Head-to-Head Comparison
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology vs Southern New Hampshire University
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 17
- Southern New Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Southern New Hampshire University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology achieves a higher graduation rate (80% vs 44%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $42,513 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.
47 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Rose-Hulman Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, 101% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Higher grad rate: 80% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 77% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Southern New
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,708, roughly $5,805 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,082, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Rose-Hulman Technology graduates concentrate in Engineering (73% 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Southern New Hampshire University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Net price $36,708 vs $42,513.
Pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over Southern New Hampshire University. 80% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 77% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 $5,805 a year below Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513. Graduates of Southern New Hampshire University also borrow less: median debt of $21,082, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $23,220 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, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $101,253, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 101% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 101% 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
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 80% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 36% 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 $5,805 a year, yet Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn $50,935 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. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, while Southern New Hampshire University leans toward Business & Marketing, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $42,513 runs well above Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,000, against $21,082 at Southern New Hampshire University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Southern New Hampshire University offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Southern New offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Rose-Hulman Technology 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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
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
Rose-Hulman Technology's top program is Mechanical Engineering (73% of enrollment), while Southern New leads with Business Administration (35%).
Rose-Hulman Technology
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rose-Hulman Technology) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is strongest in Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences, while Southern New Hampshire University concentrates in Business & Marketing, 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Southern New Hampshire University?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 77% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Southern New Hampshire University?
Southern New Hampshire University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,708 after aid versus $42,513 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Do Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Southern New Hampshire University?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 80% versus 44%.
Should you choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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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