Head-to-Head Comparison
Fordham University vs Southern New Hampshire University
- Fordham Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 12
- Southern New Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Southern New Hampshire University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Fordham University achieves a higher graduation rate (81% vs 44%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $44,338 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.
45 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Fordham
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, 70% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Higher grad rate: 81% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 59% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Southern New
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,708, roughly $7,630 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,082, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fordham graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (19% 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 Fordham University over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Southern New Hampshire University over Fordham University. Net price $36,708 vs $44,338.
Pick Fordham University over Southern New Hampshire University. 4% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Pick Fordham University over Southern New Hampshire University. 81% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fordham University and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but Fordham University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Fordham University is the harder admit. It takes 59% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Fordham 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 $7,630 a year below Fordham University's $44,338. Graduates of Southern New Hampshire University also borrow less: median debt of $21,082, against $24,300.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $30,520 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, Fordham University graduates report median earnings of $85,569, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 70% advantage. Set against borrowing, Fordham University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 70% 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
Fordham University graduates a larger share of its students, 81% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 37% 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
Fordham University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4%; at Southern New Hampshire University, it is 1.4%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Fordham 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 Southern New Hampshire University to keep costs and debt down; pick Fordham University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Southern New Hampshire University saves about $7,630 a year, yet Fordham University graduates earn $35,251 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. Fordham University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, 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
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $44,338 runs well above Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,300, against $21,082 at Southern New Hampshire University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Fordham University's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Fordham University's 10,512.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 1 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
Fordham University
Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 10,500 students, Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, caters to those who are serious about their education and looking for a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 59% suggests that while it's competitive, many students have the chance to join a community that values diverse perspectives. Popular areas of study include Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Psychology, and Communications, making it an attractive choice for students pursuing both practical and theoretical knowledge.
After graduation, alumni can expect to earn an average of $85,569 within ten years, which reflects the solid grounding they receive in their respective fields. While the details on mobility and economic connectedness aren’t available, it’s clear that a Fordham degree can open doors for many students. The affordability aspect is also worth noting, as it allows for a good return on investment, especially when considering the earnings potential.
The net price after aid stands at $44,338, and with a median debt of $24,300, many graduates find themselves in a manageable financial situation as they start their careers. Students who thrive here tend to be those who actively engage with the community, seek out internships, and take advantage of networking opportunities. Fordham’s supportive environment encourages personal and professional growth, making it a solid choice for those ready to invest in their future.
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
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 19% of Fordham's student body and 35% of Southern New's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Fordham) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fordham University is strongest in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Communications, 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 Fordham University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Fordham University is harder to get into, admitting 59% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Fordham University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Southern New Hampshire University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,708 after aid versus $44,338 at Fordham University.
Do Fordham University or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
Fordham University graduates earn more: median earnings of $85,569 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fordham University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Fordham University has the higher graduation rate, 81% versus 44%.
Fordham University vs Southern New Hampshire University: which is better for social mobility?
Fordham University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4% versus 1.4%.
Should you choose Fordham 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 Fordham 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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