Set in El Paso's sunlit Borderland, Southwest University's campus mixes a practical, career-first mindset with a close-knit feel. It's known for hands-on learning in broad areas like health, business, technology, and skilled trades. Students tap steady support, from tutoring and advising to a career center for resumes and interviews. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, and quiet study spots.
Student life is commuter-friendly and welcoming. You'll see working adults and first-gen students swapping notes, joining meetups, and pitching in on community projects. And when class wraps, the Franklin Mountains, food trucks, and a lively arts scene are close by. Career prep is baked into coursework, with ties to regional employers and the city's bilingual, cross-border economy that can open doors to internships and job leads.
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Southwest University, El Paso with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Texas. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Texas vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Health (15)
Most Graduates (79.6%)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0701
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to develop, plan, and manage health care operations and services within health care facilities and across health care systems. Includes instruction in planning, business management, financial management, public relations, human resources management, health care systems operation and management, health care resource allocation and policy making, health law and regulations, and applications to specific types of health care services.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
11-9111 |
Medical and Health Services Managers |
$137,730
|
$104,420
|
-$33,310 (-24.2%)
|
51.0706
Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to plan, design, and manage systems, processes, and facilities used to collect, store, secure, retrieve, analyze, and transmit medical records and other health information used by clinical professionals and health care organizations. Includes instruction in the principles and basic content of the biomedical and clinical sciences, information technology and applications, data and database management, clinical research methodologies, health information resources and systems, office management, legal requirements, and professional standards.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
11-9111 |
Medical and Health Services Managers |
$137,730
|
$104,420
|
-$33,310 (-24.2%)
|
29-2072 |
Medical Records Specialists |
$55,970
|
$42,630
|
-$13,340 (-23.8%)
|
29-9021 |
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars |
$73,410
|
$73,630
|
+$220 (+0.3%)
|
51.0713
Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to perform specialized data entry, classification, and record-keeping procedures related to medical diagnostic, treatment, billing, and insurance documentation. Includes instruction in medical records and insurance software applications, basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, fundamentals of medical science and treatment procedures, data classification and coding, data entry skills, and regulations relating to Medicare and insurance documentation.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
29-2072 |
Medical Records Specialists |
$55,970
|
$42,630
|
-$13,340 (-23.8%)
|
29-9021 |
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars |
$73,410
|
$73,630
|
+$220 (+0.3%)
|
51.0799
Health and Medical Administrative Services, Other.
(Cert2y+)
Any instructional program in health and medical administrative services not listed above.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
31-9099 |
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other |
$48,760
|
$49,210
|
+$450 (+0.9%)
|
51.0801
Medical/Clinical Assistant.
(Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to provide medical office administrative services and perform clinical duties including patient intake and care, routine diagnostic and recording procedures, pre-examination and examination assistance, and the administration of medications and first aid. Includes instruction in basic anatomy and physiology; medical terminology; medical law and ethics; patient psychology and communications; medical office procedures; and clinical diagnostic, examination, testing, and treatment procedures.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$116,630
|
-$21,270 (-15.4%)
|
31-9092 |
Medical Assistants |
$44,720
|
$35,850
|
-$8,870 (-19.8%)
|
51.0802
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Assistant.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians or laboratory scientists or technologists, to perform waived testing procedures (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988), phlebotomy, and other duties in support of laboratory teams. Includes instruction in clinical procedures, various laboratory tests, laboratory mathematics, computer technology, equipment operation and maintenance, sterilization and safety, communications skills, and interpersonal skills.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$116,630
|
-$21,270 (-15.4%)
|
29-2012 |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
51.0909
Surgical Technology/Technologist.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and surgical nurses, to maintain, monitor, and enforce the sterile field and adherence to aseptic technique by preoperative, surgical team, and postoperative personnel. Includes instruction in instrument and equipment sterilization and handling, surgical supplies management, wound exposure and closure, surgical computer and robot operation and monitoring, maintenance of hemostasis, and patient and team scrubbing.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$116,630
|
-$21,270 (-15.4%)
|
29-2055 |
Surgical Technologists |
$65,810
|
$60,940
|
-$4,870 (-7.4%)
|
29-9093 |
Surgical Assistants |
$67,190
|
$54,830
|
-$12,360 (-18.4%)
|
51.0910
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to utilize medical ultrasound techniques to gather sonographic data used to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases. Includes instruction in obtaining, reviewing, and integrating patient histories and data; patient instruction and care; anatomic, physiologic and pathologic data recording; sonographic data processing; sonography equipment operation; and professional standards and ethics.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$116,630
|
-$21,270 (-15.4%)
|
29-2032 |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers |
$92,550
|
$88,930
|
-$3,620 (-3.9%)
|
51.0911
