Head-to-Head Comparison
Rutgers University-New Brunswick vs Southern New Hampshire University
- Rutgers University-New Wins
- 18
- Tied
- 15
- Southern New Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $24,406 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, Rutgers University-New Brunswick delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $74,479 at ten years.
45 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Rutgers University-New
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $74,479 ten years after enrollment, 48% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $24,406, roughly $12,302 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 58% 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?
Rutgers University-New 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $74,479 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Rutgers University-New Brunswick over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $24,406 vs $36,708.
Pick Rutgers University-New Brunswick over Southern New Hampshire University. 84% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is the harder admit. It takes 58% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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, Rutgers University-New Brunswick comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $24,406, about $12,302 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 $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $49,208 before any change in aid. Choosing Rutgers University-New Brunswick leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates report median earnings of $74,479, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 48% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rutgers University-New Brunswick has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 48% 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
Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates a larger share of its students, 84% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Rutgers University-New Brunswick to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Rutgers University-New Brunswick concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, 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
No strong negative signals — Rutgers University-New competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,708 runs well above Rutgers University-New Brunswick's $24,406.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Rutgers University-New Brunswick's 37,751.
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
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ · Public
With an enrollment of over 37,000 students, Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a great fit for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. The school stands out for its strong programs in Business and Marketing, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Professions, and Biology. If you're looking to dive into a field with solid job prospects and a supportive academic community, this could be your place.
When we look at what happens after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates earn an average of $74,479 within a decade of finishing their degrees. That’s a solid return on investment, especially when you consider the affordability of Rutgers. The net price after financial aid is $24,406, which is reasonable given the earning potential. This environment supports students not just in their studies, but in launching successful careers.
Now, let’s talk about the practical side of things. With a median debt of $21,500, students often leave with manageable loans, especially if they utilize financial aid options. The blend of affordability and strong career outcomes suggests that students who put in the effort here tend to thrive, especially those who are driven and engaged. If you're ready to take on challenges and make the most of your education, Rutgers can be a great stepping stone to your 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 Best Online Bachelor's in English ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 19% of Rutgers University-New'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 Rutgers University-New) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Rutgers University-New Brunswick is strongest in Health Professions, Engineering, 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Southern New Hampshire University?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is harder to get into, admitting 58% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Southern New Hampshire University?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is more affordable, with an average net price of $24,406 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn more: median earnings of $74,479 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Southern New Hampshire University?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 44%.
Should you choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick or Southern New Hampshire University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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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