Southern New Hampshire University vs Liberty 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.
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 28/100, a 9-point edge over Liberty 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, Liberty University runs $29,357 a year against $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University - $7,351 more a year, or about $29,404 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn a median $50,318 against $44,813 at Liberty University. The cost earns itself back in 18.7 years at Southern New Hampshire University and 26.2 years at Liberty University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Southern New Hampshire University owing a median $21,082 versus $24,500 at Liberty University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 and 0.68 - 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... | 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 the clearly stronger ROI here (37 vs 28) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if Liberty University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap 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.