Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) vs Bellevue University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Bellevue University (BU) stand out as two prominent institutions offering flexible and accessible higher education opportunities. While both universities share a commitment to providing quality education, they differ in several key aspects. SNHU boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with diverse backgrounds. In contrast, BU's lower acceptance rate indicates a more selective admissions process. Furthermore, the student body demographics vary, with SNHU having a larger undergraduate population and BU having a higher percentage of graduate students. Additionally, the graduation rates differ, with SNHU having a slightly higher rate. To help you make an informed decision about your educational journey, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences and more. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and preferences.

	Bellevue University	Southern New Hampshire University
Overview
Location	Bellevue, Nebraska	Manchester, New Hampshire
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	72.0%	62.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	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		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	$35,088	$38,518
Average net price	$15,229	$21,502
Tuition	$7,560	$15,000
Room & board	$10,635	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)	60.0% Average amount $5,955	79.0% Average amount $6,006
Students receiving federal student loan	20.0% Average amount $5,525	50.0% Average amount $5,176
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $10,000	0.0% Average amount $7,258

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	8,903 Men 44.3% Women 55.7%	121,884 Men 36.8% Women 63.2%
Graduate students	2,999 Men 43.8% Women 56.2%	23,649 Men 31.9% Women 68.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	90.0%	93.2%
International students	0.1%	0.6%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	286	1,934
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Texas Nebraska Florida Arkansas California	Texas New Hampshire Pennsylvania California Georgia

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Computer and Information Science Social Sciences Psychology Health Professions	Business Health Professions Psychology Liberal Arts Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	19:1	24:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	22.6%	39.1%
Dropout rate	N/A	34.5%
Transferred out	34.0%	24.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,259 Year 2: $78,971 Year 3: $95,916 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,595 Year 2: $80,152 Year 3: $83,164 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $81,575 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $78,343 Year 3: $77,959 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,528 Year 2: $71,495 Year 3: $73,578 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,241 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $71,969 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,878 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $69,276 General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,231 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $62,468 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,272 Year 2: $60,689 Year 3: $59,377 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,155 Year 2: $51,273 Year 3: $59,135	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 Bellevue University?

SNHU is a private, non-profit university known for its large online presence and competency-based education options. Bellevue University, also private and non-profit, focuses on career-relevant education, particularly for working adults and veterans, with a strong emphasis on applied learning and flexible scheduling.
Which university, SNHU or Bellevue, is better known for its online programs?

SNHU is widely recognized for its extensive and well-established online programs. While Bellevue University also offers online options, SNHU has a larger online student population and a broader range of online degree programs.
How do the tuition costs compare between SNHU and Bellevue University?

Generally, SNHU and Bellevue University have comparable tuition rates for undergraduate programs. However, it's essential to check the specific program you're interested in, as costs can vary. Both universities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help offset tuition expenses.
Which university, SNHU or Bellevue, is more focused on serving military personnel and veterans?

Bellevue University has a strong commitment to serving military personnel and veterans. They offer specialized programs, resources, and support services tailored to the unique needs of this population. While SNHU also supports veterans, Bellevue's focus is more pronounced.
What types of degree programs are offered at SNHU and Bellevue University?

Both SNHU and Bellevue University offer a wide range of degree programs, including business, healthcare, technology, and education. SNHU is known for its competency-based programs, while Bellevue University emphasizes career-focused degrees designed to meet industry demands.
How do the campus environments differ between SNHU and Bellevue University?

SNHU has a traditional campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, offering a residential college experience. Bellevue University's main campus is in Bellevue, Nebraska, and primarily caters to non-traditional students, with a focus on commuter students and online learners. The campus life experience is significantly different between the two.
Does SNHU or Bellevue University offer more flexible learning options?

Both universities offer flexible learning options, including online courses, accelerated programs, and various scheduling options. SNHU's competency-based education model provides a high degree of flexibility, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Bellevue University also offers flexible scheduling and online formats to accommodate working adults.
What is the accreditation status of SNHU and Bellevue University?

Both Southern New Hampshire University and Bellevue University are regionally accredited by reputable accrediting bodies. Regional accreditation is a sign of quality and ensures that credits earned at these institutions are generally transferable to other colleges and universities.
Which university, SNHU or Bellevue, has a stronger focus on career services and job placement?

Both universities provide career services to their students. Bellevue University places a strong emphasis on career-relevant education and offers resources specifically designed to help students find employment in their chosen fields. SNHU also offers career services, but Bellevue's focus on career preparation is more pronounced in its program design.
How do the faculty and teaching styles compare at SNHU and Bellevue University?

Both universities employ qualified faculty with expertise in their respective fields. SNHU's faculty often incorporate innovative teaching methods, particularly in online courses. Bellevue University's faculty are often industry professionals who bring real-world experience to the classroom, emphasizing applied learning.

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