Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire · Private Nonprofit · 99.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 37/100 · Poor Value
Southern New Hampshire University
Poor ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $17,200/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $17,200/yr |
| Average net price | $36,708/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $146,832 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,318 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $43,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,082 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $224 |
| Estimated payback period | 18.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 42.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 163,164 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $36,441 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $36,536 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $36,641 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $37,704 |
| $110,001+ | $38,025 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Southern New Hampshire University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,423 | C+ |
| Psychology | $49,769 | D |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $66,656 | C+ |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $63,292 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $61,027 | C |
| Accounting | $70,181 | C |
| Design and Applied Arts | $51,370 | D |
| Computer Science | $115,259 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $98,032 | B |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $81,533 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Southern New Hampshire University is $17,200/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $36,708/year, or roughly $146,832 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $36,441/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $38,025/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,082 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $224 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $50,318 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.49 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 69.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 73.1% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 65.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 72.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 99.5% |
| Enrollment | 163,164 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 48.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,805 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University (this school) | 37 | $36,708 | $50,318 |
| Dartmouth College | 95 | $29,519 | $97,434 |
| Western Governors University | 75 | $12,548 | $60,615 |
| Franklin University | 37 | $25,243 | $51,892 |
| Colby-Sawyer College | 32 | $27,431 | $46,474 |
| Liberty University | 28 | $29,357 | $44,813 |
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Southern New Hampshire University. With a net cost of $36,708 per year and median graduate earnings of only $50,318 ten years out, the payback period stretches to 18.7 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Key strengths include manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows weak earnings relative to cost and a 42.8% graduation rate and a long payback period.
Median debt of $21,082 against $50,318 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.