Head-to-Head Comparison
Southern New Hampshire University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
- Southern New Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 19
- North Carolina Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $11,655 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
53 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Southern New
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
North Carolina
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $72,200 ten years after enrollment, 43% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $11,655, roughly $25,053 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 92% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 15% 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); North Carolina in Biology & Biomedical (15%). 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $72,200 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $11,655 vs $36,708.
Pick Southern New Hampshire University over University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 1.4% mobility rate vs 1.2%.
Pick University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill over Southern New Hampshire University. 92% 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill are close on paper, but University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the harder admit. It takes 15% 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $11,655, about $25,053 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $21,082.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $100,212 before any change in aid. Choosing University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates report median earnings of $72,200, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 43% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x 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
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates a larger share of its students, 92% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 48% 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
Southern New Hampshire University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.4%; at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, it is 1.2%. Southern New Hampshire University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Southern New Hampshire University 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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to keep costs and debt down; pick Southern New Hampshire University if upward mobility and access matter most.
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
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is harder to get into, with a 15% admit rate, but Southern New Hampshire University posts the higher mobility rate, at 1.4%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Southern New Hampshire University concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Psychology, while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill's $11,655.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,082, against $14,000 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's 20,752.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has less business program depth, and Southern New Hampshire University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
North Carolina 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) 5 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC · Public
With an acceptance rate of just 15%, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill attracts students who are ready to dive into a diverse range of studies, including Biology, Business, and Communications. This school is a great fit for those who thrive in a competitive environment and are looking for strong academic support. The impressive graduation rate of 92% indicates a solid commitment to student success, meaning you'll likely find yourself in a community that values achievement and collaboration.
After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $72,200 within a decade, which is a pretty solid starting point for many. This level of earning power suggests that the programs offered here are well-aligned with job market needs. Additionally, the cost of attendance is manageable, with a net price of $11,655 after aid, making it a compelling choice for those concerned about financial barriers.
When it comes to debt, the median load of $14,000 is relatively low compared to what many graduates face elsewhere. This means that students who manage their finances well can leave college with a degree of financial freedom. Generally, those who thrive here are driven and engaged, ready to take advantage of the rich academic and social resources that UNC Chapel Hill has to offer.
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 North Carolina leads with Biology (15%).
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 North Carolina).
The two schools feed different job markets. Southern New Hampshire University is strongest in Psychology, Humanities, while University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is harder to get into, admitting 15% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Southern New Hampshire University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is more affordable, with an average net price of $11,655 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Southern New Hampshire University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates earn more?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates earn more: median earnings of $72,200 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the higher graduation rate, 92% versus 44%.
Southern New Hampshire University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: which is better for social mobility?
Southern New Hampshire University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.4% versus 1.2%.
Should you choose Southern New Hampshire University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Southern New Hampshire University if upward mobility and access to low-income students matter most. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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