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to provide medical imaging services to patients and attending health care professionals. Includes instruction in applied anatomy and physiology, patient positioning, radiographic technique, radiation biology, safety and emergency procedures, equipment operation and maintenance, quality assurance, patient education, and medical imaging/radiologic services management.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$116,630
|
-$21,270 (-15.4%)
|
29-2034 |
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians |
$79,760
|
$65,010
|
-$14,750 (-18.5%)
|
51.0920
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology/Technician.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals who are AART-certified radiological technicians to utilize MRI technology to obtain still and moving images of various vascular structures in the human body that aid the physician in the diagnosis or treatment of disease and injury. Includes instruction in MRI imaging, sectional anatomy and pathology, MRI technology, MRI techniques and procedures, MRI physics, and clinical training.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$116,630
|
-$21,270 (-15.4%)
|
29-2035 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists |
$91,020
|
$82,650
|
-$8,370 (-9.2%)
|
51.1004
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of clinical laboratory scientists/medical technologists, to perform routine medical laboratory procedures and tests and to apply preset strategies to record and analyze data. Includes instruction in general laboratory procedures and skills; laboratory mathematics; medical computer applications; interpersonal and communications skills; and the basic principles of hematology, medical microbiology, immunohematology, immunology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$116,630
|
-$21,270 (-15.4%)
|
29-2012 |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
51.1006
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology/Technician.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of ophthalmologists and optometrists, to cut, grind, edge, and finish corrective lenses and to fabricate eyewear. Includes instruction in optical theory, applied mathematics, lens surfacing and finishing, tinting and coating, impact resistance treatment and testing, frame construction and repair, prescription interpretation, equipment operation and maintenance, follow-up adjustment, record-keeping, and laboratory safety procedures.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$116,630
|
-$21,270 (-15.4%)
|
51-9083 |
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians |
$41,760
|
$36,060
|
-$5,700 (-13.6%)
|
51.3801
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
(Cert2y+)
A program that generally prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups. Includes instruction in the administration of medication and treatments, assisting a physician during treatments and examinations, Referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists, and planning education for health maintenance.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
25-1072 |
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary |
$87,090
|
$60,400
|
-$26,690 (-30.6%)
|
29-1141 |
Registered Nurses |
$98,430
|
$82,580
|
-$15,850 (-16.1%)
|
51.3802
Nursing Administration.
(PostBacCert)
A program that prepares registered nurses to manage nursing personnel and services in hospitals and other health care delivery agencies. Includes instruction in principles of health care administration, resource and financial management, health care law and policy, medical personnel management, and managed care operations.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
11-9111 |
Medical and Health Services Managers |
$137,730
|
$104,420
|
-$33,310 (-24.2%)
|
29-1141 |
Registered Nurses |
$98,430
|
$82,580
|
-$15,850 (-16.1%)
|
29-1171 |
Nurse Practitioners |
$132,000
|
$124,670
|
-$7,330 (-5.6%)
|
51.3899
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other.
(Cert<2y)
Any instructional program in registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research, and clinical nursing not listed above.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
25-1072 |
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary |
$87,090
|
$60,400
|
-$26,690 (-30.6%)
|
29-1141 |
Registered Nurses |
$98,430
|
$82,580
|
-$15,850 (-16.1%)
|
29-1171 |
Nurse Practitioners |
$132,000
|
$124,670
|
-$7,330 (-5.6%)
|
Business (3)
Most Graduates (8.4%)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201
Business Administration and Management, General.
(Cert2y+)
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Includes instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
11-1011 |
Chief Executives |
$262,930
|
$185,650
|
-$77,280 (-29.4%)
|
11-1021 |
General and Operations Managers |
$133,120
|
$105,840
|
-$27,280 (-20.5%)
|
11-2022 |
Sales Managers |
$160,930
|
$123,610
|
-$37,320 (-23.2%)
|
11-3012 |
Administrative Services Managers |
$126,030
|
$106,680
|
-$19,350 (-15.4%)
|
11-3013 |
Facilities Managers |
$114,520
|
$111,170
|
-$3,350 (-2.9%)
|
11-3051 |
Industrial Production Managers |
$129,180
|
$151,650
|
+$22,470 (+17.4%)
|
11-3071 |
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers |
$116,010
|
$101,020
|
-$14,990 (-12.9%)
|
11-3111 |
Compensation and Benefits Managers |
$156,230
|
$135,460
|
-$20,770 (-13.3%)
|
11-3121 |
Human Resources Managers |
$160,480
|
$133,230
|
-$27,250 (-17%)
|
11-3131 |
Training and Development Managers |
$140,590
|
$116,650
|
-$23,940 (-17%)
|
11-9021 |
Construction Managers |
$119,660
|
$103,460
|
-$16,200 (-13.5%)
|
11-9072 |
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling |
$87,060
|
$74,840
|
-$12,220 (-14%)
|
11-9151 |
Social and Community Service Managers |
$86,100
|
$65,670
|
-$20,430 (-23.7%)
|
11-9179 |
Personal Service Managers, All Other |
$70,620
|
$50,040
|
-$20,580 (-29.1%)
|
11-9199 |
Managers, All Other |
$149,890
|
$130,210
|
-$19,680 (-13.1%)
|
13-1051 |
Cost Estimators |
$83,160
|
$79,140
|
-$4,020 (-4.8%)
|
13-1071 |
Human Resources Specialists |
$79,730
|
$60,780
|
-$18,950 (-23.8%)
|
13-1081 |
Logisticians |
$87,600
|
$81,100
|
-$6,500 (-7.4%)
|
13-1082 |
Project Management Specialists |
$108,100
|
$97,530
|
-$10,570 (-9.8%)
|
13-1111 |
Management Analysts |
$114,710
|
$100,610
|
-$14,100 (-12.3%)
|
13-1141 |
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists |
$82,920
|
$60,880
|
-$22,040 (-26.6%)
|
13-1199 |
Business Operations Specialists, All Other |
$92,380
|
$74,720
|
-$17,660 (-19.1%)
|
25-1011 |
Business Teachers, Postsecondary |
$113,840
|
$101,160
|
-$12,680 (-11.1%)
|
52.0299
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.
