American InterContinental University (AIU) vs Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

American InterContinental University (AIU) and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) are two popular online universities that offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. While both institutions share some similarities, there are also some key differences between them. For instance, AIU has a higher acceptance rate (100%) compared to SNHU (90%). Additionally, AIU's student body is more diverse, with a larger percentage of international students. In terms of popular majors, AIU offers programs in business, healthcare, and technology, while SNHU offers a wider range of programs, including liberal arts, education, and engineering. To help you make an informed decision about which university is the right fit for you, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that highlights the key differences between AIU and SNHU. Explore the table to find out more about each university's acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more.

	American InterContinental University	Southern New Hampshire University
Overview
Location	Chandler, Arizona	Manchester, New Hampshire
Campus setting	Rural: Fringe	Suburb: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (For Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Quarter	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	21.0%	62.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	92.1%
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants		27,953
Total number of admissions given out		25,736
Admitted students who chose to enroll		10,607
Yield rate		41.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	N/A
High school GPA	N/A	Required
Recommendation letters	N/A	Required
High school transcript	N/A	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$20,486	$38,518
Average net price	$13,156	$21,502
Tuition	$11,758	$15,000
Room & board		Room/dormitory: $8,000 Meal plan: $4,200
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	71.0% Average amount $5,993	79.0% Average amount $6,006
Students receiving federal student loan	72.0% Average amount $6,231	50.0% Average amount $5,176
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	0.0% Average amount $7,258

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	11,267 Men 36.5% Women 63.5%	121,884 Men 36.8% Women 63.2%
Graduate students	2,213 Men 49.6% Women 50.4%	23,649 Men 31.9% Women 68.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	97.5%	93.2%
International students	N/A	0.6%
Campus local/setting	Rural: Fringe	Suburb: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	N/A	1,934
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Texas North Carolina Florida Ohio Illinois	Texas New Hampshire Pennsylvania California Georgia

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Health Professions Computer and Information Science Education	Business Health Professions Psychology Liberal Arts Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	38:1	24:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	11.8%	39.1%
Dropout rate	87.6%	34.5%
Transferred out	N/A	24.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,403 Year 2: $54,134 Year 3: $51,255 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,331 Year 2: $45,207 Year 3: $47,516 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $44,140 Year 2: $41,789 Year 3: $45,319 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $47,230 Year 2: $45,244 Year 3: $44,539 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,068 Year 2: $41,703 Year 3: $39,955 Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $49,284 Year 2: $45,149 Year 3: $39,532 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,436 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $38,760 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $41,193 Year 3: $33,638 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,733 Year 2: $32,711 Year 3: $33,004 Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $32,569 Year 3: $28,323	Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,875 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $94,544 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,753 Year 2: $73,898 Year 3: $77,504 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,717 Year 2: $69,218 Year 3: $76,866 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,435 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $72,152 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,002 Year 2: $61,218 Year 3: $69,749 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,617 Year 2: $65,734 Year 3: $68,411 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,193 Year 2: $60,320 Year 3: $68,398 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $52,944 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $65,098 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,847 Year 2: $58,622 Year 3: $63,145 Human Resources Management and Services (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $54,435 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $61,662

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between American InterContinental University (AIU) and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)?

AIU and SNHU both offer online degree programs, but they differ in several key areas. AIU is known for its career-focused curriculum and accelerated programs, often emphasizing practical skills for immediate job application. SNHU, on the other hand, is a larger, non-profit university with a broader range of programs and a stronger emphasis on academic research and a more traditional university experience, even online. AIU tends to have smaller class sizes, while SNHU boasts a larger alumni network and greater brand recognition.
Which university, AIU or SNHU, is more affordable?

Generally, SNHU is considered more affordable than AIU. SNHU's tuition rates are often lower, and they offer more scholarship opportunities. AIU's accelerated programs might seem appealing for faster completion, but it's crucial to compare the total cost of the program, including tuition, fees, and potential transfer credits, at both institutions to determine the most cost-effective option for your specific degree.
What types of programs do AIU and SNHU offer?

Both AIU and SNHU offer a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. AIU specializes in career-oriented fields like business, technology, and criminal justice. SNHU has a broader range, including liberal arts, education, and healthcare, in addition to business and technology. Check each university's website for the most up-to-date list of programs and specializations.
How do the online learning experiences compare at AIU and SNHU?

Both AIU and SNHU have robust online learning platforms. AIU's online courses are designed to be flexible and career-focused, often incorporating real-world scenarios and simulations. SNHU's online programs are known for their accessibility and student support services, including dedicated academic advisors and 24/7 technical assistance. Both universities utilize learning management systems to deliver course content, facilitate discussions, and provide feedback.
What are the accreditation differences between AIU and SNHU?

Accreditation is crucial for ensuring the quality and credibility of a university. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which is a widely recognized and respected accrediting body. AIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Both accreditations are recognized, but regional accreditation (like SNHU's) is often preferred by employers and other educational institutions. Verify the accreditation status of specific programs within each university, as some programs may have additional specialized accreditations.
Which university, AIU or SNHU, is better for working adults?

Both AIU and SNHU cater to working adults with flexible online programs. AIU's accelerated format might appeal to those seeking to complete their degree quickly. SNHU's extensive support services and established online infrastructure can be beneficial for students balancing work, family, and education. Consider your learning style, time commitment, and desired pace when making your decision.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare between AIU and SNHU?

SNHU generally has a larger and more established alumni network due to its size and history. This can provide more networking opportunities for graduates. Both universities offer career services, including resume writing assistance, job search strategies, and interview preparation. AIU's career services are often tailored to the specific industries their programs serve, while SNHU's career services are broader in scope.
What is the student support like at AIU versus SNHU?

Both universities prioritize student support. SNHU is known for its comprehensive support system, including academic advisors, technical support, and mental health resources. AIU also provides student support, often with a focus on career guidance and program-specific assistance. Research the specific support services offered by each university to determine which best aligns with your needs.
How do the admission requirements differ between AIU and SNHU?

Admission requirements can vary depending on the program and level of study. Generally, both AIU and SNHU require a high school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs. SNHU may have slightly more stringent admission requirements for certain programs, particularly at the graduate level. Check each university's website for specific admission criteria and application deadlines.
What are the class sizes like at AIU and SNHU?

AIU generally has smaller class sizes compared to SNHU. This can lead to more personalized attention from instructors. SNHU's larger class sizes may offer a wider range of perspectives and networking opportunities. Consider your preferred learning environment when evaluating this factor.

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