Head-to-Head Comparison
George Washington University vs Southern New Hampshire University
- George Washington Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 18
- Southern New Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Washington University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $36,586 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, George Washington University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, George Washington University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
George Washington
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, 81% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,586, roughly $122 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 85% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 47% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Southern New
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Washington graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% 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 George Washington University over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick George Washington University over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $36,586 vs $36,708.
Pick George Washington University over Southern New Hampshire University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Pick George Washington University over Southern New Hampshire University. 85% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
George Washington University and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but George Washington University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
George Washington University is the harder admit. It takes 47% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, George Washington 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, George Washington University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $36,586, about $122 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $21,082.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $488 before any change in aid. Choosing George Washington University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, George Washington University graduates report median earnings of $90,873, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 81% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Washington University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 81% 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
George Washington University graduates a larger share of its students, 85% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 41% 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
George Washington University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; 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 5.1%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, George Washington 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 George Washington 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. George Washington University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Health Professions, 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 George Washington 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 George Washington University's 11,182.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
George Washington 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) 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
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
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
George Washington's top program is Sociology (33% of enrollment), while Southern New leads with Business Administration (35%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Washington University is strongest in Social Sciences, Health Professions, while Southern New Hampshire University concentrates in Computer Science & IT, 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.
George Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into George Washington University or Southern New Hampshire University?
George Washington University is harder to get into, admitting 47% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, George Washington University or Southern New Hampshire University?
George Washington University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,586 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do George Washington University or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Washington University or Southern New Hampshire University?
George Washington University has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 44%.
George Washington University vs Southern New Hampshire University: which is better for social mobility?
George Washington University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.4%.
Should you choose George Washington University or Southern New Hampshire University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Washington 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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