Southern New Hampshire University vs Dartmouth 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, Dartmouth College comes out ahead: 95/100 to 37/100, a 58-point edge over Southern New Hampshire University. 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, Dartmouth College runs $29,519 a year against $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University - $7,189 more a year, or about $28,756 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Dartmouth College graduates earn a median $97,434 against $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. The cost earns itself back in 18.7 years at Southern New Hampshire University and 4.1 years at Dartmouth College.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Dartmouth College owing a median $17,500 versus $21,082 at Southern New Hampshire University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 and 0.23 - 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... | Dartmouth College |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,200 | $68,268 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,200 | $68,268 |
| Net Price (avg) | $36,708 | $29,519 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $146,832 | $118,076 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,300 | $74,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $50,318 | $97,434 |
| Graduation Rate | 42.8% | 95.5% |
| Payback Period | 18.7 yr | 4.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,082 | $17,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $224 | $186 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.49 | 0.23 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 73.1% | 89.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 65.1% | 90.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 99.5% | 5.4% |
| Enrollment | 163,164 | 4,541 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Southern New Hampshi... | Dartmouth College |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $36,441 | $41 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $36,536 | $489 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $36,641 | $2,695 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $37,704 | $8,534 |
| $110,001+ | $38,025 | $52,036 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Southern New Hampshi... | Dartmouth College |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $115,259 | $201,702 |
| Mathematics | $68,414 | $168,580 |
| Economics | $86,764 | $152,929 |
| History | $49,113 | $136,403 |
| International Relations | $62,387 | $106,153 |
| Psychology | $49,769 | $86,896 |
| Anthropology | $51,100 | $70,846 |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $55,733 | $67,020 |
| English Language and Literature | $47,103 | $58,090 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Southern New Hampshi... | Dartmouth College |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 19 | 91 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 28 | 97 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 76 | 97 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 26 | 99 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 49 | 94 |
| Overall ROI Score | 37 | 95 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Dartmouth College clearly outperforms Southern New Hampshire University (95 vs 37), a 58-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Southern New Hampshire University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Dartmouth College.
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Southern New Hampshire University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Dartmouth College
Exceptional 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.