UMass Global vs Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

When it comes to online education, University of Massachusetts Global and Southern New Hampshire University stand out as two of the most reputable and well-established institutions. Both universities offer a wide range of online programs, catering to students with diverse academic and career goals. However, there are some key differences between the two universities that prospective students should consider before making a decision. These differences include acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. To help you make an informed choice, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that highlights these differences and provides additional information about each university. Whether you're a recent high school graduate, a working professional looking to advance your career, or an individual seeking a flexible and affordable education, this comparison will help you find the university that best aligns with your needs and aspirations.

	University of Massachusetts Global	Southern New Hampshire University
Overview
Location	Irvine, California	Manchester, New Hampshire
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Trimester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	19.0%	62.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	92.9%	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	168	27,953
Total number of admissions given out	156	25,736
Admitted students who chose to enroll	76	10,607
Yield rate	48.7%	41.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$35,619	$38,518
Average net price	$26,346	$21,502
Tuition	$12,000	$15,000
Room & board		Room/dormitory: $8,000 Meal plan: $4,200
Available payment plans		Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	69.0% Average amount $3,441	79.0% Average amount $6,006
Students receiving federal student loan	20.0% Average amount $8,224	50.0% Average amount $5,176
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $6,000	0.0% Average amount $7,258

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	5,237 Men 33.3% Women 66.7%	121,884 Men 36.8% Women 63.2%
Graduate students	4,561 Men 25.0% Women 75.0%	23,649 Men 31.9% Women 68.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	67.1%	93.2%
International students	0.1%	0.6%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	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	California Washington Pennsylvania Texas Arizona	Texas New Hampshire Pennsylvania California Georgia

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Education Psychology Liberal Arts Health Professions	Business Health Professions Psychology Liberal Arts Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	24:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	N/A	39.1%
Dropout rate	N/A	34.5%
Transferred out	N/A	24.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $127,406 Year 2: $125,388 Year 3: $133,153 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,122 Year 2: $85,760 Year 3: $88,759 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,168 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $81,714 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,219 Year 2: $78,029 Year 3: $79,716 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,798 Year 2: $71,144 Year 3: $75,615 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,172 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $71,709 Human Resources Management and Services (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $61,770 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $67,594 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,796 Year 2: $58,943 Year 3: $64,321 Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,794 Year 2: $51,273 Year 3: $57,825 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,565 Year 2: $56,302 Year 3: $56,092	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 UMass Global and SNHU?

UMass Global, part of the University of Massachusetts system, focuses on providing flexible online and hybrid programs primarily for working adults. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, non-profit university also known for its extensive online programs and competency-based education options. Key differences lie in their affiliation (public vs. private), program focus (UMass Global emphasizes career-relevant skills), and potential variations in tuition and financial aid opportunities.
Which university is better known or more prestigious?

Both universities are well-regarded for their online programs. UMass Global benefits from the reputation of the University of Massachusetts system, which may offer a slight advantage in name recognition in some circles. SNHU, however, has built a strong national brand specifically around online education and accessibility, making it widely recognized for its innovative approach to online learning.
How do the tuition costs compare between UMass Global and SNHU?

Tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and enrollment status. Generally, UMass Global, as a public institution, may offer slightly lower tuition rates for in-state residents. SNHU's tuition is often competitive and they offer various financial aid options. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition information and to explore available scholarships and financial aid packages.
What types of programs do UMass Global and SNHU offer?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UMass Global focuses on programs in areas like business, education, and nursing, often tailored to working professionals. SNHU offers a similarly broad selection, including programs in business, technology, healthcare, and liberal arts, with a strong emphasis on career-focused education.
Are the online programs at UMass Global and SNHU accredited?

Yes, both UMass Global and SNHU are regionally accredited institutions. Accreditation is a crucial factor to consider, as it ensures the quality and credibility of the education you receive. Regional accreditation is widely recognized and respected by employers and other educational institutions.
How flexible are the online programs at each university?

Both UMass Global and SNHU are designed to be highly flexible for students with busy schedules. They both offer asynchronous coursework, meaning you can access lectures and complete assignments on your own time. They also provide various start dates throughout the year, allowing you to begin your studies when it's most convenient for you.
What kind of student support services are available at UMass Global and SNHU?

Both universities offer comprehensive student support services to help you succeed. This includes academic advising, career services, library resources, technical support, and online tutoring. SNHU is particularly known for its proactive student support model, with dedicated advisors who reach out to students regularly to provide assistance and guidance.
Do UMass Global and SNHU offer competency-based education?

While UMass Global may incorporate elements of competency-based learning in some programs, SNHU is particularly well-known for its competency-based education (CBE) programs. CBE allows you to earn credit for what you already know, potentially accelerating your time to graduation and reducing tuition costs. If CBE is a priority for you, SNHU might be a better fit.
Which university is a better fit for working adults?

Both UMass Global and SNHU are excellent choices for working adults. They both offer flexible online programs, convenient start dates, and student support services designed to accommodate busy schedules. Consider your specific program of interest, tuition costs, and preferred learning style when making your decision. Researching program outcomes and career services can also help you determine which university aligns best with your career goals.
How do the faculty and instructors compare at UMass Global and SNHU?

Both UMass Global and SNHU employ experienced faculty members, many of whom have real-world experience in their respective fields. This practical expertise can enhance your learning experience and provide valuable insights into your chosen profession. The specific qualifications and backgrounds of faculty members may vary by program, so it's a good idea to research the faculty in your area of interest.

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