Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) vs Saint Anselm College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Saint Anselm College?

  SNHU is a private, non-profit university known for its online programs and career-focused education. It caters to a diverse student body, including many working adults. Saint Anselm College, on the other hand, is a private, Catholic, Benedictine liberal arts college with a strong emphasis on residential undergraduate education and a traditional campus experience. SNHU is generally larger in terms of overall student population, while Saint Anselm has a smaller, more intimate campus environment.

• Which school is better known for online programs: SNHU or Saint Anselm?

  SNHU is widely recognized for its extensive and well-established online programs. It offers a vast array of degrees and certificates online. Saint Anselm College primarily focuses on on-campus learning and has a limited selection of online courses, mainly for current students.

• How do the academic focuses of SNHU and Saint Anselm differ?

  SNHU emphasizes career-oriented programs in fields like business, technology, and healthcare. Their curriculum is designed to provide practical skills for the workforce. Saint Anselm College offers a liberal arts education, focusing on critical thinking, communication, and a broad understanding of the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. While Saint Anselm also offers pre-professional programs, the core focus remains on a well-rounded liberal arts foundation.

• What is the campus environment like at SNHU versus Saint Anselm?

  SNHU has a more commuter-focused campus, with a significant portion of its student body attending online or commuting to campus. While they have on-campus housing and activities, the campus life is less central to the overall experience for many students. Saint Anselm College has a traditional residential campus with a strong sense of community. A large percentage of students live on campus, and there's a vibrant social scene centered around campus events, clubs, and organizations.

• How do the tuition costs compare between SNHU and Saint Anselm?

  Tuition structures differ significantly. SNHU often has lower tuition rates, especially for its online programs. Saint Anselm College, as a private liberal arts college with a residential focus, typically has a higher tuition cost. However, both institutions offer financial aid and scholarships, so it's important to compare the net cost after aid for your specific situation.

• What types of students are best suited for SNHU and Saint Anselm?

  SNHU is a good fit for students who are career-focused, value flexibility, and may be working professionals seeking to advance their skills or change careers. It's also suitable for students who prefer online learning. Saint Anselm College is ideal for students who desire a traditional college experience, a strong sense of community, and a liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking and personal development.

• Does religious affiliation play a role at either school?

  Yes, Saint Anselm College is a Catholic, Benedictine college, and its religious affiliation influences its values and campus culture. While students of all faiths are welcome, the Benedictine tradition is integrated into the academic and social life of the college. SNHU is non-denominational and does not have a religious affiliation.

• What kind of student support services are available at each institution?

  Both SNHU and Saint Anselm offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, career services, tutoring, and counseling. SNHU provides extensive online support resources for its online students. Saint Anselm offers more personalized, in-person support services due to its smaller size and residential focus.

• How do the acceptance rates generally compare between SNHU and Saint Anselm?

  SNHU generally has a higher acceptance rate than Saint Anselm College. Saint Anselm is typically more selective in its admissions process due to its smaller size and focus on a specific type of student.

• What are some popular majors at SNHU and Saint Anselm?

  Popular majors at SNHU include business administration, healthcare management, information technology, and marketing. At Saint Anselm College, popular majors include nursing, business, political science, biology, and psychology.