Capella vs Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Capella University and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) stand out as two prominent online learning institutions, each catering to a diverse student population seeking flexible and accessible higher education. While both universities share a commitment to online education, they differ in several key aspects. Capella boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with varying academic backgrounds. SNHU, on the other hand, offers a wider range of undergraduate programs, including popular majors like business, healthcare, and IT. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details regarding acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals and preferences.

	Capella University	Southern New Hampshire University
Overview
Location	Minneapolis, Minnesota	Manchester, New Hampshire
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (For Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Quarter	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	60.0%	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	$21,572	$38,518
Average net price	$17,840	$21,502
Tuition	$14,148	$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)	100.0% Average amount $3,202	79.0% Average amount $6,006
Students receiving federal student loan	100.0% Average amount $7,943	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	12,383 Men 19.2% Women 80.8%	121,884 Men 36.8% Women 63.2%
Graduate students	26,333 Men 17.0% Women 83.0%	23,649 Men 31.9% Women 68.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	93.2%
International students	0.6%	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	N/A	Texas New Hampshire Pennsylvania California Georgia

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Psychology Business Education Computer and Information Science	Business Health Professions Psychology Liberal Arts Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	32:1	24:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	50.0%	39.1%
Dropout rate	50.0%	34.5%
Transferred out	N/A	24.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Management Information Systems and Services (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $127,993 Year 3: $128,733 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $106,301 Year 2: $111,435 Year 3: $119,533 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $114,251 Year 2: $102,409 Year 3: $109,147 Homeland Security (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $101,964 Year 3: $107,926 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $85,861 Year 2: $101,072 Year 3: $106,574 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $104,654 Year 2: $99,886 Year 3: $100,616 Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,456 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $96,294 Business/Commerce, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $90,971 Year 2: $89,170 Year 3: $95,852 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $85,010 Year 2: $93,816 Year 3: $92,845 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,425 Year 2: $88,678 Year 3: $92,470	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 Capella University and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)?

While both are online universities, there are key distinctions. Capella University often emphasizes doctoral programs and programs with a strong clinical or applied focus, such as psychology and counseling. SNHU offers a broader range of programs, including more undergraduate options and a larger student body. SNHU is generally known for its more affordable tuition rates and faster course formats, while Capella may offer more in-depth programs and a slightly more rigorous academic experience in certain fields.
How do the tuition costs compare between Capella University and SNHU?

SNHU generally has lower tuition costs per credit hour compared to Capella University. This can make SNHU a more budget-friendly option, especially for undergraduate programs. However, tuition rates can vary depending on the specific program and degree level at both universities. It's always best to check the most current tuition information on each university's website for the program you're interested in.
Which university offers a wider variety of programs?

SNHU typically offers a broader selection of programs, including a more extensive range of undergraduate degrees, as well as a significant number of master's and doctoral programs. Capella University also offers a wide array of programs, but its focus tends to be more concentrated on specific fields, such as healthcare, business, and counseling.
What is the typical course format like at Capella University and SNHU?

Both universities primarily offer online courses. SNHU often utilizes shorter, accelerated course formats, sometimes lasting 8 weeks or less. Capella University may have longer course durations, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of the subject matter. The specific format can also vary depending on the program and the level of study.
How do the accreditation statuses of Capella University and SNHU compare?

Both Capella University and SNHU are regionally accredited, which is a significant indicator of quality and is recognized by employers and other educational institutions. Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Both accreditations are widely respected.
Which university is better for students seeking a doctoral degree?

Capella University has a strong reputation for its doctoral programs, particularly in fields like psychology, counseling, and education. While SNHU also offers doctoral programs, Capella's focus and experience in this area may be more extensive. However, the best choice depends on the specific program and the student's individual needs and preferences.
How does the student support differ between Capella University and SNHU?

Both universities provide various student support services, including academic advising, career services, and technical support. SNHU, with its larger student body, may offer a more extensive network of resources. Capella University often emphasizes personalized support, including dedicated faculty mentors and advisors, particularly in its doctoral programs.
Are there any differences in the online learning platforms used by Capella University and SNHU?

Both universities utilize online learning platforms to deliver their courses. While the specific platforms may differ, both are designed to provide a user-friendly and engaging learning experience. The platforms typically include features such as course materials, discussion forums, and assessment tools. The user experience can vary, so it's a good idea to explore the platform through a virtual tour or demo if available.
Which university is better for career advancement?

Both Capella University and SNHU can contribute to career advancement. The value of a degree depends on the program, the student's performance, and the specific career goals. SNHU's larger alumni network and broader program offerings may provide more diverse career opportunities. Capella's focus on specific fields, such as healthcare and counseling, can be advantageous for those seeking careers in those areas. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the individual's career aspirations.
How do I decide between Capella University and SNHU?

Consider your individual needs and preferences. Evaluate the program offerings, tuition costs, course formats, and student support services. If you're seeking a doctoral degree or a program with a strong clinical focus, Capella University might be a good fit. If you're looking for a broader range of programs, more affordable tuition, and faster course formats, SNHU could be a better choice. Research the specific programs you're interested in at each university and compare their curricula, faculty, and career outcomes.

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