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Head-to-Head Comparison

Southern New Hampshire University vs Texas A&M University-College Station

Southern New Wins
10
Tied
15
Texas A&M Wins
20

Direct Answer

For overall financial value, Texas A&M University-College Station offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,315 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, Texas A&M University-College Station delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Texas A&M University-College Station's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.

45 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS

When to Pick Each School

Southern New

No clear advantage detected in core metrics.

Texas A&M

  • Higher earnings: Median earnings of $72,097 ten years after enrollment, 43% more than Southern New Hampshire University
  • Lower cost: Average net price of $21,315, roughly $15,393 a year less
  • Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
  • Less debt: Median debt of $17,804, the lower of the two
  • More selective: Admits 57% 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); Texas A&M in Engineering (17%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.

If you want… Choose
Business & entrepreneurship Southern New
Engineering Texas A&M
Humanities & writing Southern New
Computer science & AI Southern New
Lab & physical sciences Texas A&M
Pre-med & health Texas A&M
Psychology Southern New
Economics & public policy Texas A&M
Law & criminal justice Southern New
Communications & media Texas A&M

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?

Maximizing post-grad earnings → Texas A&M University-College Station

Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $72,097 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.

Keeping costs down → Texas A&M University-College Station

Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $21,315 vs $36,708.

Graduation certainty → Texas A&M University-College Station

Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over Southern New Hampshire University. 84% completion rate vs 44%.

Key Metrics at a Glance

Graduation Rate

44%
Southern New
vs
84%
Texas A&M

Earnings (10yr)

$50,318
Southern New
vs
$72,097
Texas A&M

Avg Net Price

$36,708
Southern New
vs
$21,315
Texas A&M

Median Debt

$21,082
Southern New
vs
$17,804
Texas A&M

The Analysis

Verdict

Southern New Hampshire University and Texas A&M University-College Station are close on paper, but Texas A&M University-College Station 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

Texas A&M University-College Station is the harder admit. It takes 57% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.

So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Texas A&M University-College Station 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, Texas A&M University-College Station comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,315, about $15,393 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of Texas A&M University-College Station also borrow less: median debt of $17,804, against $21,082.

So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $61,572 before any change in aid. Choosing Texas A&M University-College Station leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.

What graduates earn

Ten years after enrollment, Texas A&M University-College Station graduates report median earnings of $72,097, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 43% advantage. Set against borrowing, Texas A&M University-College Station has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.42x.

So what: An earnings gap of 43% 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

Texas A&M University-College Station 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 40% 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 Texas A&M University-College Station 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. Southern New Hampshire University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Psychology, while Texas A&M University-College Station leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Southern New Not for everyone
  • Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,708 runs well above Texas A&M University-College Station's $21,315.
  • Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,082, against $17,804 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
  • Engineering-focused students: Texas A&M University-College Station has the stronger engineering programs.
  • Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Texas A&M University-College Station's 59,615.
Texas A&M Not for everyone
  • STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.

Full Data Breakdown

Inside the admissions office

Texas A&M 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
Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Suburban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Southwest
163,164
Enrollment
59,615
No
HBCU
No
Admissions
4 metrics
100%
Acceptance Rate
57%
SAT Average
1280
ACT Midpoint
28
SAT Range
1150-1400
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set)
4 metrics
Yield Rate
38%
SAT Submitted
77%
ACT Submitted
19%
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Cost & Financial Aid
9 metrics
$17,200
In-State Tuition
$13,154
$17,200
Out-of-State Tuition
$40,124
$36,708
Average Net Price
$21,315
$36,441
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$12,784
$36,536
Net Price ($30-48K)
$13,317
$36,641
Net Price ($48-75K)
$17,435
$38,025
Net Price ($110K+)
$30,660
49%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
58%
Federal Loan Rate
26%
Academics
5 metrics
44%
Graduation Rate
84%
61%
Retention Rate
94%
100%
Full-Time Faculty
89%
$9,805
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,776
48%
First-Gen Students
30%
Student Body
6 metrics
68%
Female
51%
50%
White
52%
15%
Hispanic
26%
20%
Black
2%
2%
Asian
14%
0.69
Diversity Index
0.64
Outcomes
6 metrics
$41,945
Earnings (6yr)
$59,386
$43,845
Earnings (8yr)
$66,077
$50,318
Earnings (10yr)
$72,097
$21,082
Median Debt
$17,804
0.42x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.25x
75%
Earning Above HS Grad
82%
Social Mobility (Chetty)
4 metrics
1.44%
Mobility Rate
25.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5.6%
From Bottom 20%
$116,572
Parent Median Income (today's $)
Online Education (IPEDS)
2 metrics
94.9%
% Exclusively Online
6.2%
95.6%
% Any Online
39.9%

The Overviews

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH · Private nonprofit

100% accept 44% grad $50,318 earnings $36,708 net

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.

Texas A&M University-College Station

College Station, TX · Public

57% accept 84% grad $72,097 earnings $21,315 net

With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.

When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.

On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.

Rankings They Appear On

Southern New Hampshire University and Texas A&M University-College Station are featured on the Largest Colleges in America ranking.

Explore all rankings →

Top Degree Programs

Southern New's top program is Business Administration (35% of enrollment), while Texas A&M leads with Mechanical Engineering (17%).

Career Pathways

Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Texas A&M).

The two schools feed different job markets. Southern New Hampshire University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Psychology, Humanities, while Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Health Professions. 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 Texas A&M University-College Station?

Texas A&M University-College Station is harder to get into, admitting 57% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.

Which is more affordable, Southern New Hampshire University or Texas A&M University-College Station?

Texas A&M University-College Station is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,315 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.

Do Southern New Hampshire University or Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn more?

Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn more: median earnings of $72,097 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.

Which has a better graduation rate, Southern New Hampshire University or Texas A&M University-College Station?

Texas A&M University-College Station has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 44%.

Should you choose Southern New Hampshire University or Texas A&M University-College Station?

It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Texas A&M University-College Station 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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