Head-to-Head Comparison
Boston University vs Southern New Hampshire University
- Boston Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 20
- Southern New Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Boston University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $24,402 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, Boston University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Boston University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $83,238 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Boston
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $83,238 ten years after enrollment, 65% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $24,402, roughly $12,306 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 11% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Southern New
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,082, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Boston graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (16% 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 Boston University over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $83,238 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Boston University over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $24,402 vs $36,708.
Pick Boston University over Southern New Hampshire University. 2% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Pick Boston University over Southern New Hampshire University. 89% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Boston University and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but Boston University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Boston University is the harder admit. It takes 11% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Boston University 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, Boston University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $24,402, about $12,306 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of Southern New Hampshire University also borrow less: median debt of $21,082, against $23,250.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $49,224 before any change in aid. Choosing Boston University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Boston University graduates report median earnings of $83,238, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 65% advantage. Set against borrowing, Boston University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 65% 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
Boston University graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 46% 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
Boston University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2%; at Southern New Hampshire University, it is 1.4%. Southern New Hampshire University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 4%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Boston University 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 Boston University 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. Boston University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Communications, while Southern New Hampshire University leans toward Computer Science & IT, 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 Boston University's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,708 runs well above Boston University's $24,402.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Boston University's 18,248.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Boston 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 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Boston University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Boston University is a great fit for motivated students who are ready to engage with a vibrant urban campus. It's an appealing choice for those interested in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Communications, Biology & Biomedical, or Computer Science & IT. The school’s diverse offerings attract students who are eager to explore various disciplines and prepare for dynamic careers.
After graduation, students from Boston University can expect to earn an impressive average of $83,238 within a decade. This means graduates are stepping into solid financial footing relatively quickly, which is encouraging for those considering their return on investment. With a graduation rate of 89%, it shows that students not only enroll but also successfully complete their degrees, paving the way for upward mobility in their careers.
When it comes to the practical side of financing your education, the net price after aid stands at approximately $24,402, which is manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $23,250, a figure that many could navigate effectively post-graduation. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are ready to take advantage of Boston’s resources and connections, ultimately setting themselves up for successful futures.
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
Boston University is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Massachusetts ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 16% of Boston's student body and 35% of Southern New's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Boston) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Boston University is strongest in Social Sciences, Communications, Biology & Biomedical, while Southern New Hampshire University concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Psychology, 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 Boston University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Boston University is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Boston University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Boston University is more affordable, with an average net price of $24,402 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Boston University or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
Boston University graduates earn more: median earnings of $83,238 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Boston University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Boston University has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 44%.
Boston University vs Southern New Hampshire University: which is better for social mobility?
Boston University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2% versus 1.4%.
Should you choose Boston University or Southern New Hampshire University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Boston University 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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