Head-to-Head Comparison
Southern New Hampshire University vs The University of Texas at Austin
- Southern New Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 16
- Texas Austin Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, The University of Texas at Austin offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $19,857 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, The University of Texas at Austin delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, The University of Texas at Austin's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 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 Austin
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment, 49% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $19,857, roughly $16,851 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 27% 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 Austin in Engineering (10%). 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 The University of Texas at Austin over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick The University of Texas at Austin over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $19,857 vs $36,708.
Pick The University of Texas at Austin over Southern New Hampshire University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Pick The University of Texas at Austin 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 The University of Texas at Austin are close on paper, but The University of Texas at Austin wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
The University of Texas at Austin is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, The University of Texas at Austin 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, The University of Texas at Austin comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $19,857, about $16,851 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of The University of Texas at Austin also borrow less: median debt of $20,500, against $21,082.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $67,404 before any change in aid. Choosing The University of Texas at Austin leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, The University of Texas at Austin graduates report median earnings of $75,121, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 49% advantage. Set against borrowing, The University of Texas at Austin has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.27x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 49% 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
The University of Texas at Austin 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 45% 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
The University of Texas at Austin does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Southern New Hampshire University, it is 1.4%. Southern New Hampshire University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, The University of Texas at Austin 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 The University of Texas at Austin to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Southern New Hampshire University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Psychology, while The University of Texas at Austin leans toward Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,708 runs well above The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857.
- Engineering-focused students: The University of Texas at Austin has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds The University of Texas at Austin's 42,855.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of The University of Texas at Austin's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: The University of Texas at Austin has less business program depth, and Southern New Hampshire University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas Austin 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) 2 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
Research (Times HE) 4 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.
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
The University of Texas at Austin is home to over 42,000 students who are drawn to its strong programs in fields like Biology, Engineering, Business, Communications, and Computer Science. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it’s a competitive environment that suits those ready to engage deeply in their studies and campus life. The vibrant city of Austin enhances this experience, offering a unique blend of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities that appeal to students looking for both academic and personal growth.
After graduation, students can expect solid earning potential, with a median salary of around $75,121 ten years post-degree. This financial outcome reflects the value of the education received here and the demand for graduates in the job market. The affordability factor is significant as well; even with a net price of $19,857, many students find support through financial aid, helping to ease the transition into the workforce.
When it comes to the practical aspects of attending UT Austin, students typically graduate with a median debt of $20,500. This manageable debt level, combined with the strong earning potential, makes the financial landscape here more accessible. Students who tend to thrive at UT Austin are those who embrace the challenges and opportunities of a large public university, taking advantage of the resources available while actively participating in the diverse and dynamic community.
Rankings They Appear On
Southern New Hampshire University and The University of Texas at Austin are featured on the Largest Colleges in America ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Southern New's top program is Business Administration (35% of enrollment), while Texas Austin leads with Mechanical Engineering (10%).
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 Texas Austin).
The two schools feed different job markets. Southern New Hampshire University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Psychology, Humanities, while The University of Texas at Austin concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Communications. 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 The University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Southern New Hampshire University or The University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin is more affordable, with an average net price of $19,857 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Southern New Hampshire University or The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn more?
The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn more: median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Southern New Hampshire University or The University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 44%.
Southern New Hampshire University vs The University of Texas at Austin: which is better for social mobility?
The University of Texas at Austin is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.4%.
Should you choose Southern New Hampshire University or The University of Texas at Austin?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose The University of Texas at Austin 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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