Southern New Hampshire University
About Southern New Hampshire University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
SNHU is a private nonprofit university in Manchester, New Hampshire. It is one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, primarily through its massive online program serving hundreds of thousands of students in business, education, health sciences, and IT.
Founded
1932
Location
Manchester, New Hampshire
Students
188,272
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
99.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
42.8%
Below national average
Tuition
$17,200
Per year
Avg Net Price
$36,708
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$50,318
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Southern New Hampshire University accepts the majority of applicants at 99.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
42.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
61.1%
4-Year Grad
31%
6-Year Grad
37%
Teaching Quality
22:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$1.6K
Class Size
Large
The 31% graduation rate is below average, but 61.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$17,200
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,800
Books & Supplies
$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$40,918
After Financial Aid
$36,708
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$36,441
Receive Grants
48.8%
Take Loans
58.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $40,918/yr, including $12,800 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $36,708.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Southern New Hampshire University fund their education.
While in School
48.8%
Get Grants
Free money
58.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$27,192
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,082
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$224/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $21,082 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Southern New Hampshire University.
Gender
63.2%
Female
37%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
163,164
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
25,108
Graduates
48.3%
First-Gen
31 yrs
Avg Age
74.6%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 31, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 48.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
163,164
Students
private
Institution
Large
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Southern New Hampshire University fields 13 varsity teams with 407 student athletes.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
Northeast 10
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Lacrosse
Student Athletes
407
185 men, 222 women
Athletes by Gender
45% / 55%
185
Men
222
Women
8
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Southern New Hampshire Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$50,318
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$60K
5571 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$39K
2993 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$55K
1312 grads
1yr Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services
$51K
1064 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$46K
895 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$55K
797 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $42K six years out, growing to $50K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southern New Hampshire University
What is the acceptance rate at Southern New Hampshire University?▾
How much does Southern New Hampshire University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Southern New Hampshire University?▾
How much do Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.