Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) vs Plymouth State

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Plymouth State University (PSU) are two distinct institutions of higher learning, each offering unique educational experiences. SNHU, a private, non-profit university, boasts a significantly higher acceptance rate (93%) compared to PSU's 79%. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with SNHU excelling in business, health professions, and education, while PSU is renowned for its programs in the arts, sciences, and social sciences. SNHU's student body is predominantly female (62%), while PSU's is more evenly balanced (51% female, 49% male). In terms of graduation rates, SNHU's four-year graduation rate stands at 34%, while PSU's is slightly higher at 40%. To help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these aspects and

	Plymouth State University	Southern New Hampshire University
Overview
Location	Plymouth, New Hampshire	Manchester, New Hampshire
Campus setting	Town: Remote	Suburb: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	64.0%	62.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.7%	92.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $75
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	6,856	27,953
Total number of admissions given out	6,285	25,736
Admitted students who chose to enroll	936	10,607
Yield rate	14.9%	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	In state: $29,804 Out of state: $39,744	$38,518
Average net price	$20,145	$21,502
Tuition	In state: $11,870 Out of state: $21,810	$15,000
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,600 Meal plan: $3,980	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)	98.0% Average amount $8,983	79.0% Average amount $6,006
Students receiving federal student loan	79.0% Average amount $5,237	50.0% Average amount $5,176
Students taking out private loans	20.0% Average amount $14,585	0.0% Average amount $7,258

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,536 Men 50.5% Women 49.5%	121,884 Men 36.8% Women 63.2%
Graduate students	688 Men 28.2% Women 71.8%	23,649 Men 31.9% Women 68.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	7.5%	93.2%
International students	1.6%	0.6%
Campus local/setting	Town: Remote	Suburb: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	2,561	1,934
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New Hampshire Mississippi Maine Rhode Island Vermont	Texas New Hampshire Pennsylvania California Georgia

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Education Health Professions Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Multidisciplinary Studies	Business Health Professions Psychology Liberal Arts Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	24:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	53.3%	39.1%
Dropout rate	46.3%	34.5%
Transferred out	N/A	24.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,018 Year 2: $67,324 Year 3: $64,283 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,582 Year 2: $60,771 Year 3: $59,378 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,910 Year 2: $47,729 Year 3: $58,866 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,913 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $52,559 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $51,273 Year 3: $50,116 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,539 Year 2: $40,209 Year 3: $49,163 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $40,327 Year 2: $39,909 Year 3: $47,493 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,058 Year 2: $41,565 Year 3: $46,029 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,875 Year 2: $37,748 Year 3: $45,246 Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $50,784 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $45,102	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 Plymouth State University (PSU)?

SNHU is a private, non-profit university known for its extensive online programs and career-focused education. Plymouth State University (PSU) is a public university with a strong emphasis on liberal arts and experiential learning, particularly within the context of the New Hampshire environment. SNHU generally caters to a broader, often non-traditional student base, while PSU focuses on a more traditional, residential undergraduate experience.
Which university is larger, SNHU or PSU?

SNHU is significantly larger than PSU, especially when considering its online student population. SNHU boasts a very large student body due to its extensive online programs, while PSU has a more moderate enrollment, primarily consisting of on-campus students.
How do the academic programs differ between SNHU and PSU?

SNHU offers a wide array of career-focused programs, both online and on-campus, with a strong emphasis on business, technology, and healthcare. PSU, on the other hand, provides a broader range of liberal arts programs, along with professional programs in education, business, and the sciences. PSU is known for its Integrated Clusters approach to learning, which encourages interdisciplinary study.
What is the campus environment like at SNHU versus PSU?

SNHU has a modern campus with a focus on student amenities and a commuter-friendly environment, although it also has a growing residential population. PSU offers a more traditional college town experience in the heart of the White Mountains, with a strong sense of community and outdoor recreational opportunities.
How do the tuition costs compare between SNHU and PSU?

SNHU's tuition structure varies depending on the program and delivery method (online vs. on-campus). PSU, as a public university, generally offers lower tuition rates for in-state residents. Out-of-state tuition at PSU is typically higher than in-state rates but may still be competitive with SNHU's on-campus programs. It's best to check the universities' websites for the most up-to-date tuition information.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

SNHU offers a range of clubs, organizations, and activities, catering to both on-campus and online students. PSU has a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation due to its location in the White Mountains. PSU also has a more prominent Greek life presence than SNHU.
Which university is better for online learning?

SNHU is widely recognized for its robust and extensive online learning programs. It has invested heavily in online education and offers a wide variety of degree programs in a flexible online format. While PSU also offers some online courses, SNHU is generally considered the stronger choice for students primarily seeking an online education.
How do SNHU and PSU compare in terms of career services and job placement?

Both SNHU and PSU offer career services to help students with internships, job searching, and career development. SNHU's career services are tailored to its career-focused programs and often emphasize online resources. PSU's career services are more traditionally focused, with on-campus advising and connections to local and regional employers. Both universities strive to prepare students for successful careers after graduation.
What are the admission requirements for SNHU and PSU?

SNHU generally has more flexible admission requirements, particularly for its online programs, often focusing on prior learning and work experience. PSU has more traditional admission requirements, including standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), high school transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Specific requirements can vary by program, so it's best to check each university's admissions website.
Which university is located in a more urban setting?

SNHU is located in Manchester, New Hampshire, which is a more urban setting compared to Plymouth. PSU is located in Plymouth, New Hampshire, a smaller town in the White Mountains region, offering a more rural and outdoorsy environment.
Do SNHU and PSU offer graduate programs?

Yes, both SNHU and PSU offer graduate programs. SNHU has a wide range of online and on-campus graduate programs, particularly in business, education, and technology. PSU offers graduate programs in areas such as education, business administration, and counseling, often with a focus on regional needs and opportunities.
Which school is better for students interested in outdoor recreation?

Plymouth State University is the better choice for students highly interested in outdoor recreation. Its location in the White Mountains provides unparalleled access to hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities. While SNHU offers some recreational opportunities, it cannot compete with PSU's proximity to the mountains and its strong outdoor-oriented culture.

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