Head-to-Head Comparison
Southern New Hampshire University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
- Southern New Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 22
- Illinois Urbana-Champaign Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $14,355 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 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.
Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $81,054 ten years after enrollment, 61% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,355, roughly $22,353 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 85% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 42% 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); Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Engineering (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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $81,054 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $14,355 vs $36,708.
Pick University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign over Southern New Hampshire University. 85% 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are close on paper, but University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the harder admit. It takes 42% of applicants, while Southern New Hampshire University takes 100%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,355, about $22,353 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $21,082.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $89,412 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates report median earnings of $81,054, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 61% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.24x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 61% 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
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates a larger share of its students, 85% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 41% 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 Psychology, while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leans toward Engineering. 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's $14,355.
- Engineering-focused students: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's 36,258.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has less business program depth, and Southern New Hampshire University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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
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.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL · Public
More than 36,000 students choose the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 42%, the university maintains a competitive edge while welcoming a diverse student body. The graduation rate stands at an impressive 85%, indicating a supportive environment for student success.
Data from Opportunity Insights highlights that graduates from Illinois Urbana-Champaign can expect solid economic mobility. The average earnings for alumni ten years after graduation reach $81,054, suggesting that degrees from this university translate into significant financial benefits. While specific mobility rates are not available, the school’s emphasis on high-demand fields like Engineering, Business, and Computer Science supports upward mobility for many graduates.
Cost considerations are crucial for students. The net price for attending is approximately $14,355, which is manageable compared to potential earnings. Graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, a figure that aligns with the financial landscape of public universities. Students who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields or business, benefiting from robust programs and a collaborative campus culture.
Rankings They Appear On
Southern New Hampshire University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are featured on the Largest Colleges in America ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Southern New's top program is Business Administration (35% of enrollment), while Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads with Mechanical Engineering (21%).
Southern New
Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign).
The two schools feed different job markets. Southern New Hampshire University is strongest in Psychology, Humanities, while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign concentrates in Engineering, Social Sciences. 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is harder to get into, admitting 42% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Southern New Hampshire University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,355 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Southern New Hampshire University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn more?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn more: median earnings of $81,054 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Southern New Hampshire University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 44%.
Should you choose Southern New Hampshire University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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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