American Public University System (APSU) vs Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

American Public University System (APUS) and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) stand out as two prominent online universities offering flexible and accessible education. While both institutions share a commitment to online learning, they differ in several key aspects. APUS boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with diverse backgrounds. SNHU, on the other hand, offers a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including popular majors like business, healthcare, and information technology. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, such as student body demographics, graduation rates, and tuition costs, to determine which university best aligns with your academic goals and preferences.

	American Public University System	Southern New Hampshire University
Overview
Location	Charles Town, West Virginia	Manchester, New Hampshire
Campus setting	Town: Fringe	Suburb: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (For Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Non Traditional	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	91.0%	62.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	92.1%
Application fees
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)	Not required	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	$17,496	$38,518
Average net price	$11,916	$21,502
Tuition	$6,840	$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)	78.0% Average amount $5,082	79.0% Average amount $6,006
Students receiving federal student loan	36.0% Average amount $8,334	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	38,969 Men 63.6% Women 36.4%	121,884 Men 36.8% Women 63.2%
Graduate students	9,329 Men 61.1% Women 38.9%	23,649 Men 31.9% Women 68.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	93.2%
International students	1.3%	0.6%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	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 Law Enforcement and Firefighting Liberal Arts Health Professions Computer and Information Science	Business Health Professions Psychology Liberal Arts Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	24:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	49.3%	39.1%
Dropout rate	33.6%	34.5%
Transferred out	N/A	24.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,507 Year 2: $81,702 Year 3: $86,066 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,935 Year 2: $82,685 Year 3: $84,578 International Relations and National Security Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,770 Year 2: $68,666 Year 3: $81,412 International/Global Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,015 Year 2: $73,992 Year 3: $80,757 Homeland Security (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,045 Year 2: $71,295 Year 3: $73,219 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,468 Year 2: $60,192 Year 3: $69,785 Fire Protection (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,979 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $69,285 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,224 Year 2: $66,728 Year 3: $68,822 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,442 Year 2: $63,749 Year 3: $67,674 International/Global Studies (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $64,432	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 American Public University System (APUS) and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)?

APUS, encompassing American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU), primarily caters to military personnel and public service professionals, offering a structured, career-focused curriculum. SNHU, on the other hand, has a broader appeal, serving a diverse student population with a wider range of programs and a more flexible, competency-based learning approach. APUS is known for its affordability and focus on specific career paths, while SNHU emphasizes accessibility and personalized learning experiences.
Which university, APUS or SNHU, is more affordable?

Generally, APUS is considered more affordable than SNHU, especially for active-duty military and veterans who may be eligible for tuition assistance and other benefits. While both institutions offer financial aid options, APUS's tuition rates are typically lower, making it a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious students.
How do the online learning experiences compare between APUS and SNHU?

Both APUS and SNHU are primarily online institutions, but their approaches differ slightly. APUS offers a structured online environment with set start dates and a focus on instructor-led courses. SNHU provides a more flexible online experience with multiple start dates throughout the year and a competency-based education model, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Both offer robust online support services, but SNHU's personalized learning approach may appeal to students seeking greater flexibility.
What types of programs are offered at APUS and SNHU?

APUS specializes in programs relevant to military, law enforcement, intelligence, and homeland security fields, along with business, technology, and liberal arts. SNHU offers a broader range of programs, including business, education, healthcare, liberal arts, and STEM fields. While both offer undergraduate and graduate degrees, SNHU's program catalog is generally more extensive and diverse.
Which university, APUS or SNHU, has a stronger reputation?

Both APUS and SNHU are regionally accredited institutions. SNHU has a slightly stronger overall reputation due to its larger size, longer history, and more extensive marketing efforts. However, APUS is well-regarded within the military and public service communities for its specialized programs and commitment to serving those populations.
How do the student support services compare between APUS and SNHU?

Both APUS and SNHU offer comprehensive student support services, including academic advising, career services, library resources, and technical support. SNHU is known for its proactive and personalized support, with dedicated advisors who work closely with students throughout their academic journey. APUS also provides strong support, particularly for military and veteran students, with resources tailored to their unique needs.
What is the accreditation status of APUS and SNHU?

Both American Public University System (APUS) and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) are regionally accredited. APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Regional accreditation is a widely recognized standard of quality in higher education.
Which university is better for military personnel and veterans, APUS or SNHU?

While both universities are military-friendly, APUS is generally considered the better choice for military personnel and veterans. APUS has a long-standing commitment to serving the military community, offering specialized programs, tuition assistance, and dedicated support services tailored to their needs. While SNHU also welcomes military students, APUS's focus and expertise in this area give it a distinct advantage.
Does either APUS or SNHU offer competency-based education?

Yes, SNHU is well-known for its competency-based education (CBE) programs, allowing students to earn credit for what they already know and progress at their own pace. APUS primarily follows a traditional course-based structure, although they may incorporate some elements of competency-based learning in certain programs. If you're specifically looking for a CBE program, SNHU is the better option.
How do the career services at APUS and SNHU compare?

Both APUS and SNHU offer career services to help students with job searching, resume writing, and interview skills. APUS's career services are particularly strong in fields related to military, law enforcement, and homeland security. SNHU's career services are more broadly focused, catering to a wider range of industries and career paths. Both institutions provide online resources and support to help students achieve their career goals.

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