Head-to-Head Comparison
Barnard College vs Southern New Hampshire University
- Barnard Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 16
- Southern New Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Barnard College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,800 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, Barnard College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Barnard College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Barnard
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $80,516 ten years after enrollment, 60% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,800, roughly $7,908 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.5%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Southern New
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Barnard graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (29% of degrees); Southern New in Business & Marketing (35%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Barnard College over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $80,516 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Barnard College over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $28,800 vs $36,708.
Pick Barnard College over Southern New Hampshire University. 3.5% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Pick Barnard College over Southern New Hampshire University. 93% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Barnard College and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but Barnard College wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Barnard College is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Barnard College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Barnard College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,800, about $7,908 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of Barnard College also borrow less: median debt of $18,000, against $21,082.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $31,632 before any change in aid. Choosing Barnard College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Barnard College graduates report median earnings of $80,516, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 60% advantage. Set against borrowing, Barnard College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.22x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 60% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Barnard College graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 49% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Barnard College does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.5%; at Southern New Hampshire University, it is 1.4%. Barnard College also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Barnard College offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Barnard College to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Barnard College concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while Southern New Hampshire University leans toward Business & Marketing, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Barnard College's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Barnard College has less business program depth, and Southern New Hampshire University offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,708 runs well above Barnard College's $28,800.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,082, against $18,000 at Barnard College.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Barnard College's 3,264.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Barnard offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Southern New does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 1 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Barnard College
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 9%, Barnard College attracts a driven and academically ambitious group of students. It's a great fit for those who are passionate about the liberal arts and sciences, and you’ll find a vibrant selection of programs here, including Social Sciences, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, and the Visual and Performing Arts. The close-knit community in the heart of New York City offers a unique blend of rigorous academics and cultural experiences.
After graduation, Barnard alumni see impressive earnings, with a median income of $80,516 after ten years. This level of financial success is a clear indicator of the value of a Barnard degree in today’s job market. The school’s strong graduation rate of 93% speaks volumes about student support and engagement, making it likely that graduates will find their footing in a competitive landscape.
In terms of affordability, the net price after aid stands at $28,800, which is manageable given the potential earning power of graduates. With a median debt of $18,000, students tend to graduate with a reasonable financial burden. Those who thrive here are often those who are not only academically inclined but also eager to engage with the diverse opportunities the city has to offer, making Barnard a launching pad for future success.
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 163,000 students, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a place where a diverse range of learners can thrive, particularly those pursuing degrees in Business & Marketing, Psychology, Computer Science & IT, Humanities, and Health Professions. The school's 100% acceptance rate opens the door for many, creating an inclusive atmosphere. This setup is ideal for students looking for flexibility in their education, whether they’re fresh out of high school or returning to school after some time away.
After graduation, students at SNHU can expect to earn around $50,318 within a decade, which is a decent starting point for many. This aligns well with the school's focus on practical, career-oriented programs. While the graduation rate sits at 44%, those who complete their degrees are often better positioned for upward mobility in the job market, especially in fields like business and technology. The affordability factor plays a role here, too, as nearly half of the students receive Pell Grants, which can make a significant difference in financing education.
When it comes to the cost of attending SNHU, the net price is approximately $36,708 after financial aid, which can seem daunting at first glance. However, the median debt upon graduation is $21,082, a figure that many find manageable in the context of their potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those looking for a supportive environment and a clear path to career opportunities, making it a solid choice for individuals ready to invest in their future.
Rankings They Appear On
Southern New Hampshire University is featured on the Largest Colleges in America ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Barnard's top program is Sociology (29% of enrollment), while Southern New leads with Business Administration (35%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Barnard) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Barnard College is strongest in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while Southern New Hampshire University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Humanities. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Barnard College or Southern New Hampshire University?
Barnard College is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Barnard College or Southern New Hampshire University?
Barnard College is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,800 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Barnard College or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
Barnard College graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,516 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Barnard College or Southern New Hampshire University?
Barnard College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 44%.
Barnard College vs Southern New Hampshire University: which is better for social mobility?
Barnard College is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.5% versus 1.4%.
Should you choose Barnard College or Southern New Hampshire University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Barnard College if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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