Head-to-Head Comparison
Brigham Young University vs Southern New Hampshire University
- Brigham Young Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 15
- Southern New Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Brigham Young University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $15,564 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, Brigham Young University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Brigham Young University'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
Brigham Young
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $75,790 ten years after enrollment, 51% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,564, roughly $21,144 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 82% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,069, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 68% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Southern New
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brigham Young graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (17% 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 Brigham Young University over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $75,790 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Brigham Young University over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $15,564 vs $36,708.
Pick Southern New Hampshire University over Brigham Young University. 1.4% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick Brigham Young University over Southern New Hampshire University. 82% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brigham Young University and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but Brigham Young 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
Brigham Young University is the harder admit. It takes 68% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Brigham Young 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, Brigham Young University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,564, about $21,144 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of Brigham Young University also borrow less: median debt of $11,069, against $21,082.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $84,576 before any change in aid. Choosing Brigham Young University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Brigham Young University graduates report median earnings of $75,790, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 51% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brigham Young University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 51% 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
Brigham Young University graduates a larger share of its students, 82% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 38% 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
Southern New Hampshire University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.4%; at Brigham Young University, it is 0.7%. Southern New Hampshire University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Southern New Hampshire 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 Brigham Young University to keep costs and debt down; pick Southern New Hampshire University if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
Brigham Young University is harder to get into, with a 68% admit rate, but Southern New Hampshire University posts the higher mobility rate, at 1.4%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Brigham Young University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, 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 Brigham Young University's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,708 runs well above Brigham Young University's $15,564.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,082, against $11,069 at Brigham Young University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Brigham Young University's 32,952.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Southern New offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Brigham Young 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) 4 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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, is a great fit for students looking for a vibrant campus experience with a strong academic focus. With an acceptance rate of 68%, it welcomes a diverse group of learners. Students here can dive into popular fields like Business and Marketing, Biology, Engineering, and Computer Science, all of which have proven track records. The 82% graduation rate indicates that many students not only enroll but also successfully finish their degrees, which is a solid indicator of support and student satisfaction.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, the financial prospects seem promising. Graduates earn an average of $75,790 within a decade of completing their studies. This suggests that the skills and knowledge gained here can lead to upward mobility in the job market. The affordability of attending BYU is also noteworthy, especially with a net price of $15,564 after aid, making it accessible for a variety of students.
When it comes to managing debt, students graduate with a median debt of $11,069, which is relatively manageable compared to many institutions. This financial landscape allows students to focus on their careers without being overly burdened by loans. Those who thrive here often appreciate the community-oriented environment and the emphasis on values in both academic and personal life.
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
Brigham Young University is featured on the Best Colleges in Utah ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 17% of Brigham Young'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 Brigham Young) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brigham Young University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, while Southern New Hampshire University concentrates in 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 Brigham Young University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Brigham Young University is harder to get into, admitting 68% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Brigham Young University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Brigham Young University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,564 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Brigham Young University or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
Brigham Young University graduates earn more: median earnings of $75,790 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brigham Young University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Brigham Young University has the higher graduation rate, 82% versus 44%.
Brigham Young University vs Southern New Hampshire University: which is better for social mobility?
Southern New Hampshire University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.4% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Brigham Young University or Southern New Hampshire University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Brigham Young University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Southern New Hampshire University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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