(PostBacCert)
Any instructional program in business and administration not listed above.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
99-9999 |
NO MATCH |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
52.0305
Accounting and Business/Management.
(Cert<2y)
An integrated or combined program in accounting and business administration/management that prepares individuals to function as accountants and business managers.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
11-3031 |
Financial Managers |
$180,470
|
$136,900
|
-$43,570 (-24.1%)
|
13-2011 |
Accountants and Auditors |
$93,520
|
$78,600
|
-$14,920 (-16%)
|
13-2022 |
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
13-2051 |
Financial and Investment Analysts |
$116,490
|
$90,500
|
-$25,990 (-22.3%)
|
13-2054 |
Financial Risk Specialists |
$119,930
|
$100,570
|
-$19,360 (-16.1%)
|
25-1011 |
Business Teachers, Postsecondary |
$113,840
|
$101,160
|
-$12,680 (-11.1%)
|
Mechanics (2)
Most Graduates (6.3%)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
47.0604
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. Includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air condition systems.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
49-2093 |
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment |
$80,980
|
$84,390
|
+$3,410 (+4.2%)
|
49-2096 |
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles |
$50,240
|
$42,430
|
-$7,810 (-15.5%)
|
49-3023 |
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics |
$55,260
|
$50,140
|
-$5,120 (-9.3%)
|
47.0613
Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician.
(Cert<2y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the specialized maintenance and repair of trucks, buses, and other commercial and industrial vehicles. Includes instruction in diesel engine mechanics, suspension and steering, brake systems, electrical and electronic systems, preventive maintenance inspections, drive trains, gasoline engine mechanics, HVAC systems, and auxiliary equipment installation and repair.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
49-3023 |
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics |
$55,260
|
$50,140
|
-$5,120 (-9.3%)
|
49-3031 |
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists |
$62,480
|
$55,980
|
-$6,500 (-10.4%)
|
Production (1)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0508
Welding Technology/Welder.
(Cert<1y)
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to join or cut metal surfaces. Includes instruction in arc welding, resistance welding, brazing and soldering, cutting, high-energy beam welding and cutting, solid state welding, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, oxidation-reduction reactions, welding metallurgy, welding processes and heat treating, structural design, safety, and applicable codes and standards.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
51-4121 |
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers |
$55,100
|
$56,580
|
+$1,480 (+2.7%)
|
51-4122 |
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders |
$49,270
|
$47,130
|
-$2,140 (-4.3%)
|
Computer & IT (1)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.9999
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other.
(Cert<2y)
Any instructional program in computer and information sciences and support services not listed above.
Graduate Career Earnings in Texas
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Texas Avg |
TX vs US |
99-9999 |
NO MATCH |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Southwest University, El Paso
How much does it cost to attend Southwest University, El Paso?
The annual tuition at Southwest University, El Paso is $16,000 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $17,400 for in-state students.
Additional costs include
room and board $4,340 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,400.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Southwest University, El Paso offer?
Southwest University, El Paso offers 26 academic programs across 5 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (15 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
- Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (2 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Southwest University, El Paso?
Southwest University, El Paso provides financial aid to 42% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,581 and average loans of $10,860.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $6,730
- State/Local grants: $3,609
- Institutional grants: $7,951
- Federal loans: $10,860
The university supports 678 students with grants and 626 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Southwest University, El Paso graduates?
Southwest University, El Paso graduates earn a median salary of $29,611 after 6 years and $29,648 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $15,669 (25th percentile) to $43,753 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.