Southern New Hampshire University vs Rivier University
These New Hampshire institutions offer contrasting educational experiences. SNHU admits 96% of applicants compared to Rivier's 85%, making both accessible options with SNHU being less selective.
Cost and Value
SNHU charges $16,450 in tuition while Rivier costs $37,791, creating a significant price difference. However, SNHU's average net price reaches $33,742 compared to Rivier's $27,692, suggesting Rivier provides more substantial financial aid packages.
Academic Environment
Rivier offers smaller classes with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio versus SNHU's 24:1, enabling more personalized attention. SNHU enrolls 156,755 students across all programs while Rivier maintains 1,312 students, creating vastly different campus scales. Rivier demonstrates stronger academic support with a 76% retention rate compared to SNHU's 60%.
Outcomes
Rivier graduates earn slightly more at $52,248 versus $50,318 after ten years, though both exceed national averages. Rivier achieves a 59% six-year graduation rate while SNHU graduates 45% of students within six years. SNHU graduates carry less debt at $21,082 compared to Rivier's $26,956.
Campus Life
SNHU competes in NCAA Division II athletics while Rivier participates in Division III. SNHU's large enrollment supports extensive online programming, while Rivier focuses on traditional campus experiences.
Students seeking affordable education with flexible options and strong online programs should consider SNHU, while those preferring small classes, personal attention, and traditional college experiences will find Rivier more suitable.
These New Hampshire institutions offer contrasting educational experiences. SNHU admits 96% of applicants compared to Rivier's 85%, making both accessible options with SNHU being less selective.
Cost and Value
SNHU charges $16,450 in tuition while Rivier costs $37,791, creating a significant price difference. However, SNHU's average net price reaches $33,742 compared to Rivier's $27,692, suggesting Rivier provides more substantial financial aid packages.
Academic Environment
Rivier offers smaller classes with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio versus SNHU's 24:1, enabling more personalized attention. SNHU enrolls 156,755 students across all programs while Rivier maintains 1,312 students, creating vastly different campus scales. Rivier demonstrates stronger academic support with a 76% retention rate compared to SNHU's 60%.
Outcomes
Rivier graduates earn slightly more at $52,248 versus $50,318 after ten years, though both exceed national averages. Rivier achieves a 59% six-year graduation rate while SNHU graduates 45% of students within six years. SNHU graduates carry less debt at $21,082 compared to Rivier's $26,956.
Campus Life
SNHU competes in NCAA Division II athletics while Rivier participates in Division III. SNHU's large enrollment supports extensive online programming, while Rivier focuses on traditional campus experiences.
Students seeking affordable education with flexible options and strong online programs should consider SNHU, while those preferring small classes, personal attention, and traditional college experiences will find Rivier more suitable.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Southern New Hampshire University | Rivier University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 96.4% | 84.5% |
| Enrollment | 156,755 | 1,312 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,450 | $37,791 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $16,450 | $37,791 |
| Net Price | $33,742 | $27,692 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.9% | 58.7% |
| Retention Rate | 59.9% | 76.2% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $50,318 | $52,248 |
| Median Debt | $21,082 | $26,956 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Southern New Hampshire University | Rivier University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $73,898 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $66,787 |
| Economics. | $60,320 | Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $43,426 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $56,867 | Biology, General. | $34,704 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | $50,856 | Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | $33,993 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $50,151 | Psychology, General. | $33,138 |