Head-to-Head Comparison
Lehigh University vs Southern New Hampshire University
- Lehigh Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 20
- Southern New Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Southern New Hampshire University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Lehigh University achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 44%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $36,931 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.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Lehigh
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, 110% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.9%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 26% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Southern New
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,708, roughly $223 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,082, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Lehigh graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (23% 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 Lehigh University over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Southern New Hampshire University over Lehigh University. Net price $36,708 vs $36,931.
Pick Lehigh University over Southern New Hampshire University. 1.9% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Pick Lehigh University over Southern New Hampshire University. 89% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Lehigh University and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but Lehigh 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
Lehigh University is the harder admit. It takes 26% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Lehigh 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 $223 a year below Lehigh University's $36,931. Graduates of Southern New Hampshire University also borrow less: median debt of $21,082, against $21,960.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $892 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, Lehigh University graduates report median earnings of $105,584, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 110% advantage. Set against borrowing, Lehigh University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 110% 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
Lehigh University graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 45% 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
Lehigh University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.9%; 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 3.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Lehigh 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 Lehigh 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 $223 a year, yet Lehigh University graduates earn $55,266 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. Lehigh University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while Southern New Hampshire University leans toward 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 Lehigh University's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
- Engineering-focused students: Lehigh University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Lehigh University's 5,898.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Lehigh 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
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit
Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, is a great fit for students who are looking for a balance of academic rigor and a vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 26%, it attracts motivated individuals who are interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. The strong emphasis on these programs means students can expect a well-rounded education that prepares them for today’s job market.
After graduation, Lehigh alumni see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $105,584 just ten years post-degree. This figure highlights the university's strong return on investment for graduates, especially in high-demand fields. While the affordability of higher education is a concern for many, the net price here is $36,931 after financial aid, making it a manageable option for those willing to invest in their future.
On the financial side, graduates typically carry a median debt of $21,960, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load means that many students can thrive here, particularly those who are proactive about their education and take advantage of the resources available. Lehigh is especially welcoming to students who are ready to engage deeply with both their studies and the community.
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 23% of Lehigh'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 Lehigh) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Lehigh University is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, 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 Lehigh University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Lehigh University is harder to get into, admitting 26% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Lehigh University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Southern New Hampshire University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,708 after aid versus $36,931 at Lehigh University.
Do Lehigh University or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
Lehigh University graduates earn more: median earnings of $105,584 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Lehigh University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 44%.
Lehigh University vs Southern New Hampshire University: which is better for social mobility?
Lehigh University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.9% versus 1.4%.
Should you choose Lehigh 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 Lehigh 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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