Southern New Hampshire University vs Keene State College
Both schools offer accessible admission, with SNHU accepting 96% of applicants compared to Keene State's 90%. However, these institutions differ significantly in scale and structure.
Cost and Value: Keene State provides better value for in-state students at $14,710 versus SNHU's $16,450, though SNHU maintains consistent pricing for all students. Keene State's average net price of $19,164 is substantially lower than SNHU's $33,742, making it more affordable overall.
Academic Environment: Keene State offers a more traditional college experience with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and 2,680 enrollment, fostering closer professor relationships. SNHU's massive 156,755 enrollment and 24:1 ratio reflect its focus on online and adult learners, though this means less personalized attention.
Student Success: Keene State demonstrates stronger retention (78% vs 60%) and graduation rates (58% vs 45%), indicating better student support and engagement. However, SNHU graduates earn slightly less initially ($50,318 vs $54,368 after 10 years) while carrying lower debt ($21,082 vs $25,749).
Campus Experience: Keene State provides a traditional residential campus atmosphere with NCAA Division III athletics, while SNHU's Division II athletics serve a smaller on-campus population within its largely online university model.
Academic Strengths: Keene State excels in liberal arts, education, and sciences with strong faculty mentorship. SNHU specializes in business, criminal justice, and career-focused programs with flexible scheduling options.
Keene State suits traditional college students seeking a close-knit campus community and liberal arts education, while SNHU serves working adults and students prioritizing flexibility and career-oriented programs.
Both schools offer accessible admission, with SNHU accepting 96% of applicants compared to Keene State's 90%. However, these institutions differ significantly in scale and structure.
Cost and Value: Keene State provides better value for in-state students at $14,710 versus SNHU's $16,450, though SNHU maintains consistent pricing for all students. Keene State's average net price of $19,164 is substantially lower than SNHU's $33,742, making it more affordable overall.
Academic Environment: Keene State offers a more traditional college experience with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and 2,680 enrollment, fostering closer professor relationships. SNHU's massive 156,755 enrollment and 24:1 ratio reflect its focus on online and adult learners, though this means less personalized attention.
Student Success: Keene State demonstrates stronger retention (78% vs 60%) and graduation rates (58% vs 45%), indicating better student support and engagement. However, SNHU graduates earn slightly less initially ($50,318 vs $54,368 after 10 years) while carrying lower debt ($21,082 vs $25,749).
Campus Experience: Keene State provides a traditional residential campus atmosphere with NCAA Division III athletics, while SNHU's Division II athletics serve a smaller on-campus population within its largely online university model.
Academic Strengths: Keene State excels in liberal arts, education, and sciences with strong faculty mentorship. SNHU specializes in business, criminal justice, and career-focused programs with flexible scheduling options.
Keene State suits traditional college students seeking a close-knit campus community and liberal arts education, while SNHU serves working adults and students prioritizing flexibility and career-oriented programs.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Southern New Hampshire University | Keene State College | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 96.4% | 89.5% |
| Enrollment | 156,755 | 2,680 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,450 | $14,710 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $16,450 | $26,186 |
| Net Price | $33,742 | $19,164 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.9% | 58.4% |
| Retention Rate | 59.9% | 78.5% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $50,318 | $54,368 |
| Median Debt | $21,082 | $25,749 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Southern New Hampshire University | Keene State College | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $73,898 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $62,839 |
| Economics. | $60,320 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $55,693 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $56,867 | Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | $49,980 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | $50,856 | Chemistry. | $43,798 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $50,151 | Economics. | $41,789 |