Built to enrich the lives of students while glorifying God, the University of the Southwest became an four-year independent institution in 1962. Students at USW are trained and advised by a staff who model Christian values in a multicultural environment. Those who are interested in attending USW must meet two of the following requirements: score of at least 19 on ACT or above 910 on SAT; graduate in the top 50 percent of your class; maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average.
Established in 1995 in Santa Fe, Wayland Baptist University relocated to Albuquerque in 1999. Although it does not have the "facilities of a traditional campus," Wayland Albuquerque offers four 11-week terms, with undergraduate degrees in the arts and applied sciences. It also offers master's degree programs in education, counseling, management, public administration and christian ministry. Applicants must submit an application and fee, along with transcripts and records of ACT and/or ACT test scores.
Located at Fort Burgwin, SMU in Taos is a historic campus focusing on "experiential learning" through hands-on, interactive instruction in the arts and sciences. This adventurous campus allows students to explore some of Northern New Mexico's finest natural resources while fly-fishing, hiking or biking. Students who are interested in attending SMU-Taos, must have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA and be approved by the Student Life office.
In 1989, Trinity Southwest University relocated from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Albuquerque, New Mexico. TSU's goal has been to educate students through an array of biblically-oriented disciplines. According to the TSU website, faculty strive to model and uphold the word of God, teaching students to "apply eternal truths to all phases of life." The non-traditional philosophy of Trinity Southwest allows students to learn in such a way that maximizes their individual talents through self-directed achievement.