Southern New Hampshire University vs Colby-Sawyer College
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Southern New Hampshire University comes out ahead: 37/100 to 32/100, a 5-point edge over Colby-Sawyer College. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Colby-Sawyer College runs $27,431 a year against $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University - $9,277 more a year, or about $37,108 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn a median $50,318 against $46,474 at Colby-Sawyer College. The cost earns itself back in 18.7 years at Southern New Hampshire University and 21.8 years at Colby-Sawyer College.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Southern New Hampshire University owing a median $21,082 versus $27,000 at Colby-Sawyer College. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 and 0.76 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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
It's close. Southern New Hampshire University edges out Colby-Sawyer College by 5 points (37 vs 32), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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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.