Head-to-Head Comparison
Drexel University vs Southern New Hampshire University
- Drexel Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 21
- Southern New Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Southern New Hampshire University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Drexel University achieves a higher graduation rate (78% vs 44%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $38,509 compared to Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Southern New Hampshire University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
51 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Drexel
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,648 ten years after enrollment, 68% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Higher grad rate: 78% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 79% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Southern New
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,708, roughly $1,801 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,082, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Drexel graduates concentrate in Health Professions (18% 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 Drexel University over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $84,648 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Southern New Hampshire University over Drexel University. Net price $36,708 vs $38,509.
Pick Drexel University over Southern New Hampshire University. 78% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Drexel University and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but Drexel University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Drexel University is the harder admit. It takes 79% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Drexel 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, Southern New Hampshire University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $36,708, about $1,801 a year below Drexel University's $38,509. Graduates of Southern New Hampshire University also borrow less: median debt of $21,082, against $25,325.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $7,204 before any change in aid. Choosing Southern New Hampshire University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Drexel University graduates report median earnings of $84,648, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 68% advantage. Set against borrowing, Drexel University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.3x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 68% 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
Drexel University graduates a larger share of its students, 78% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 34% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Southern New Hampshire University to keep costs and debt down; pick Drexel University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Southern New Hampshire University saves about $1,801 a year, yet Drexel University graduates earn $34,330 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Drexel University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, 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
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,325, against $21,082 at Southern New Hampshire University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Drexel University's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Drexel University has less business program depth, and Southern New Hampshire University offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Drexel University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Drexel University's 13,233.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Southern New offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Drexel 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) 3 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
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With over 13,200 students, Drexel University is a great fit for those seeking a hands-on educational experience, particularly in fields like Engineering, Health Professions, and Business & Marketing. The university's acceptance rate of 79% suggests a welcoming environment, which can be reassuring for students looking for a place where they can thrive academically. Many students appreciate the strong focus on experiential learning, including co-op programs that allow them to gain real-world experience while they study.
After graduation, students from Drexel can expect impressive earning potential, with graduates reporting a median income of $84,648 ten years after completing their degree. This financial outcome is particularly appealing, given how many graduates find themselves in well-paying fields. Affordability is a significant factor too, with a net price of $38,509 after aid, making it accessible for many families. Although the Pell Grant rate sits at 27%, it reflects the university’s commitment to supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds.
When considering the practical aspects, Drexel’s median debt of $25,325 is relatively manageable, especially when balanced against the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those ready to engage fully in their education, taking advantage of the co-op experiences and networking opportunities available. This proactive approach can really pay off, leading to successful careers and a solid return on investment for their education.
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
Drexel's top program is Nursing (BSN) (18% 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 Drexel) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Drexel University is strongest in Health Professions, Engineering, Visual & Performing Arts, 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 Drexel University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Drexel University is harder to get into, admitting 79% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Drexel University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Southern New Hampshire University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,708 after aid versus $38,509 at Drexel University.
Do Drexel University or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
Drexel University graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,648 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Drexel University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Drexel University has the higher graduation rate, 78% versus 44%.
Should you choose Drexel University or Southern New Hampshire University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Southern New Hampshire University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Drexel University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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