At $33,742/yr net price, Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn $50,318/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,318/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $33,742 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $134,968 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,318/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,318/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,082 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $33,202/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $32,903/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $34,048/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $35,992/yr |
| $110,001+ | $36,682/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $83,177 | $36,900 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $73,898 | $16,539 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,218 | $44,643 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $68,219 | $41,257 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $65,734 | $48,003 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $61,516 | $32,204 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Certificate | $61,516 | $36,900 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $61,218 | $39,443 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $60,320 | $23,861 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,622 | $45,100 |
The Risk Factor
44.9% of students at Southern New Hampshire University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Southern New Hampshire University delivers weak overall returns despite some strong individual programs. With median 10-year earnings of $50,318 against a $33,742 annual net price, your payback timeline stretches uncomfortably long for most graduates.
The nursing program stands out as SNHU's clear financial winner, generating $73,898 in median earnings with only $16,539 in debt. Management Sciences also performs well at $83,177, though with higher debt loads. Business Administration and Finance majors earn respectable salaries but carry debt burdens exceeding $40,000, creating tougher financial math.
SNHU's 44.9% graduation rate presents serious financial risk. With nearly six out of ten students failing to complete their degrees, you face significant odds of accumulating debt without earning power to match. The 59.9% retention rate signals early warning signs that many students struggle with the academic or financial demands.
This school makes financial sense if you target high-performing programs like nursing or management sciences and feel confident about completing your degree. The relatively low median debt of $21,082 helps, but only if you actually graduate.
Skip SNHU if you plan to study lower-earning fields or have concerns about academic persistence. The combination of modest overall earnings and poor completion rates creates a dangerous financial scenario. With less than half of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited for most applicants.
Consider SNHU primarily as a nursing school with some decent business programs attached. For other fields, stronger regional options likely offer better financial prospects with higher graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern New Hampshire University worth the cost?
Southern New Hampshire University's ROI is mixed - graduates earn $50,318 after 10 years against a net price of $33,742 annually. The low graduation rate of 45% creates significant risk for students who don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at Southern New Hampshire University?
Management Sciences leads at $83,177 in median earnings, followed by nursing at $73,898 and business administration at $69,218. Computer science graduates earn $65,734, which is solid but not exceptional for the field.
How much debt do Southern New Hampshire University graduates have?
The median debt load is $21,082, which is relatively manageable compared to many private colleges. However, this only reflects students who actually graduate - the 45% graduation rate means many students may leave with debt but no degree.
Should I attend Southern New Hampshire University for business?
Business programs at Southern New Hampshire University produce moderate earnings around $69,218 for general business and $68,219 for finance. These numbers are decent but not outstanding given the annual cost and graduation rate risks.