Southern New Hampshire University: Programs, Cost & Outcomes (2026)

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution based in Manchester, NH. Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), SNHU has grown into one of the largest online universities in the United States with 163,164 students enrolled. The university offers more than 200 online degree programs across business, technology, education, criminal justice, psychology, liberal arts, and nursing.

At a Glance

Cost and Financial Aid

Published tuition at SNHU is $17,200 per year (same rate for in-state and out-of-state students). However, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $36,708 per year — reflecting additional fees and the cost of full-time enrollment.

49% of SNHU students receive Federal Pell Grants, and 58% take out federal student loans. Median graduate debt at SNHU is $21,082.

Net Price by Family Income

The actual cost varies significantly based on household income. The table below shows the average annual net price for full-time, first-time students by income bracket.

Use the EFC Calculator to estimate your Student Aid Index and see what grants you may qualify for at SNHU.

Student Outcomes

SNHU graduates earn a median salary of $50,318 ten years after enrollment. At the six-year mark, median earnings are $41,945.

ROI Snapshot

With median debt of $21,082 and median 10-year earnings of $50,318, SNHU graduates earn roughly $2.39 for every $1 of debt they carry at graduation. For students in higher-earning fields like technology or business, the return may be considerably better. Use the ROI Calculator to model your personal scenario.

Programs

SNHU offers programs across 7 major fields. Below is a complete listing of available programs by department.

Business and Management

Degree levels: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s

• A.S. Business Administration
• B.S. Business Administration
• B.S. Accounting
• B.S. Finance
• B.S. Marketing
• MBA
• M.S. Accounting

200+ online programs; founded 1932 as accounting school; recognized leader in business education.

Technology and Computer Science

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.S. Computer Science
• B.S. Cybersecurity
• B.S. Information Technology
• B.S. Software Engineering
• B.S. Data Analytics
• M.S. Information Technology
• M.S. Cybersecurity

NSA/DHS designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense; STEM programs available.

Education and Teaching

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.A. Elementary Education
• M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
• M.Ed. Educational Leadership

State licensure programs available in select states.

Criminal Justice

Degree levels: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s

• A.S. Criminal Justice
• B.S. Criminal Justice
• M.S. Criminal Justice

Affordable, accredited programs for law enforcement, security, and corrections.

Psychology and Counseling

Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s

• B.A. Psychology
• M.S. Mental Health Counseling
• M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Liberal Arts and Humanities

Degree levels: Associate, Bachelor’s

• A.A. Liberal Arts
• B.A. English Language and Literature
• B.A. Communication
• B.A. History

Nursing and Healthcare

Degree levels: Bachelor’s

• B.S. Nursing (RN-to-BSN)

CCNE accredited; healthcare administration programs also available.

Who SNHU Is Best For

SNHU’s open-admission policy (99.5% acceptance rate), flat tuition rate, and broad program catalog make it a strong fit for working adults who need scheduling flexibility and a wide selection of degree fields. The high Pell Grant rate (49%) indicates that SNHU serves a substantial population of students with financial need — and the university’s aid office is experienced in helping those students navigate federal aid.

Students who value competency-based pacing or industry certifications bundled into tuition should also compare Western Governors University, which offers a different pricing model at $8,658 per year.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Program availability and costs are subject to change. Contact Southern New Hampshire University directly for the most current information.