Head-to-Head Comparison
Southern New Hampshire University vs Western Governors University
- Southern New Wins
- 7
- Tied
- 11
- Western Governors Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Western Governors University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $12,548 vs Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708, Western Governors University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Western Governors University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
39 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.
Western Governors
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $60,615 ten years after enrollment, 20% more than Southern New Hampshire University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,548, roughly $24,160 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 48% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,116, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Southern New graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (35% of degrees); Western Governors in Business & Marketing (28%). 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 Western Governors University over Southern New Hampshire University. Median earnings of $60,615 ten years after enrollment vs $50,318.
Pick Western Governors University over Southern New Hampshire University. Net price $12,548 vs $36,708.
Pick Western Governors University over Southern New Hampshire University. 48% 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 Western Governors University are close on paper, but Western Governors University 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.
What it costs
On price, Western Governors University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,548, about $24,160 a year below Southern New Hampshire University's $36,708. Graduates of Western Governors University also borrow less: median debt of $11,116, against $21,082.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $96,640 before any change in aid. Choosing Western Governors University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Western Governors University graduates report median earnings of $60,615, compared with $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. That is a 20% advantage. Set against borrowing, Western Governors University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.42x.
So what: An earnings gap of 20% 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
Western Governors University graduates a larger share of its students, 48% versus 44%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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 Western Governors University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: Medium. Both schools report 4 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 Western Governors University leans toward Health Professions. 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 Western Governors University's $12,548.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,082, against $11,116 at Western Governors University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Western Governors University's enrollment, and Southern New Hampshire University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 1 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
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.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of 155,088 students, Western Governors University in Salt Lake City stands out as a solid choice for those seeking flexibility in their education. It caters well to non-traditional students, particularly in fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Education, and Engineering. The online format allows for self-paced learning, which is ideal for working adults or those balancing multiple responsibilities.
Looking at life after graduation, students can expect a median earning of $60,615 ten years post-degree. This figure suggests that graduates are finding solid job opportunities. While the graduation rate is 48%, the income potential indicates that those who complete their programs are likely to see a good return on their investment, despite the challenges that might come with juggling work and studies.
On the practical side, the net price after aid comes in at $12,548, with a median debt of $11,116. This suggests that many students can manage their educational expenses without overwhelming debt. Those who thrive here are typically self-motivated individuals who appreciate the autonomy of an online learning environment, making it a good fit for those ready to take charge of their education and career paths.
Rankings They Appear On
Southern New Hampshire University and Western Governors University are 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 28% of Western Governors's.
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 Western Governors).
The two schools feed different job markets. Southern New Hampshire University is strongest in Psychology, Humanities, while Western Governors University concentrates in Health Professions, Education. 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
Which is more affordable, Southern New Hampshire University or Western Governors University?
Western Governors University is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,548 after aid versus $36,708 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Do Southern New Hampshire University or Western Governors University graduates earn more?
Western Governors University graduates earn more: median earnings of $60,615 ten years after enrollment, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Southern New Hampshire University or Western Governors University?
Western Governors University has the higher graduation rate, 48% versus 44%.
Should you choose Southern New Hampshire University or Western Governors University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Western Governors University 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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