Excelsior vs Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Excelsior College and Southern New Hampshire University, both reputable online institutions, offer flexible and accessible higher education opportunities. However, they differ in several key aspects. Excelsior College boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with diverse backgrounds. In contrast, Southern New Hampshire University has a more selective admissions process, resulting in a lower acceptance rate. Regarding student demographics, Excelsior College has a slightly larger student body, with a higher percentage of female students. Southern New Hampshire University, on the other hand, has a higher percentage of undergraduate students. Both institutions offer a wide range of popular majors, including business, nursing, and psychology. However, Excelsior College has a higher graduation rate, indicating a stronger commitment to student success. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences and more. Explore the table to discover which institution better aligns with your academic goals and preferences.

	Excelsior College	Southern New Hampshire University
Overview
Location	Albany, New York	Manchester, New Hampshire
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Non Traditional	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate		62.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	92.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
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)		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		$38,518
Average net price		$21,502
Tuition		$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)		79.0% Average amount $6,006
Students receiving federal student loan		50.0% Average amount $5,176
Students taking out private loans		0.0% Average amount $7,258

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	15,260 Men 52.4% Women 47.6%	121,884 Men 36.8% Women 63.2%
Graduate students	1,906 Men 55.2% Women 44.8%	23,649 Men 31.9% Women 68.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	93.2%
International students	1.1%	0.6%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	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	N/A	Texas New Hampshire Pennsylvania California Georgia

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Liberal Arts Business Engineering Technologies Law Enforcement and Firefighting	Business Health Professions Psychology Liberal Arts Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	19:1	24:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	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)	Nuclear Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,153 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $107,804 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,537 Year 2: $97,959 Year 3: $102,156 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,370 Year 2: $83,768 Year 3: $89,231 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $77,505 Year 2: $74,747 Year 3: $77,427 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $63,613 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $61,889 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,382 Year 2: $49,631 Year 3: $61,881 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,784 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $53,546 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,508 Year 2: $49,660 Year 3: $51,791 Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $58,863 Year 2: $45,696 Year 3: $49,707 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $46,725 Year 2: $45,696 Year 3: $49,225	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 Excelsior College and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)?

Excelsior College is primarily focused on providing flexible, online degree programs for adult learners, often granting credit for prior learning and experience. SNHU, while also offering extensive online programs, has a more traditional campus presence and caters to a broader range of students, including those seeking a traditional on-campus experience. SNHU also tends to have a more structured online learning environment, while Excelsior offers greater self-paced flexibility.
Which college is better for working adults with prior learning experience?

Excelsior College is generally considered a strong choice for working adults with prior learning experience. They have well-established processes for evaluating and awarding credit for prior learning, professional certifications, and military training. SNHU also offers credit for prior learning, but Excelsior's focus on this area is more pronounced.
How do the tuition costs compare between Excelsior College and SNHU?

Tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and degree level. Generally, Excelsior College aims to offer competitive tuition rates, particularly for students leveraging prior learning credits to shorten their program duration. SNHU's tuition is also competitive, and they offer various financial aid options. It's best to check the official websites of both institutions for the most up-to-date tuition information for your specific program of interest.
What types of degree programs are offered at Excelsior College and SNHU?

Both Excelsior College and SNHU offer a wide range of degree programs at the associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Excelsior College is particularly known for its programs in nursing, business, and technology. SNHU offers a broader range of programs, including those in education, liberal arts, and creative fields, in addition to business and STEM-related areas.
How do the online learning platforms and support systems compare?

Both institutions utilize robust online learning platforms. SNHU's online platform is known for its structured course design and interactive elements. Excelsior College's platform emphasizes flexibility and self-paced learning. Both offer student support services such as academic advising, tutoring, and career services, though the specific delivery and emphasis may differ.
Does either college have a physical campus, and if so, where?

SNHU has a main physical campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, offering a traditional campus experience. Excelsior College does not have a traditional physical campus; it primarily operates online. Excelsior College's administrative offices are located in Albany, New York.
Which college is more military-friendly?

Both Excelsior College and SNHU are considered military-friendly institutions. They both participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offer dedicated support services for military students and veterans. Excelsior College has a long history of serving military personnel and has developed specific programs and resources tailored to their needs. SNHU also has a strong commitment to supporting military students and offers various benefits and resources.
How do the accreditation and reputation of Excelsior College and SNHU compare?

Both Excelsior College and SNHU are regionally accredited institutions, which is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a college. Regional accreditation signifies that the institution meets rigorous standards of quality and academic excellence. SNHU's reputation has grown significantly in recent years due to its large online presence and marketing efforts. Excelsior College has a long-standing reputation for serving adult learners and providing flexible, career-focused degree programs.
What kind of student is each college best suited for?

Excelsior College is ideally suited for self-directed, independent learners who have prior learning experience and are seeking a flexible, online degree program to advance their careers. SNHU is a good fit for students seeking a more structured online learning environment or those who desire a traditional campus experience alongside online options. SNHU also caters to a wider range of students, from recent high school graduates to working professionals.
How do the career services and alumni networks compare between Excelsior College and SNHU?

Both Excelsior College and SNHU offer career services to help students with job searching, resume writing, and interview skills. SNHU, with its larger student body and alumni network, may offer a broader range of networking opportunities. Excelsior College's career services are tailored to the needs of adult learners and focus on career advancement and professional development. Both institutions have alumni networks that can provide valuable connections and support.

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