Head-to-Head Comparison
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia vs Southern New Hampshire University
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
- Saint Joseph's Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 13
- Southern New Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $29,689 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $86,881 at ten years.
42 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Saint Joseph's
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment, 73% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $29,689, roughly $7,019 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 79% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 89% 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?
Saint Joseph's graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (39% 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $29,689 vs $36,708.
Pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia over Southern New Hampshire University. 79% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia and Southern New Hampshire University are close on paper, but Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia is the harder admit. It takes 89% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $29,689, about $7,019 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 $25,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $28,076 before any change in aid. Choosing Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates report median earnings of $86,881, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 73% advantage. Set against borrowing, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 73% 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
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates a larger share of its students, 79% 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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. Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, 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
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,500, against $21,082 at Southern New Hampshire University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,708 runs well above Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's 4,948.
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
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia is a welcoming space for those looking to balance solid academics with a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 89% suggests that we can expect a diverse group of students, many of whom are drawn to popular programs in Business and Marketing, Health Professions, Biology, Education, and Social Sciences. This mix means you'll find a community where collaboration and support thrive, making it a good fit if you're looking to dive deep into any of these fields.
Looking ahead, graduates from Saint Joseph's can anticipate a promising financial future. On average, alumni earn about $86,881 a decade after completing their studies, which is a solid return on investment considering the cost of education. Affordability is also a key factor here; the net price after aid stands at $29,689, and while some students do take on debt, with a median of $25,500, the earnings potential can help ease that burden for many.
In practical terms, students who tend to thrive at Saint Joseph's often embrace the collaborative atmosphere and are eager to engage with the community. The university supports a range of financial aid options, though it's worth noting that only 20% of students receive Pell Grants, meaning there’s a diverse economic mix on campus. This environment can be especially beneficial for those who are proactive about their education and seek to leverage the school's resources to create their own opportunities.
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 39% of Saint Joseph's's student body and 35% of Southern New's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Saint Joseph's) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New).
The two schools feed different job markets. Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia is strongest in Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, 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.
Saint Joseph's
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or Southern New Hampshire University?
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia is harder to get into, admitting 89% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or Southern New Hampshire University?
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia is more affordable, with an average net price of $29,689 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn more?
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn more: median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or Southern New Hampshire University?
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia has the higher graduation rate, 79% versus 44%.
Should you choose Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or Southern New Hampshire University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Saint Joseph's and Southern New stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.