Franklin Pierce University and Southern New Hampshire University offer distinctly different college experiences despite both being located in New Hampshire.
Admission and Accessibility
Both schools maintain open admission policies, with Franklin Pierce accepting 92.7% of applicants and SNHU accepting 96.4%. Neither presents significant admission barriers for most students.
Cost and Financial Value
SNHU provides considerably better value with tuition of $16,450 compared to Franklin Pierce's $44,963. However, Franklin Pierce's average net price ($26,906) is lower than SNHU's ($33,742) due to more substantial financial aid packages. SNHU graduates carry less debt ($21,082 vs $27,000) but Franklin Pierce graduates earn slightly more ten years post-graduation ($53,353 vs $50,318).
Academic Environment
Franklin Pierce offers a more intimate learning environment with 1,055 students and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, compared to SNHU's massive 156,755 enrollment and 24:1 ratio. Franklin Pierce maintains higher retention rates (73% vs 60%), suggesting better student satisfaction and support systems.
Outcomes
Both universities show similar six-year graduation rates around 45%, indicating comparable academic rigor and student preparation levels.
Campus Experience
Franklin Pierce's small size fosters close faculty relationships and tight-knit community bonds, while SNHU's large scale offers extensive program variety and resources typical of major universities.
Franklin Pierce suits students seeking personalized attention and close campus community, while SNHU fits those wanting affordable education with diverse program options and flexibility.
Admission and Accessibility
Both schools maintain open admission policies, with Franklin Pierce accepting 92.7% of applicants and SNHU accepting 96.4%. Neither presents significant admission barriers for most students.
Cost and Financial Value
SNHU provides considerably better value with tuition of $16,450 compared to Franklin Pierce's $44,963. However, Franklin Pierce's average net price ($26,906) is lower than SNHU's ($33,742) due to more substantial financial aid packages. SNHU graduates carry less debt ($21,082 vs $27,000) but Franklin Pierce graduates earn slightly more ten years post-graduation ($53,353 vs $50,318).
Academic Environment
Franklin Pierce offers a more intimate learning environment with 1,055 students and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, compared to SNHU's massive 156,755 enrollment and 24:1 ratio. Franklin Pierce maintains higher retention rates (73% vs 60%), suggesting better student satisfaction and support systems.
Outcomes
Both universities show similar six-year graduation rates around 45%, indicating comparable academic rigor and student preparation levels.
Campus Experience
Franklin Pierce's small size fosters close faculty relationships and tight-knit community bonds, while SNHU's large scale offers extensive program variety and resources typical of major universities.
Franklin Pierce suits students seeking personalized attention and close campus community, while SNHU fits those wanting affordable education with diverse program options and flexibility.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Franklin Pierce University | Southern New Hampshire University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 92.7% | 96.4% |
| SAT Average | 1,095 | |
| Enrollment | 1,055 | 156,755 |
| In-State Tuition | $44,963 | $16,450 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $44,963 | $16,450 |
| Net Price | $26,906 | $33,742 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.1% | 44.9% |
| Retention Rate | 73.0% | 59.9% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $53,353 | $50,318 |
| Median Debt | $27,000 | $21,082 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Franklin Pierce University | Southern New Hampshire University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $75,921 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $73,898 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $43,798 | Economics. | $60,320 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $41,286 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $56,867 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $40,467 | Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | $50,856 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | $35,060 | Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $50,151 |