Southern New Hampshire University vs Liberty University
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 9-point ROI advantage over Liberty University, scoring 37/100 versus 28/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Liberty University comes in at $29,357 per year (net price after aid) versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University - a difference of $7,351 annually, or roughly $29,404 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn a median of $50,318 compared to $44,813 at Liberty University. The payback period is 18.7 years at Southern New Hampshire University versus 26.2 years at Liberty University.
Graduates leave Southern New Hampshire University with a median $21,082 in debt versus $24,500 at Liberty University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 and 0.68 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Southern New Hampshire Un... | Liberty University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $17,200 | $22,465 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $17,200 | $22,465 |
| Net Price (avg) | $36,708 | $29,357 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $146,832 | $117,428 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,300 | $35,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $50,318 | $44,813 |
| Graduation Rate | 42.8% | 65.3% |
| Payback Period | 18.7 yr | 26.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,082 | $24,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $224 | $260 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.49 | 0.68 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 73.1% | 61.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 65.1% | 44.7% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 99.5% | 99.0% |
| Enrollment | 163,164 | 50,012 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Southern New Hampshi... | Liberty University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $36,441 | $30,667 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $36,536 | $27,807 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $36,641 | $27,347 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $37,704 | $27,142 |
| $110,001+ | $38,025 | $30,545 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Southern New Hampshi... | Liberty University |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $98,032 | $82,883 |
| Management Information Systems | $86,882 | $84,228 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $81,533 | $82,116 |
| Mathematics | $68,414 | $81,095 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,423 | $67,269 |
| Accounting | $70,181 | $63,307 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $66,656 | $45,257 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $63,292 | $58,969 |
| International Relations | $62,387 | $56,550 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $61,027 | $61,715 |
| Public Health | $58,520 | $48,926 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $54,407 | $51,061 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $51,370 | $47,797 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $50,871 | $43,025 |
| Social Sciences, General | $50,491 | $41,811 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Southern New Hampshi... | Liberty University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 19 | 16 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 28 | 20 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 76 | 32 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 26 | 69 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 49 | 19 |
| Overall ROI Score | 37 | 28 |
The Verdict
Southern New Hampshire University has a meaningfully higher ROI score (37 vs 28). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if Liberty University offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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Southern New Hampshire University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Liberty 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.