What Is It Known For?
Southwest University at El Paso began its journey in June 1999 as the Quick Study Learning Center, a private institution focused on helping students with English as a second language and GED preparation. The school expanded its mission in 2009 when it became Southwest University at El Paso and introduced an Associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
By 2012, the institution had grown into a full university, adding Bachelor’s programs in Business and Health Administration. Today, the university serves around 1,817 undergraduate students each academic year, providing career-focused education to the El Paso community.
Degrees & Certifications
Students can pursue various credentials at Southwest University, from certificates to master’s degrees. Some of the academic options include:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Management
- Certificate in Medical Assistant/Laboratory
- Certificate in Welding Program
- Business Administration, MBA
- Healthcare Administration, MS
- AAS in Diesel Technology
- Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
The university accommodates different student schedules with morning sessions running from 8:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m., afternoon blocks from 12:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m., and evening classes from 5:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. Students can also access several online programs for both degrees and certificates.
Healthcare programs include required externships that allow students to apply their classroom knowledge in real clinical settings after completing their coursework.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Southwest University holds recognition from THECB and maintains institutional accreditation throughABHES, which remains valid until 2029.
Acceptance Rate
Southwest University has a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Based on the Tuition Breakdown effective March 29, 2021, program costs vary widely. The Computed Tomography Certificate program starts at $10,350, while the Bachelor of Science in Health Administration reaches $46,243.
This gives students a tuition range between $10,350 and $46,243, depending on their chosen program. For a complete picture of attendance costs, students should use the school’s net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
Healthcare
- Healthcare Leadership and Management
- Healthcare Administration
- Nursing
- RN to BSN
- Masters of Science in Nursing
- Medical Assisting
- Surgical Technology
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Ophthalmology Technician
- Radiology
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Welding
Technology
- Information Technology
Campus Locations
El Paso 6101 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79925
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Southwest University (El Paso) is overwhelmingly praised as a highly supportive, fast-paced institution, particularly for its healthcare programs (Medical Assistant, Nursing). The school is defined by an exceptional and caring faculty who make difficult subjects like Anatomy and EKG understandable and enjoyable. The most frequent points of praise center on specific instructors and admissions advisors who create a welcoming and encouraging environment. The primary negative feedback is an isolated complaint about one specific instructor.
Overall Score: 4.7/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional and Caring Faculty: Students universally praise multiple instructors for being “amazing,” “passionate,” and “dedicated” educators. They are noted for explaining complex material (like Anatomy, Physiology, and EKG) “clearly and step-by-step,” making learning “fun and enjoyable.”
Effective Preparation for Success: Instructors are credited with over-preparing students and providing the “confidence and knowledge” needed for the rest of the program. Teachers often stay after class and offer tutoring to ensure success.
Supportive and Encouraging Environment: The university is described as “welcoming” with a “great environment.” The staff and faculty “truly care” about student success and offer motivation and emotional support.
Smooth Admissions Process: Admissions advisors are called “wonderful support,” “sweet,” and “patient,” making the enrollment process, even for complex situations like FAFSA or starting immediately, “smooth and very straightforward.”
Fast-Paced and Organized: Students appreciate that the school is “fast-paced” but well-organized, allowing them to advance their careers quickly.
Common Criticisms
Isolated Instructor Complaint: There is one specific, highly detailed complaint from a few months ago concerning one instructor in a Medical Terminology class, mentioning dissatisfaction with their conduct of the course. This is the only notable negative comment in the provided reviews, which otherwise focus on faculty excellence.
Momentum
Southwest University has extremely strong, positive momentum. The school’s recent reviews are dominated by effusive praise for multiple specific professors and advisors, suggesting a healthy, student-focused culture led by high-quality personnel. The consistency and detail in the positive feedback—specifically regarding key, difficult courses like Anatomy and EKG—indicate the university is successfully delivering its core promise of providing a supportive and effective pathway into the healthcare field.