Empire State College vs Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between SUNY Empire State College and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)?

  SUNY Empire State College is a public institution within the State University of New York system, primarily serving New York residents. It focuses on individualized learning plans and prior learning assessment. SNHU, on the other hand, is a private, non-profit university with a large online presence, catering to a national and international audience with a more structured online learning experience.

• Which college is more affordable: SUNY Empire State College or SNHU?

  Generally, SUNY Empire State College is more affordable for New York State residents due to its public funding and lower tuition rates for in-state students. SNHU's tuition is consistent for all online students, regardless of location, but may be higher than SUNY Empire's in-state rates. Out-of-state students might find SNHU more competitive depending on SUNY Empire's out-of-state tuition and fees.

• How do the academic programs compare between SUNY Empire State College and SNHU?

  Both institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. SNHU has a very extensive catalog of online programs, particularly in business, technology, and healthcare. SUNY Empire State College emphasizes individualized degree programs, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals, often incorporating prior learning credits.

• What is 'prior learning assessment,' and how does SUNY Empire State College utilize it?

  Prior learning assessment (PLA) is the process of evaluating knowledge and skills gained outside of a traditional academic setting, such as through work experience, training programs, or self-study. SUNY Empire State College is known for its robust PLA program, allowing students to earn college credit for demonstrated competencies, potentially shortening their time to graduation and reducing tuition costs.

• Which college is better for online learning: SUNY Empire State College or SNHU?

  Both colleges offer online learning options, but SNHU is particularly well-known for its large and established online programs. SNHU's online platform is designed for a structured and supported online learning experience. SUNY Empire State College also offers online courses, but with a greater emphasis on individualized learning and faculty mentorship, which may appeal to students seeking a more personalized online experience.

• What kind of student support services do SUNY Empire State College and SNHU offer?

  Both institutions provide student support services such as academic advising, career counseling, library resources, and technical support. SNHU's online programs often include dedicated academic advisors and 24/7 technical support. SUNY Empire State College emphasizes personalized support through faculty mentors who guide students in their academic planning and progress.

• How does the faculty interaction differ between SUNY Empire State College and SNHU?

  At SUNY Empire State College, faculty members often serve as mentors, working closely with students to design individualized degree plans and assess prior learning. SNHU's online courses typically involve interaction with instructors through discussion forums, email, and virtual office hours. The level of personalized mentorship may be higher at SUNY Empire State College due to its focus on individualized learning.

• What are the accreditation differences between SUNY Empire State College and SNHU?

  Both SUNY Empire State College and SNHU are regionally accredited, which is a crucial factor to consider. SUNY Empire State College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. SNHU is also accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Regional accreditation ensures that the institutions meet quality standards and that credits earned are generally transferable.

• Which college is a better fit for a student with significant work experience?

  SUNY Empire State College is particularly well-suited for students with significant work experience due to its emphasis on prior learning assessment. Students can potentially earn college credit for their professional knowledge and skills, accelerating their degree completion. SNHU also accepts transfer credits, but its PLA process may not be as extensive as SUNY Empire's.

• How do the graduation rates compare between SUNY Empire State College and SNHU?

  Graduation rates can vary depending on the specific program and student demographics. It's best to consult the official websites of SUNY Empire State College and SNHU, as well as resources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), for the most up-to-date graduation rate data. Consider the graduation rates in programs that interest you specifically.