Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) vs CSU Global

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) are two well-regarded online universities that offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. While both institutions share a commitment to providing accessible and affordable education, they differ in several key aspects. SNHU boasts a higher acceptance rate and a larger student body, while CSU-Global has a slightly higher graduation rate. SNHU offers a broader selection of majors, including popular fields like business, healthcare, and information technology, while CSU-Global specializes in business, health sciences, and information systems. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details and discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and preferences.

	Colorado State University-Global Campus	Southern New Hampshire University
Overview
Location	Aurora, Colorado	Manchester, New Hampshire
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Trimester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	35.0%	62.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	96.0%	92.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $25
SAT range	495 - 595	N/A
ACT range	16 - 18	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	3.0%
Students submitting ACT score	2.0%
Total number of applicants	126	27,953
Total number of admissions given out	121	25,736
Admitted students who chose to enroll	99	10,607
Yield rate	81.8%	41.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$20,440	$38,518
Average net price	$12,351	$21,502
Tuition	$8,400	$15,000
Room & board		Room/dormitory: $8,000 Meal plan: $4,200
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	35.0% Average amount $5,411	79.0% Average amount $6,006
Students receiving federal student loan	70.0% Average amount $6,934	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	6,897 Men 46.0% Women 54.0%	121,884 Men 36.8% Women 63.2%
Graduate students	3,947 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%	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: 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	Business Computer and Information Science Health Professions Education Law Enforcement and Firefighting	Business Health Professions Psychology Liberal Arts Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	25:1	24:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	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)	Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,807 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $93,776 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $74,882 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $86,237 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,824 Year 2: $76,117 Year 3: $80,492 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,872 Year 2: $72,022 Year 3: $80,318 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,994 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $77,595 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,480 Year 2: $70,522 Year 3: $74,901 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,152 Year 2: $66,111 Year 3: $71,617 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,677 Year 2: $64,344 Year 3: $71,163 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,425 Year 2: $60,041 Year 3: $64,862 Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,055 Year 2: $59,193 Year 3: $60,979	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 Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global)?

SNHU and CSU-Global are both primarily online universities, but they have some key differences. SNHU is a private, non-profit university with a long history, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. CSU-Global, on the other hand, is a public, fully online university that is part of the Colorado State University System. CSU-Global focuses specifically on providing career-relevant education for working adults, often with a stronger emphasis on competency-based learning and direct industry application compared to SNHU's more traditional academic approach.
Which university, SNHU or CSU-Global, is more affordable?

Generally, SNHU and CSU-Global are competitively priced for online education. However, tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and any financial aid or scholarships you may qualify for. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition rates and to explore their financial aid options. Factors like military discounts or employer tuition assistance can also significantly impact the overall cost.
What types of programs do SNHU and CSU-Global offer?

Both SNHU and CSU-Global offer a broad range of programs. SNHU has a very extensive catalog, including business, healthcare, education, and technology programs at the associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. CSU-Global also offers a variety of bachelor's and master's degrees, with a strong focus on business, IT, project management, and healthcare administration. CSU-Global tends to emphasize programs directly aligned with current industry needs and workforce demands.
How do the learning formats differ between SNHU and CSU-Global?

Both universities primarily offer online learning. SNHU utilizes a more traditional online course structure with set start and end dates, weekly assignments, and instructor-led discussions. CSU-Global often incorporates competency-based learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace by demonstrating mastery of specific skills and knowledge. While both offer flexibility, CSU-Global's competency-based approach can provide even greater control over the learning timeline for self-directed learners.
Which university, SNHU or CSU-Global, is better for working adults?

Both SNHU and CSU-Global are designed to cater to working adults. SNHU offers flexible online programs and accelerated degree options. CSU-Global is specifically built for working professionals, with a focus on career-relevant skills and a competency-based learning model that allows students to learn at their own pace. The 'better' choice depends on your learning style and career goals. If you prefer a structured, traditional online learning environment, SNHU might be a good fit. If you thrive in a self-directed environment and want to focus on demonstrating specific competencies, CSU-Global could be a better option.
What is the reputation of SNHU and CSU-Global?

SNHU has a well-established reputation as a large, accredited online university with a long history. It's known for its accessibility and wide range of programs. CSU-Global, as part of the Colorado State University System, benefits from the reputation of its parent institution. It's recognized for its focus on career-relevant education and its innovative competency-based learning model. Both are regionally accredited, which is important for transferring credits and for employer recognition.
How do I apply to SNHU and CSU-Global?

The application processes for both SNHU and CSU-Global are typically straightforward and can be completed online. You'll generally need to submit an application form, transcripts from previous institutions, and potentially other supporting documents. Check the specific admission requirements on each university's website, as they may vary depending on the program you're applying to. Both universities often have rolling admissions, allowing you to apply throughout the year.
What kind of student support services do SNHU and CSU-Global offer?

Both SNHU and CSU-Global provide a range of student support services to help online learners succeed. This typically includes academic advising, tutoring, career services, library resources, and technical support. SNHU is known for its robust student support system, including dedicated academic advisors and 24/7 tech support. CSU-Global also offers comprehensive support services tailored to the needs of working adults, such as career coaching and resume assistance.
Are SNHU and CSU-Global accredited?

Yes, both Southern New Hampshire University and Colorado State University-Global Campus are regionally accredited. Accreditation is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a university, as it ensures that the institution meets certain quality standards and that your degree will be recognized by employers and other educational institutions. Both universities' regional accreditation is a testament to their commitment to providing a quality education.
Which university has a stronger focus on technology programs, SNHU or CSU-Global?

While both offer technology-related programs, CSU-Global tends to have a slightly stronger and more direct focus on technology programs that are aligned with current industry demands. SNHU offers a broader range of technology programs, but CSU-Global's curriculum is often designed with direct input from industry professionals, ensuring that graduates have the skills and knowledge employers are seeking. Consider your specific technology interests and career goals when making your decision.

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