Head-to-Head Comparison
Southern New Hampshire University vs Stevens Institute of Technology
- Southern New Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 15
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Southern New Hampshire University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Stevens Institute of Technology achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 44%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $41,346 compared to Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. 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.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Southern New
- Lower cost: Average net price of $36,708, roughly $4,638 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,082, the lower of the two
Stevens Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, 116% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 48% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Southern New graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (35% of degrees); Stevens Technology in Engineering (45%). 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 Stevens Institute of Technology over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Southern New Hampshire University over Stevens Institute of Technology. Net price $36,708 vs $41,346.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Southern New Hampshire University. 4.3% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Southern New Hampshire University. 88% completion rate vs 44%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Southern New Hampshire University and Stevens Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Stevens Institute of Technology 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
Stevens Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 48% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Stevens 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 $4,638 a year below Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346. Graduates of Southern New Hampshire University also borrow less: median debt of $21,082, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $18,552 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, Stevens Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $108,772, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 116% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stevens Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 116% 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
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 44% 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
Stevens Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4.3%; at Southern New Hampshire University, it is 1.4%. Stevens Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stevens Institute of Technology 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 Stevens Institute of Technology 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 $4,638 a year, yet Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn $58,454 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. Southern New Hampshire University concentrates enrollment in Psychology, while Stevens Institute of Technology leans toward Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Stevens 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 Stevens Institute of Technology's 4,222.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,346 runs well above Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $21,082 at Southern New Hampshire University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stevens Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Southern New Hampshire University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Stevens Technology 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) 4 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
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.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
Rankings They Appear On
Southern New Hampshire University is featured on the Largest Colleges in America ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Southern New's top program is Business Administration (35% of enrollment), while Stevens Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (45%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stevens Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Southern New Hampshire University is strongest in Psychology, Humanities, while Stevens Institute of Technology concentrates in Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Southern New Hampshire University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Stevens Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 48% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Southern New Hampshire University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Southern New Hampshire University is more affordable, with an average net price of $36,708 after aid versus $41,346 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Do Southern New Hampshire University or Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Southern New Hampshire University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Stevens Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 44%.
Southern New Hampshire University vs Stevens Institute of Technology: which is better for social mobility?
Stevens Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4.3% versus 1.4%.
Should you choose Southern New Hampshire University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Southern New Hampshire University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Stevens 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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