Purdue Global vs Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Purdue University Global and Southern New Hampshire University, both renowned for their online learning platforms, offer distinct educational experiences. Purdue Global boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds. Southern New Hampshire University, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating a strong commitment to student success. While Purdue Global excels in business and healthcare programs, Southern New Hampshire University shines in liberal arts and education. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, such as student body demographics, tuition fees, and available financial aid options, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and career goals.

	Purdue University Global	Southern New Hampshire University
Overview
Location	West Lafayette, Indiana	Manchester, New Hampshire
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Non Traditional	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	75.0%	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	In state: $17,985 Out of state: $22,296	$38,518
Average net price	$3,802	$21,502
Tuition	In state: $10,080 Out of state: $13,356	$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)	93.0% Average amount $8,251	79.0% Average amount $6,006
Students receiving federal student loan	36.0% Average amount $6,362	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	32,477 Men 39.6% Women 60.4%	121,884 Men 36.8% Women 63.2%
Graduate students	10,981 Men 26.8% Women 73.2%	23,649 Men 31.9% Women 68.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	90.9%	93.2%
International students	0.3%	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	Texas Indiana Georgia Florida Pennsylvania	Texas New Hampshire Pennsylvania California Georgia

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Computer and Information Science Law Enforcement and Firefighting Multidisciplinary Studies	Business Health Professions Psychology Liberal Arts Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	27:1	24:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	28.7%	39.1%
Dropout rate	55.4%	34.5%
Transferred out	14.8%	24.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $92,778 Year 2: $101,792 Year 3: $105,379 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,860 Year 2: $97,579 Year 3: $98,242 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,216 Year 2: $73,792 Year 3: $77,623 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $76,422 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $74,228 Fire Protection (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,459 Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $69,334 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $65,825 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $65,353 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $56,925 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $62,559 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,990 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $61,514 Fire Protection (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $68,511 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $61,002	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 primary differences between Purdue University Global and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)?

Purdue University Global (PG) is part of the Purdue University system, known for its strong focus on career-relevant programs and online learning tailored to working adults. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, non-profit university also heavily focused on online education and accessibility, but with a broader range of programs and a larger student body. A key difference lies in their origins and brand recognition; PG leverages the Purdue name, while SNHU has built its reputation as a leader in online education independently.
Which university, Purdue University Global or SNHU, is generally considered more affordable?

Both Purdue University Global and SNHU are committed to offering affordable online education. Tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and any transfer credits you may have. It's best to directly compare the tuition rates for your desired program on each university's website and explore available financial aid and scholarship options. SNHU often promotes lower tuition rates, but Purdue Global may offer specific programs that are competitively priced.
How do the program offerings compare between Purdue University Global and SNHU?

Both universities offer a wide array of online degree programs, from associate's to master's and doctoral levels. SNHU has a particularly extensive catalog, covering fields like business, healthcare, education, and technology. Purdue University Global focuses on programs aligned with in-demand industries, often with a strong emphasis on practical skills and career readiness. Review the specific programs offered by each university to see which best aligns with your career goals.
What is the learning experience like at Purdue University Global versus SNHU?

Both Purdue University Global and SNHU utilize online learning platforms that provide flexibility and convenience. You can expect to engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments online. Purdue University Global often incorporates simulations and real-world scenarios into its curriculum. SNHU emphasizes personalized learning and provides access to academic advisors and support services. The best fit depends on your preferred learning style and the level of support you require.
How do Purdue University Global and SNHU support their online students?

Both universities offer comprehensive support services for online students. This includes academic advising, tutoring, career services, technical support, and library resources. SNHU is known for its proactive student support model, with advisors reaching out to students regularly. Purdue University Global provides career coaching and resources to help students advance in their careers. Explore the specific support services offered by each university to determine which aligns best with your needs.
What is the reputation of Purdue University Global and SNHU in the job market?

Both Purdue University Global and SNHU are regionally accredited institutions, which is important for employer recognition. Purdue University Global benefits from the strong reputation of the Purdue University system, particularly in STEM fields. SNHU has established a strong presence in the online education market and is recognized by many employers. Ultimately, your skills, experience, and the specific program you choose will be the most important factors in your job search.
Are Purdue University Global and SNHU regionally accredited?

Yes, both Purdue University Global and SNHU are regionally accredited. Regional accreditation is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a university, as it ensures that the institution meets certain quality standards and that your credits are more likely to transfer to other institutions. Purdue University Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Do Purdue University Global and SNHU accept transfer credits?

Yes, both Purdue University Global and SNHU generally accept transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. The specific number of credits that can be transferred will depend on the program you are applying to and the courses you have previously completed. It's best to contact the admissions department at each university to have your transcripts evaluated and determine how many credits will transfer.
Which university, Purdue University Global or SNHU, is better for a specific field of study?

The 'better' university depends entirely on the specific field of study. Purdue University Global may be a stronger choice for programs directly related to Purdue's traditional strengths, such as engineering technology or certain business specializations. SNHU offers a broader range of programs, including those in creative fields and specialized areas of healthcare. Research the curriculum, faculty expertise, and career outcomes for your desired program at both universities to make an informed decision.
What are the admission requirements for Purdue University Global and SNHU?

Admission requirements for both Purdue University Global and SNHU typically include a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Specific program requirements may vary, such as requiring certain prerequisite courses or a minimum GPA. Both universities generally have a streamlined application process, particularly for online programs. Check the admissions section of each university's website for detailed information on requirements and application procedures.

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