- The Art Center Design College strives to be an exemplary force in higher education by providing a setting that prepares both national and international students interested in pursuing a future in the visual/communication arts to attain Bachelor's and Associate of Arts degrees and to meet the competitive challenges of an evolving global environment.
School Highlights
Southwest University of Visual Arts-Albuquerque served 22 students (86% of students were full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 2:1 was lower than the state community college average of 24:1.
Minority enrollment was 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which was less than the state average of 74%.
School Overview
Southwest University of Visual Arts-Albuquerque
(NM) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Special Focus Four-Year: Arts, Music & Design Schools
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
9 staff
51 staff
Student Body
Total Enrollment
22 students
908 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
2:1
24:1
# Full-Time Students
19 students
344 students
# Part-Time Students
3 students
800 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
17 students
896 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
17 students
357 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
2 students
186 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
13%
10%
% Asian
4%
2%
% Hispanic
44%
50%
% Black
4%
3%
% White
31%
26%
% Unknown races
4%
5%
Diversity Score
0.69
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
14%
n/a
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$30,900
$36,300
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
In-State Tuition Fees
$22,613
$1,992
Out-State Tuition Fees
$22,613
$4,440
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
100%
92%
Median Debt for Graduates
$40,625
$13,236
Median Debt for Dropouts
$19,500
$6,125
Acceptance Rate
81%
50%
SAT Reading
456
480
SAT Math
452
510
SAT Writing (Year 2008)
455
460
ACT Composite
20
20
ACT English
19
19
ACT Math
18
21
Source: 2020 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- President, Sharmon R. Woods and Vice President, Marvin R. Woods founded The Art Center Design College in 1983 in Tucson, AZ. The college sprung from the Woods' graphics firm that frequently hired both full-time and freelance artists. Finding talented artists grounded in a thorough knowledge of production, illustration and effective design became the challenge. The College has continued to expand with the addition of baccalaureate degrees in Interior Design and Animation Graphics in the late 1990's and Fine Arts in 2003. In 1989, the Albuquerque, NM campus was opened to meet the market's demand for well-trained graphic designers and illustrators. The college offers Art and Design programs of varying length leading to baccalaureate degrees, Associate degrees and professional certificates, general education program, continuing program, program of technology, library, media, and student services, special instructional classes and tutorial labs and a program that specifically supports employers in their search for qualified Art and Design professionals. The Art Center Design College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a Member of the North Central Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Southwest University of Visual Arts-Albuquerque cost?
Southwest University of Visual Arts-Albuquerque's tuition is approximately $22,613 for In-State students and $22,613 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Southwest University of Visual Arts-Albuquerque?
The acceptance rate of Southwest University of Visual Arts-Albuquerque is 81%, which is higher than the state average of 50%.
Recent Articles
Workforce Pell Is Coming: Should You Wait to Enroll?
Workforce Pell Grants launch in July 2026. Learn who benefits, which programs qualify, and whether delaying enrollment makes financial sense.
The “Total Commute Cost” Test for Choosing a Community College
Tuition is only part of the equation. Learn how to calculate the total commute cost when comparing community colleges and making enrollment decisions.
How to Tell Whether a Short-Term Certificate Is Worth Federal Aid
Not all short-term certificates offer the same value. Learn how to evaluate career outcomes, ROI, and employer demand before using federal aid.
