Southern New Hampshire University vs Colby-Sawyer College
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Southern New Hampshire University holds a 5-point ROI advantage over Colby-Sawyer College, scoring 37/100 versus 32/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Colby-Sawyer College comes in at $27,431 per year (net price after aid) versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University - a difference of $9,277 annually, or roughly $37,108 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn a median of $50,318 compared to $46,474 at Colby-Sawyer College. The payback period is 18.7 years at Southern New Hampshire University versus 21.8 years at Colby-Sawyer College.
Graduates leave Southern New Hampshire University with a median $21,082 in debt versus $27,000 at Colby-Sawyer College. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 and 0.76 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Southern New Hampshire Un... | Colby-Sawyer College |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,200 | $19,125 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,200 | $19,125 |
| Net Price (avg) | $36,708 | $27,431 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $146,832 | $109,724 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,300 | $35,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $50,318 | $46,474 |
| Graduation Rate | 42.8% | 57.5% |
| Payback Period | 18.7 yr | 21.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,082 | $27,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $224 | $286 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.49 | 0.76 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 73.1% | 84.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 65.1% | 80.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 99.5% | 80.1% |
| Enrollment | 163,164 | 771 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Southern New Hampshi... | Colby-Sawyer College |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $36,441 | $22,456 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $36,536 | $19,687 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $36,641 | $24,437 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $37,704 | $27,412 |
| $110,001+ | $38,025 | $29,679 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Southern New Hampshi... | Colby-Sawyer College |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $98,032 | $82,803 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,423 | $68,502 |
| Psychology | $49,769 | $56,533 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $55,733 | $47,114 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $54,407 | $55,024 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Southern New Hampshi... | Colby-Sawyer College |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 19 | 19 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 28 | 24 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 76 | 19 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 26 | 56 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 49 | 84 |
| Overall ROI Score | 37 | 32 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Southern New Hampshire University edges out Colby-Sawyer College by 5 points (37 vs 32), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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Southern New Hampshire University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Colby-Sawyer College
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.