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Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH·Private nonprofit·156,755 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want a major research university experience. freshman retention is below 65%. a private nonprofit school with 156,755 students.

96%
Accept
156,755
Students
$33,742
Net Price
45%
Grad Rate
$50,200
Earnings
10 yr
$9,169
Debt

About This School

Southern New Hampshire University is a private nonprofit institution located in Manchester, New Hampshire with approximately 156,755 undergraduate students enrolled. Southern New Hampshire University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 96%. The average net price after financial aid is $33,742 per year. The graduation rate is 45%, and the typical graduate earns $50,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university in Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire, United States. The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, along with national accreditation for some hospitality, health, education and business degrees. It is one of the fastest-growing universities nationwide with 170,000 online students and 3,000 on campus.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: while median debt at graduation is impressively low at just $9,169 and the open-door 96% acceptance rate makes it genuinely accessible, only 45% of students actually finish — meaning there's a real risk of paying without earning the degree. This is worth considering if you're a motivated, self-directed learner drawn to online flexibility, but the 60% freshman retention rate suggests many students struggle to stay engaged, so be honest with yourself about whether you thrive without a traditional campus structure.

Founded
1932
Setting
Midsize suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing35%
Psychology12%
Computer Science10%
Health Professions9%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
English3%
Communications2%
Social Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Samia Suluhu HassanTyrone MearsDean SewellPeter HollandElaine Duke

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$16,450
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,450
Avg Net Price
$33,742
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants47%
Median debt at graduation$9,169

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
45%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
60%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$9,169
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$9,169
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$43,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 5.5x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White52%
Black18%
Hispanic/Latino14%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (156,755 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Southern New Hampshire University

2500 North River Road

Manchester, NH 03106-1045

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New Hampshire

Browse all New Hampshire schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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