Head-to-Head Comparison
Brown University vs Southern New Hampshire University
- Brown Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 20
- Southern New Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Brown University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $25,184 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, Brown University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Brown University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brown
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment, 86% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $25,184, roughly $11,524 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,428, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 5% 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?
Brown graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (25% 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 Brown University over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Brown University over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $25,184 vs $36,708.
Pick Southern New Hampshire University over Brown University. 1.4% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Pick Brown University over Southern New Hampshire University. 96% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brown University and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but Brown 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
Brown University is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Brown 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, Brown University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $25,184, about $11,524 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of Brown University also borrow less: median debt of $11,428, against $21,082.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $46,096 before any change in aid. Choosing Brown University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Brown University graduates report median earnings of $93,487, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 86% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brown University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 86% 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
Brown University graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 52% 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 Brown University, it is 1.4%. Brown University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 11.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.6%.
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 Brown 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
Brown University is harder to get into, with a 5% 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. Brown University 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
- Business and consulting-track students: Brown University 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 Brown University's $25,184.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,082, against $11,428 at Brown University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Brown University's 7,226.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Brown 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
Brown University
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Brown University in Providence, RI, is a selective option that attracts students driven to excel academically and personally. It’s a place for those who thrive in a collaborative environment and are eager to dive into programs like Social Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Mathematics, and Engineering. The high graduation rate of 96% speaks to the strong support system in place, making it a solid choice for ambitious students.
After graduation, Brown alumni see impressive earning potential, with a median income of $93,487 ten years post-graduation. This financial trajectory suggests that graduates are not just securing jobs, but often moving into roles that reward their hard work. While this school may come with a price tag, the outcomes reflect a community that values education and shapes successful careers.
When it comes to the finances, the net price after aid stands at $25,184, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $11,428. This is encouraging, especially for students who may be concerned about student loans. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated and ready to engage deeply with their studies, taking full advantage of the opportunities that come their way.
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
Brown University is featured on the Best Colleges in Rhode Island ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Brown's top program is Sociology (25% 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 Brown) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brown University is strongest in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Mathematics & Statistics, while Southern New Hampshire University concentrates in Business & Marketing, 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 Brown University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Brown University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Brown University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Brown University is more affordable, with an average net price of $25,184 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Brown University or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
Brown University graduates earn more: median earnings of $93,487 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brown University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Brown University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 44%.
Brown 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 1.4%.
Should you choose Brown University or Southern New Hampshire University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Brown 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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