About Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University has built its reputation as a pioneer in online education and adult learning. The university enrolls 156,755 students across its suburban Manchester campus and extensive digital programs. SNHU accepts 96% of applicants, reflecting its mission to make higher education accessible to working adults and non-traditional students. The institution has transformed from a small business school founded in 1932 into one of the largest universities in the country through its modern online platform.
Students pay an average net price of $33,742, which remains consistent regardless of family income level. Graduates earn a median of $50,318 ten years after graduation, while carrying median debt of just $21,082. The relatively low debt burden makes SNHU attractive for career-changing adults, though the 44.90% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to complete their degrees. Monthly loan payments average $224, manageable given the employment rate of 92.5%.
The student body reflects the school's diverse appeal, with women comprising 63% of enrollment and significant representation from Black and Hispanic students at 18% and 14% respectively. Only 8% of students come from New Hampshire, highlighting SNHU's national reach. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio and 60% retention rate indicate the challenges of serving a largely remote, working adult population.
Students pay an average net price of $33,742, which remains consistent regardless of family income level. Graduates earn a median of $50,318 ten years after graduation, while carrying median debt of just $21,082. The relatively low debt burden makes SNHU attractive for career-changing adults, though the 44.90% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to complete their degrees. Monthly loan payments average $224, manageable given the employment rate of 92.5%.
The student body reflects the school's diverse appeal, with women comprising 63% of enrollment and significant representation from Black and Hispanic students at 18% and 14% respectively. Only 8% of students come from New Hampshire, highlighting SNHU's national reach. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio and 60% retention rate indicate the challenges of serving a largely remote, working adult population.
Academics & Faculty
Southern New Hampshire University built its reputation as a pioneer in online education and adult learning programs. The university serves 156,755 students across its traditional campus and extensive online offerings, making it one of the largest private universities in the country. Students face a challenging 24:1 student-faculty ratio that reflects the scale of operations. The 44.90% six-year graduation rate suggests many students juggle work and family responsibilities while completing degrees. SNHU specializes in business, education, and liberal arts programs designed for working adults. The school's flexible scheduling and competency-based learning attract non-traditional students seeking career advancement. Only 7.91% of students come from New Hampshire, showing the university's national online reach.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 24:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 43.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.9%
- Retention Rate
- 59.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,318
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $83,177 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $73,898 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,218 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $68,219 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $65,734 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $61,516 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Certificate | $61,516 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $61,218 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $60,320 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,622 |
Campus Life
The Manchester campus serves just 3,200 traditional undergraduates, though the university's total enrollment reaches 156,755 when including online students. You'll bundle up for New Hampshire winters that stretch from November through March, with snow and temperatures often below freezing. Only 1,789 students can live in campus housing, so most commute from nearby apartments or family homes. The campus sits about an hour north of Boston, giving students access to internships and entertainment in a major city.
SNHU built its reputation on flexible scheduling and adult education, attracting working students who balance classes with jobs and family responsibilities. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than top colleges, but professors understand that many students are juggling multiple priorities. Weekend campus life stays quiet since 92% of students live off-campus. The real action happens online, where SNHU serves students across all 50 states through programs designed for busy schedules. The Penmen compete in 18 Division II sports, though athletics take a backseat to academics and career preparation.
SNHU built its reputation on flexible scheduling and adult education, attracting working students who balance classes with jobs and family responsibilities. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than top colleges, but professors understand that many students are juggling multiple priorities. Weekend campus life stays quiet since 92% of students live off-campus. The real action happens online, where SNHU serves students across all 50 states through programs designed for busy schedules. The Penmen compete in 18 Division II sports, though athletics take a backseat to academics and career preparation.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,789 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1932
Campus Safety (2023)
32 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–31°F
- July Avg
- 60°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 52.8"
Student Demographics
Southern New Hampshire University draws students from across the country, with over 90% coming from out of state. The student body is predominantly female, reflecting the university's strength in fields like business, education, and health sciences that traditionally attract more women. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing SNHU's commitment to serving working adults and first-generation college students seeking affordable pathways to degrees. The diverse racial composition mirrors the school's mission as an accessible institution that welcomes non-traditional learners from all backgrounds.
- Men
- 36.7%
- Women
- 63.3%
- White
- 51.6%
- Black
- 18.1%
- Hispanic
- 14.4%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 7.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 46.9%
Location
Manchester sits in southern New Hampshire, about 50 miles north of Boston. The city has a population of around 115,000, making it the state's largest urban center. Manchester combines industrial history with modern development, anchored by the historic Millyard District where old textile mills now house tech companies and startups. The Merrimack River runs through downtown, creating walkable neighborhoods near campus. New Hampshire's location provides easy access to both coastal areas and mountain recreation, with the White Mountains an hour north. Students considering colleges in New Hampshire may also compare Southern New Hampshire University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Manchester, New Hampshire 03106-1045
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,318
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $63,467
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $224/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,082
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southern New Hampshire University?
Southern New Hampshire University accepts 96.37% of applicants, making admission highly accessible. The university is known for welcoming students from diverse educational backgrounds, particularly adult learners returning to complete their degrees.
How much does Southern New Hampshire University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $33,742 annually after financial aid. With 46.90% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university serves many first-generation and low-income college students seeking affordable degree options.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Southern New Hampshire University?
The student-faculty ratio is 24:1 across the university's programs. Southern New Hampshire is particularly recognized for its extensive online education platform, which serves the majority of its 156,755 enrolled students.
What are the graduation outcomes at Southern New Hampshire University?
The four-year graduation rate is 43.19%, with graduates earning a median salary of $50,318 ten years after enrollment. The university focuses heavily on career-oriented programs designed to help working adults advance professionally.
Where do most Southern New Hampshire University students come from?
Only 7.91% of students are from New Hampshire, reflecting the university's national reach through online programs. The student body is 63.27% female and includes significant diversity, with 51.64% identifying as white and substantial representation from Black and Hispanic communities.
Does Southern New Hampshire University have strong online programs?
The university is nationally recognized as a leader in online education and adult learning programs. With over 150,000 students enrolled and a focus on flexible scheduling, Southern New Hampshire has built its reputation on serving non-traditional students who need to balance work, family, and education.
