Head-to-Head Comparison
Southern New Hampshire University vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Southern New Wins
- 13
- Tied
- 19
- Massachusetts-Amherst Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $22,383 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, University of Massachusetts-Amherst delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose University of Massachusetts-Amherst benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $71,631 at ten years.
48 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
Massachusetts-Amherst
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $71,631 ten years after enrollment, 42% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $22,383, roughly $14,325 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 83% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 60% 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); Massachusetts-Amherst in Business & Marketing (17%). 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 Massachusetts-Amherst over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $71,631 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick University of Massachusetts-Amherst over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $22,383 vs $36,708.
Pick University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst are close on paper, but University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is the harder admit. It takes 60% 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 Massachusetts-Amherst 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 Massachusetts-Amherst comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $22,383, about $14,325 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 $22,763.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $57,300 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Massachusetts-Amherst leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates report median earnings of $71,631, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 42% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Massachusetts-Amherst has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.32x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 42% 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 Massachusetts-Amherst 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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 University of Massachusetts-Amherst leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences. 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 Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds University of Massachusetts-Amherst's 23,671.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Massachusetts-Amherst's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Massachusetts-Amherst 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.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public
With an enrollment of 23,671 students, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a great fit for those looking for a diverse and vibrant campus life. It stands out for its strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Engineering. Students here are often engaged in a wide range of studies, reflecting both academic rigor and practical application. The acceptance rate of 60% means that while it’s accessible, there’s still a competitive edge that can stimulate personal growth.
Graduates from UMass-Amherst can expect solid outcomes, with a median earning of $71,631 ten years after graduation. This figure speaks volumes about the potential return on investment. It’s encouraging to know that students can find rewarding careers, especially considering the affordability of education here. The net price after aid is $22,383, which positions the school as a reasonable choice for many families.
When it comes to finances, the median debt stands at $22,763, which is manageable given the earning potential. UMass-Amherst tends to attract students who are motivated and ready to embrace the opportunities that come with a public university experience. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, there’s a commitment to supporting diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall, this school nurtures those who are eager to thrive both academically and professionally after graduation.
Rankings They Appear On
Southern New Hampshire University is featured on the Largest Colleges in America ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 35% of Southern New's student body and 17% of Massachusetts-Amherst's.
Southern New
Massachusetts-Amherst
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 Massachusetts-Amherst).
The two schools feed different job markets. Southern New Hampshire University is strongest in Psychology, Humanities, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, 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 Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is harder to get into, admitting 60% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Southern New Hampshire University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,383 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Southern New Hampshire University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn more?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst graduates earn more: median earnings of $71,631 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 Massachusetts-Amherst?
University of Massachusetts-Amherst has the higher graduation rate, 83% versus 44%.
Should you choose Southern New Hampshire University or University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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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