Colorado Tech vs Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs and Southern New Hampshire University, while both offering a variety of programs and opportunities, present distinct differences that may influence your academic journey. Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students. Southern New Hampshire University, on the other hand, offers a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs, catering to diverse academic interests. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further distinctions, including popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which university aligns best with your educational aspirations and goals.

	Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs	Southern New Hampshire University
Overview
Location	Colorado Springs, Colorado	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	44.0%	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	$23,149	$38,518
Average net price	$17,286	$21,502
Tuition	$11,939	$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)	84.0% Average amount $6,417	79.0% Average amount $6,006
Students receiving federal student loan	79.0% Average amount $6,698	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	21,161 Men 33.4% Women 66.6%	121,884 Men 36.8% Women 63.2%
Graduate students	2,855 Men 39.8% Women 60.2%	23,649 Men 31.9% Women 68.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	93.3%	93.2%
International students	0.0%	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	Texas Georgia Colorado North Carolina Florida	Texas New Hampshire Pennsylvania California Georgia

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Health Professions Computer and Information Science Law Enforcement and Firefighting Engineering	Business Health Professions Psychology Liberal Arts Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	30:1	24:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	22.6%	39.1%
Dropout rate	75.5%	34.5%
Transferred out	N/A	24.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $112,216 Year 2: $104,192 Year 3: $90,719 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,493 Year 2: $74,200 Year 3: $82,890 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,277 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $81,758 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,957 Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $74,614 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,736 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $64,938 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,665 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $63,024 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,374 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $60,413 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $40,310 Year 2: $50,856 Year 3: $58,663 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $43,500 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $57,457 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,476 Year 2: $60,568 Year 3: $55,814	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 Colorado Technical University (CTU) - Colorado Springs and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)?

CTU-Colorado Springs is a physical campus location offering primarily online programs, while SNHU is a primarily online university with a physical campus in Manchester, New Hampshire. CTU is known for its focus on technology and business-related programs, often catering to working adults and military personnel. SNHU offers a broader range of programs, including liberal arts, and is known for its competency-based education options and flexible online learning environment. SNHU also has a larger student population and a more established online presence.
Which university is better for online learning: CTU or SNHU?

Both CTU and SNHU are strong contenders for online learning. SNHU is generally recognized as a leader in online education due to its extensive experience, wide array of online programs, and flexible learning options like competency-based education. CTU also offers a robust online platform with a focus on career-relevant skills, particularly in technology and business. The 'better' choice depends on your specific program of interest and learning style. If you prefer a highly structured online environment with a focus on career-specific skills, CTU might be a good fit. If you value flexibility and a wider range of program options, SNHU could be a better choice.
What types of programs do CTU and SNHU specialize in?

CTU specializes in technology, business, and management programs. They offer degrees in areas like cybersecurity, computer science, business administration, and project management. SNHU offers a broader range of programs, including business, education, liberal arts, healthcare, and STEM fields. While SNHU also has strong business and technology programs, their offerings extend to areas like creative writing, psychology, and social sciences.
How do the tuition costs compare between CTU and SNHU?

Tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and degree level. Generally, SNHU is known for its relatively affordable tuition rates, especially for its online programs. CTU's tuition can be slightly higher, but they often offer financial aid and scholarships, particularly for military personnel and veterans. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition information and to explore available financial aid options.
Are CTU and SNHU accredited universities?

Yes, both CTU and SNHU are accredited universities. Accreditation is crucial because it ensures that the university meets certain quality standards and that your degree will be recognized by employers and other institutions. CTU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Which university is more military-friendly: CTU or SNHU?

Both CTU and SNHU are considered military-friendly institutions. CTU has a long history of serving military personnel and veterans, offering dedicated support services, tuition assistance, and flexible learning options. SNHU also provides resources and support for military students, including military-specific scholarships and credit for military experience. The 'better' choice depends on your individual needs and preferences, but both universities are committed to supporting the military community.
What are the admission requirements for CTU and SNHU?

Admission requirements vary depending on the program and degree level. Generally, both CTU and SNHU require a high school diploma or GED equivalent for undergraduate programs. For graduate programs, a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is typically required. SNHU often has more flexible admission policies, particularly for online programs, while CTU may have more specific requirements for certain technology-focused programs. Check each university's website for detailed admission requirements for your program of interest.
Do CTU and SNHU offer career services to their students?

Yes, both CTU and SNHU offer career services to help students with their job search and career development. These services typically include resume and cover letter writing assistance, interview preparation, job search strategies, and networking opportunities. CTU's career services are often tailored to the technology and business fields, while SNHU's career services cover a broader range of industries.
How do the campus environments compare between CTU-Colorado Springs and SNHU?

CTU-Colorado Springs has a smaller campus environment primarily focused on supporting its online programs. It offers resources for students in the Colorado Springs area. SNHU has a larger, more traditional campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, with a wider range of student activities, clubs, and organizations. If you're looking for a traditional campus experience with a vibrant student life, SNHU might be a better fit. If you're primarily interested in online learning with some local support in Colorado Springs, CTU could be a good option.
Does either university offer competency-based education?

Yes, SNHU is well-known for its competency-based education (CBE) programs, which allow students to earn credit for what they already know. This can be a faster and more affordable way to earn a degree. While CTU focuses on career-relevant skills, it doesn't emphasize CBE to the same extent as SNHU. If you're interested in a learning model that focuses on demonstrating mastery of specific skills and knowledge, SNHU's CBE programs are worth exploring.

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