Southern New Hampshire University vs University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
These New Hampshire institutions differ significantly in selectivity and scale. SNHU accepts 96% of applicants compared to UNH's 87% acceptance rate, making both accessible but UNH slightly more competitive. SNHU enrolls 156,755 students versus UNH's 11,230, reflecting SNHU's massive online presence.
Cost structures vary considerably. SNHU charges $16,450 for all students, while UNH costs $19,112 in-state and $38,882 out-of-state. However, UNH's average net price of $23,261 is substantially lower than SNHU's $33,742, indicating better financial aid packages.
Academic environments differ markedly. UNH offers a 16:1 student-faculty ratio compared to SNHU's 24:1, suggesting more personalized attention. UNH's 86% retention rate versus SNHU's 60% indicates higher student satisfaction and engagement.
Campus experiences contrast sharply. UNH provides traditional college life in Durham with NCAA Division I athletics, while SNHU in Manchester focuses heavily on online learning with Division II sports for its smaller on-campus population.
Outcomes favor UNH significantly. UNH graduates earn a median $66,479 after ten years compared to SNHU's $50,318. UNH's 76% six-year graduation rate far exceeds SNHU's 45%. However, SNHU graduates carry less debt at $21,082 versus UNH's $26,814.
SNHU suits students seeking flexible, affordable education with strong online options, while UNH better serves students wanting a traditional campus experience with stronger academic outcomes and earning potential.
These New Hampshire institutions differ significantly in selectivity and scale. SNHU accepts 96% of applicants compared to UNH's 87% acceptance rate, making both accessible but UNH slightly more competitive. SNHU enrolls 156,755 students versus UNH's 11,230, reflecting SNHU's massive online presence.
Cost structures vary considerably. SNHU charges $16,450 for all students, while UNH costs $19,112 in-state and $38,882 out-of-state. However, UNH's average net price of $23,261 is substantially lower than SNHU's $33,742, indicating better financial aid packages.
Academic environments differ markedly. UNH offers a 16:1 student-faculty ratio compared to SNHU's 24:1, suggesting more personalized attention. UNH's 86% retention rate versus SNHU's 60% indicates higher student satisfaction and engagement.
Campus experiences contrast sharply. UNH provides traditional college life in Durham with NCAA Division I athletics, while SNHU in Manchester focuses heavily on online learning with Division II sports for its smaller on-campus population.
Outcomes favor UNH significantly. UNH graduates earn a median $66,479 after ten years compared to SNHU's $50,318. UNH's 76% six-year graduation rate far exceeds SNHU's 45%. However, SNHU graduates carry less debt at $21,082 versus UNH's $26,814.
SNHU suits students seeking flexible, affordable education with strong online options, while UNH better serves students wanting a traditional campus experience with stronger academic outcomes and earning potential.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Southern New Hampshire University | University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 96.4% | 87.0% |
| SAT Average | 1,220 | |
| Enrollment | 156,755 | 11,230 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,450 | $19,112 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $16,450 | $38,882 |
| Net Price | $33,742 | $23,261 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.9% | 76.4% |
| Retention Rate | 59.9% | 86.4% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $50,318 | $66,479 |
| Median Debt | $21,082 | $26,814 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Southern New Hampshire University | University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $73,898 | Computer Engineering. | $76,460 |
| Economics. | $60,320 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $70,112 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $56,867 | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $69,897 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | $50,856 | Chemical Engineering. | $68,079 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $50,151 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $62,616 |