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Clovis Community College vs University of the Southwest: which has better ROI?

Public, Clovis NM · vs · Private nonprofit, Hobbs NM

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of the Southwest comes closer — median earnings $45,389 against a $67,708 total, vs $34,020 at Clovis Community College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureClovis Community CollegeUniversity of the Southwest
Net price / yr$3,230$16,927
Total net cost$12,920$67,708
Median earnings, 10 yrs$34,020$45,389
Median debt$7,250$21,303
Payback——
20-year net return-$299,720-$127,128

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Clovis Community College or University of the Southwest?

Clovis Community College, at $3,230 a year after aid versus $16,927 — a gap of $13,697 a year, or $54,788 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Clovis Community College or University of the Southwest graduates earn more?

University of the Southwest graduates report a median $45,389 ten years after entry, $11,369 more than the $34,020 at Clovis Community College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Clovis Community College or University of the Southwest?

Clovis Community College: its completers carry a median $7,250 in federal loans versus $21,303 at University of the Southwest, a difference of $14,053. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

34% of students finish at Clovis Community College, against 17% at University of the Southwest. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Clovis Community College vs University of the Southwest: frequently asked questions

Is Clovis Community College or University of the Southwest a better value?
University of the Southwest comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Clovis Community College or University of the Southwest?
Clovis Community College: $3,230/yr net price after aid versus $16,927/yr at University of the Southwest — a difference of $13,697 a year, or about $54,788 over four years.
Do Clovis Community College or University of the Southwest graduates earn more?
University of the Southwest graduates earn a median $45,389 ten years after entry, versus $34,020 at Clovis Community College — a $11,369 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.