Head-to-Head Comparison
Northeastern University vs Southern New Hampshire University
- Northeastern Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 20
- Southern New Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Northeastern University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $30,915 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, Northeastern University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Northeastern University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $92,538 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Northeastern
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment, 84% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $30,915, roughly $5,793 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 90% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Southern New
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,082, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Northeastern graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (21% 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 Northeastern University over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Northeastern University over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $30,915 vs $36,708.
Pick Northeastern University over Southern New Hampshire University. 2.4% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Pick Northeastern University over Southern New Hampshire University. 90% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Northeastern University and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but Northeastern 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
Northeastern 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, Northeastern 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, Northeastern University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $30,915, about $5,793 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of Southern New Hampshire University also borrow less: median debt of $21,082, against $24,250.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $23,172 before any change in aid. Choosing Northeastern University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Northeastern University graduates report median earnings of $92,538, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 84% advantage. Set against borrowing, Northeastern University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 84% 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
Northeastern University graduates a larger share of its students, 90% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 47% 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
Northeastern University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.4%; 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, Northeastern 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 Northeastern 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. Northeastern 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
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $24,250, against $21,082 at Southern New Hampshire University.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,708 runs well above Northeastern University's $30,915.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Northeastern University's 17,326.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Northeastern 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
Northeastern University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
Northeastern University in Boston is an excellent fit for students who are driven and ready to engage in a highly competitive academic environment. With an acceptance rate of just 5%, it attracts those who excel in their studies and seek a dynamic campus experience. Students here often dive into popular programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. This variety allows for a rich educational experience and a chance to connect with peers across different fields.
Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn an average of $92,538 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure highlights the potential for upward mobility, especially considering the strong graduation rate of 90%. While affordability can be a concern for many students, the financial landscape here is manageable, with a net price of $30,915 after aid. This balance between cost and earning potential is a significant advantage for graduates.
When it comes to practical considerations, the typical debt load for students at Northeastern is around $24,250. This is relatively low compared to their earning potential, making it easier for graduates to pay off loans while enjoying their careers. The environment here tends to suit those who are ambitious and ready to take advantage of the university's extensive resources and networking opportunities. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting and values real-world experience alongside academic rigor, Northeastern could be a great choice for you.
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 21% of Northeastern'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 Northeastern) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Northeastern 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 Northeastern University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Northeastern University is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Northeastern University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Northeastern University is more affordable, with an average net price of $30,915 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Northeastern University or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
Northeastern University graduates earn more: median earnings of $92,538 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Northeastern University or Southern New Hampshire University?
Northeastern University has the higher graduation rate, 90% versus 44%.
Northeastern University vs Southern New Hampshire University: which is better for social mobility?
Northeastern University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.4% versus 1.4%.
Should you choose Northeastern University or Southern New Hampshire University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Northeastern 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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