Southern New Hampshire University vs Franklin University

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.

Too close to call - both schools are within 3 points

Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release

ROI Score Comparison

Southern New Hampshire UniversityPrivate Nonprofit - Manchester, NH
37
Poor Value
Earnings
19(0.10x)
Payback
28(18.7 yr)
Debt/Earn
76(0.49)
Completion
26(43%)
Repayment
49(73%)
Franklin UniversityPrivate Nonprofit - Columbus, OH
37
Poor Value
Earnings
33(0.17x)
Payback
40(14.3 yr)
Debt/Earn
75(0.49)
Completion
1(11%)
Repayment
19(62%)

The Financial Comparison

Good news if you're stuck between them: Southern New Hampshire University and Franklin University come out about even on financial return. Southern New Hampshire University scores 37/100 and Franklin University scores 37/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.

Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Franklin University runs $25,243 a year against $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University - $11,465 more a year, or about $45,860 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Franklin University graduates earn a median $51,892 against $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. The cost earns itself back in 18.7 years at Southern New Hampshire University and 14.3 years at Franklin University.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Franklin University owing a median $20,836 versus $21,082 at Southern New Hampshire University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 and 0.49 - 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

MetricSouthern New Hampshire Un...Franklin University
Cost
In-State Tuition$17,200$9,577
Out-of-State Tuition$17,200$9,577
Net Price (avg)$36,708$25,243
Total 4-Year Cost$146,832$100,972
Outcomes
Median Earnings (6yr)$43,300$42,600
Median Earnings (10yr)$50,318$51,892
Graduation Rate42.8%11.1%
Payback Period18.7 yr14.3 yr
Debt
Median Debt$21,082$20,836
Monthly Payment$224$221
Debt-to-Earnings0.490.49
3yr Repayment Rate73.1%61.5%
5yr Repayment Rate65.1%46.6%
Admissions
Acceptance Rate99.5%N/A
Enrollment163,1645,562

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.

Family IncomeSouthern New Hampshi...Franklin University
$0-$30,000$36,441$24,968
$30,001-$48,000$36,536$25,876
$48,001-$75,000$36,641$24,690
$75,001-$110,000$37,704$25,389
$110,001+$38,025$29,964

Earnings by Major - Head to Head

Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.

MajorSouthern New Hampshi...Franklin University
Computer Science$115,259$111,131
Management Information Systems$86,882$99,898
Computer and Information Sciences$81,533$77,175
Finance and Financial Management$81,489$73,574
Business Administration, Management, and Operations$75,423$68,306
Accounting$70,181$65,816
Marketing$66,094$57,398
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication$59,801$64,101
Health and Medical Administrative Services$63,292$57,702
Design and Applied Arts$51,370$61,736
Criminal Justice and Corrections$61,027$58,747
Kinesiology and Exercise Science$54,407$42,597

ROI Sub-Score Breakdown

ComponentSouthern New Hampshi...Franklin University
Earnings Premium (30%)1933
Payback Period (25%)2840
Debt / Earnings (20%)7675
Completion Rate (15%)261
Repayment Rate (10%)4919
Overall ROI Score3737
Poor Value

The Verdict

It's close. Southern New Hampshire University edges out Franklin University by 0 points (37 vs 37), 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.

Want to personalize these numbers?

The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.

37

Southern New Hampshire University

Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown

37

Franklin University

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.