a student generally must: Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; Meet New Mexico residency requirements; Have earned a high school diploma or recognized high school equivalency credential; Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate student; Be enrolled at least half-time; Not have earned a bachelor’s degree; Demonstrate substantial financial need; Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and any additional application requirements established by USW; Maintain satisfactory academic progress; and Meet all other applicable state and institutional eligibility requirements. Award Amount NMSIG awards currently range from $200 to $2,500 per academic year. The actual amount awarded is determined by USW and may depend on: The student’s demonstrated financial need; The student’s cost of attendance; Other financial assistance received; Enrollment and period of attendance; USW’s awarding policies; and The availability of state and institutional funds. An award cannot exceed the student’s remaining financial need or applicable program limits. How to Apply Students must complete the FAFSA for the applicable award year and submit any additional information requested by the USW Financial Aid Office. The FAFSA does not include a separate option for students to indicate interest in NMSIG. USW uses FAFSA information and applicable state and institutional requirements to determine eligibility. Students should complete the FAFSA and all outstanding financial aid requirements by USW’s applicable priority deadlines. Submitting a FAFSA does not guarantee an NMSIG award. Renewal NMSIG is awarded for one academic year at a time and is not automatically renewed. A student must reapply for financial aid each year and continue to meet all eligibility requirements. An award may be renewed annually until the student earns a bachelor’s degree, subject to continued eligibility, satisfactory academic progress, enrollment of at least half-time, and the availability of funds. Receiving NMSIG during one year does not guarantee an award in a subsequent year. Disbursement and Enrollment Changes NMSIG funds are disbursed through USW and applied to the student’s eligible educational costs in accordance with state and institutional requirements. A student who withdraws, drops below half-time enrollment, becomes ineligible, or receives a change in other financial assistance may have the award adjusted or canceled. The student may be required to repay a portion of previously disbursed funds when applicable. New Mexico Residency Students must establish and maintain New Mexico residency under applicable state requirements. Being physically present in New Mexico does not, by itself, necessarily establish eligibility for resident financial aid. Additional information is available on the New Mexico Higher Education Department Student Incentive Grant webpage . Additional grant information and USW financial aid policies are available in the academic catalog . Additional details for this grant, as well as all financial aid policies, can be found in the academic catalog .

Grant Details Back Previous Next Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a campus-based federal grant program for eligible undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. FSEOG funds are limited, and completing the FAFSA does not guarantee that a student will receive an award. Need-Based Aid and Awarding Priority FSEOG is awarded based on financial need. Federal regulations require institutions to give first priority to eligible students with the lowest Student Aid Indexes (SAIs) who will also receive Federal Pell Grants during the award year. If funds remain after eligible Pell Grant recipients have been considered, USW may award FSEOG to other eligible undergraduate students with the lowest SAIs. Limited Funding The U.S. Department of Education allocates a limited amount of FSEOG funding to participating institutions each award year. Once USW’s available funds have been awarded, additional eligible students may not receive FSEOG. Students should complete the FAFSA and all requested financial aid requirements by USW’s applicable priority deadlines. Receiving FSEOG in one year does not guarantee an award in a future year. Grant Amounts FSEOG awards generally range from $100 to $4,000 for a full academic year. The actual amount awarded by USW depends on: The student’s financial need; The student’s SAI and Pell Grant eligibility; The student’s cost of attendance; The amount of other financial assistance received; The student’s enrollment and period of attendance; USW’s awarding policies; and The availability of FSEOG funds. The $100 minimum may be prorated when a student attends for less than a full academic year. Federal rules may allow an award of up to $4,400 for an eligible student participating in an approved study-abroad program. Eligibility Requirements To be considered for FSEOG, a student generally must: Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate student in an eligible degree or certificate program; Not have previously earned a bachelor’s or first professional degree; Demonstrate financial need; Complete the FAFSA for the applicable award year; Meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid; Maintain satisfactory academic progress; and Satisfy any additional institutional requirements. Application Process No separate federal FSEOG application is required. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each award year. FAFSA information is used to calculate the student’s SAI and determine financial need. USW then selects recipients in accordance with federal priority requirements, institutional awarding procedures, and available funding. Submitting a FAFSA does not guarantee an FSEOG award. Institutional Awarding and Disbursement The U.S. Department of Education allocates FSEOG funds to participating institutions. USW determines individual student awards and disburses funds to eligible students according to federal requirements and institutional policies. FSEOG is generally divided among the student’s applicable payment periods. Changes in eligibility, enrollment, attendance, financial need, or other financial assistance may affect the amount awarded or disbursed. Renewal FSEOG is not automatically renewed. Students must submit a new FAFSA each award year and continue to meet all federal and institutional eligibility requirements. Because funding is limited, receiving FSEOG during one award year does not guarantee that the student will receive it in a subsequent year. Repayment FSEOG is a grant rather than a loan and generally does not have to be repaid. However, a student may be required to repay all or part of an award in certain circumstances, including withdrawal, a change in eligibility, an overaward, or receipt of funds for which the student was not eligible. Additional information about FSEOG is available through Federal Student Aid . Additional grant information and USW financial aid policies are available in the academic catalog . Additional details for this grant, as well as all financial aid policies, can be found in the academic catalog .