Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University has an acceptance rate of 99.5%, annual tuition of $17,200, average net price of $36,708, and a national rank of #1907 (Grade D), with a 42.8% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 163,164 undergraduates, and median earnings of $67,139 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Southern New Hampshire University is a private nonprofit university in Manchester, NH. Students most often pursue Economics and Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.
Academically, students benefit from a 24:1 student-faculty ratio, and 61.1% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 41.6%, roughly 8.3 points below typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Southern New Hampshire University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Southern New Hampshire University graduates 42.8% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 34.9% and keeps 61.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Southern New Hampshire University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $17,200 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,800 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $9,888 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $40,918 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 48.8% of Southern New Hampshire University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $36,441 to $38,025 depending on family income. Use Southern New Hampshire University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $37,704/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $38,025/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $67,139
- 10-Year Median Earnings $50,318
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $21,082
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 47.4%
- Employment Rate 32.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Southern New Hampshire University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Southern New Hampshire University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Southern New Hampshire University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Southern New Hampshire University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn $67,139 median, the 41.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 163,164
- Full-Time Students 32.9%
- Part-Time Students 67.1%
- Retention Rate 61.1%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 42.8%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 34.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 24:1
How to Get Into Southern New Hampshire University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Southern New Hampshire University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 99.5%, Southern New Hampshire University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 99.5% acceptance rate, Southern New Hampshire University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Southern New Hampshire University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 23.0%
- Psychology, General 9.7%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 7.9%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 6.5%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 6.2%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.8%
See more majors
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 4.2%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 4.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Economics $113,138
- 2. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other $95,706
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $95,420
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Management Information Systems and Services $86,882
- 5. Computer and Information Sciences, General $79,310
- 6. Computer and Information Sciences, General $78,230
- 7. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $76,718
- 8. Public Administration $73,129
- 9. Computer Science $71,764
- 10. Accounting and Related Services $71,339
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $120,972
- 2. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $106,562
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $94,314
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $86,205
- 5. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $86,106
- 6. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $85,710
- 7. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $78,894
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $76,520
- 9. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $76,240
- 10. Homeland Security (Master's Degree) $75,773
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Economics grads earn $113,138—59% more than Accounting and Related Services ($71,339). Graduate: Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods programs lead with $120,972 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Southern New Hampshire University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 803 graduates)
- Education, General (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 45 graduates)
- Education, General (Master's Degree, 37 graduates)
- Fine and Studio Arts (Master's Degree, 33 graduates)
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degree, 26 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (9 programs)▼
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Education, General
- Culinary Arts and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Biology, General
- Air Transportation
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Education, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)▼
- International Business
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Education, General
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 163,164
- Full-Time Students 32.9%
- Part-Time Students 67.1%
- Male Students 36.8%
- Female Students 63.2%
- Caucasian 49.8%
- Asian 2.3%
- Hispanic 15.2%
- Black 19.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 48.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Southern New Hampshire University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Southern New Hampshire University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Southern New Hampshire University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Southern New Hampshire University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Southern New Hampshire University has a diverse student body, with 49.8% identifying as White. Women make up 63.2% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Southern New Hampshire University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Southern New Hampshire University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Southern New Hampshire University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 41.6% ROI. Ranked #1907 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $36,708 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $67,139 median earnings. With 42.8% graduating within 150% of normal time and 61.1% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Southern New Hampshire University's Positioning
With a D grade and #1907 ranking, Southern New Hampshire University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $36,708 annually, Southern New Hampshire University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 61.1% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $25,696 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 41.6% ROI and $67,139 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $26,708+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Southern New Hampshire University ranks #1907 of 1947 institutions, with 1548 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 42.8% graduation rate sits 19.7 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 61.1% first-year retention is 15.7 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 41.6% return on investment is 8.3 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $67,139 run about 11% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $36,708 is roughly $16,629 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 24:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 61.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 32.6% employment rate within three years sits 35.6 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $36,708 is about $16,629 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Southern New Hampshire University, a private nonprofit university in Manchester, NH, secures a D grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #1907 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion C+, Support C-, Career Outcomes C-, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 61.1% of first-year students return; 42.8% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 34.9%. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 41.6%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $36,708 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $40,918.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $4,210 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,082 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 48.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $67,139 four years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 11% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 32.6%.
The ROI comes in near 41.6%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
99.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Southern New Hampshire University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern New Hampshire University's acceptance rate?
Southern New Hampshire University's acceptance rate is 99.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Southern New Hampshire University cost?
At Southern New Hampshire University, listed tuition and fees are $17,200 per year, and the average net price after aid is $36,708. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Southern New Hampshire University's ranking?
Southern New Hampshire University ranks #1907 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of D, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Southern New Hampshire University's graduation rate?
At Southern New Hampshire University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 42.8% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 34.9%, and first-year retention is 61.1%.
What are Southern New Hampshire University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Southern New Hampshire University report median earnings of $67,139 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Southern New Hampshire University's student population?
Southern New Hampshire University enrolls about 163,164 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Manchester, NH 03106-1045
- Website www.snhu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$58.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate17.9%