Head-to-Head Comparison
Southern New Hampshire University vs University of Virginia-Main Campus
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA
- Southern New Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 19
- Virginia-Main Campus Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Virginia-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,565 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, University of Virginia-Main Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Virginia-Main Campus's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
49 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.
Virginia-Main Campus
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $86,863 ten years after enrollment, 73% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,565, roughly $15,143 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 17% 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); Virginia-Main Campus in Social Sciences (13%). 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 Virginia over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $86,863 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick University of Virginia over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $21,565 vs $36,708.
Pick University of Virginia over Southern New Hampshire University. 95% 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 Virginia are close on paper, but University of Virginia 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 Virginia is the harder admit. It takes 17% 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 Virginia 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 Virginia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,565, about $15,143 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of University of Virginia also borrow less: median debt of $17,500, against $21,082.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $60,572 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Virginia leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Virginia graduates report median earnings of $86,863, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 73% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Virginia has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 73% 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 Virginia graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 52% 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 Virginia 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, Psychology, while University of Virginia leans toward Social Sciences, Humanities. 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 Virginia's $21,565.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,082, against $17,500 at University of Virginia.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Southern New Hampshire University's enrollment of 163,164 far exceeds University of Virginia's 17,597.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Virginia has less business program depth, and Southern New Hampshire University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Virginia-Main Campus 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
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 Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA · Public
With an acceptance rate of just 17%, the University of Virginia-Main Campus attracts students who are ready for an academically rigorous environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in a wide range of disciplines, particularly in humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and computer science. Students here are not just looking for a degree; they’re aiming for a transformative college experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.
After graduation, students typically see solid returns on their investment. With a median earning of $86,863 ten years post-graduation, many graduates find themselves in a stable financial position. The affordable net price of $21,565 means that with careful planning and support, students can graduate with manageable debt, averaging around $17,500. This financial outlook is encouraging, especially for those who may worry about student loans impacting their future.
Ultimately, the practical aspects of attending UVA-Main Campus play a crucial role in student success. With a supportive environment, it’s a place where driven students can thrive, particularly those who are proactive about taking advantage of the resources available. This community fosters not just academic excellence but also personal growth, making it a smart choice for those ready to engage deeply in their education.
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 Virginia-Main Campus leads with Sociology (13%).
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 Virginia-Main Campus).
The two schools feed different job markets. Southern New Hampshire University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Psychology, while University of Virginia concentrates in Social Sciences, Engineering. 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 Virginia?
University of Virginia is harder to get into, admitting 17% of applicants compared with 100% at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which is more affordable, Southern New Hampshire University or University of Virginia?
University of Virginia is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,565 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Southern New Hampshire University or University of Virginia graduates earn more?
University of Virginia graduates earn more: median earnings of $86,863 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 Virginia?
University of Virginia has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 44%.
Should you choose Southern New Hampshire University or University of Virginia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Virginia 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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