Head-to-Head Comparison
Southern New Hampshire University vs Union College
- Southern New Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 17
- Union Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Union College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $34,561 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, Union College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Union College benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $88,604 at ten years.
45 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Southern New
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,082, the lower of the two
Union
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment, 76% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $34,561, roughly $2,147 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 83% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 44% 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); Union in Social Sciences (21%). 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 Union College over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Union College over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $34,561 vs $36,708.
Pick Union College over Southern New Hampshire University. 83% 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 Union College are close on paper, but Union College 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
Union College is the harder admit. It takes 44% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Union College 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, Union College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $34,561, about $2,147 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 $25,337.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $8,588 before any change in aid. Choosing Union College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Union College graduates report median earnings of $88,604, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 76% advantage. Set against borrowing, Union College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 76% 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
Union College graduates a larger share of its students, 83% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 39% 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 Union College 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 Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Psychology, while Union College leans toward Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Union College has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds Union College's 2,046.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,337, against $21,082 at Southern New Hampshire University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Union College's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Union College has less business program depth, and Southern New Hampshire University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Union 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) 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
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.
Union College
Schenectady, NY · Private nonprofit
Union College is a solid choice for students interested in a diverse range of studies, particularly in social sciences, engineering, biology, and psychology. With an enrollment of about 2,046 students and an acceptance rate of 44%, it strikes a balance between being accessible and maintaining a close-knit community. The graduation rate of 83% reflects a supportive environment where students tend to thrive and complete their degrees.
When it comes to what happens after graduation, students from Union College can expect a median earning of $88,604 within ten years of finishing their degree. This level of earning power suggests that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding roles that allow them to grow both personally and professionally. The affordability factor also plays a role in this, as financial burdens are important to consider when thinking about long-term success.
The financial bottom line shows a net price of $34,561 after aid, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. With a median debt of $25,337, students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook, especially relative to their earning potential. Those who tend to thrive at Union are likely to be motivated, engaged, and ready to take on the academic rigor of the programs offered, all while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere in Schenectady.
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 Union leads with Sociology (21%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Southern New) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Union).
The two schools feed different job markets. Southern New Hampshire University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Psychology, while Union College concentrates in Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Union College?
Union College is harder to get into, admitting 44% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Southern New Hampshire University or Union College?
Union College is more affordable, with an average net price of $34,561 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Southern New Hampshire University or Union College graduates earn more?
Union College graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,604 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Southern New Hampshire University or Union College?
Union College has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 44%.
Should you choose Southern New Hampshire University or Union College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Union College 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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