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Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Review

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution that offers a wide variety of fully online degree programs. While it operates a traditional campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, most students turn to SNHU for its flexible online courses. With over 200 degree options and a long-standing commitment to adult learners, SNHU may appeal to those looking for affordable, career-oriented education they can access anytime, anywhere.

Pros and cons

    Pros

  • 100% online degree programs available
  • No set class times; learn on your schedule
  • One of the lowest tuition rates for online programs in the U.S.
  • Generous transfer credit policy (up to 90 undergraduate credits accepted)
  • Military tuition discounts available

    Cons

  • Not all programs have specialized accreditation
  • May not offer as much real-time peer interaction as some prefer
  • Accelerated terms can require strong time-management skills

Key highlights

  • 200-plus online programs: Wide range of degrees from associate to master’s levels.
  • Affordability: Low tuition rates and no application fee; financial aid available.
  • Flexibility: Asynchronous learning and multiple start dates throughout the year.
  • Supportive services: Dedicated academic and career advisors, tutoring, tech support, and an exclusive online community.
  • Real-world relevance: Courses taught by instructors with professional experience in their fields.

About Southern New Hampshire University

Founded in 1932, SNHU has grown into one of the largest online universities in the country. As a nonprofit school, its mission is focused on expanding access to higher education through affordable and flexible programs. With a strong emphasis on workforce readiness, SNHU aims to help students reach personal and professional goals through quality instruction and student-focused services.

Online degrees and programs offered

SNHU offers more than 200 online degrees and certificates across various fields. Students can pursue associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in areas such as:

  • Business and MBA
  • Healthcare
  • Technology
  • Psychology
  • Education
  • Criminal justice
  • Art and design
  • Social sciences
  • Engineering
  • Nursing
  • Liberal arts
  • Human resources

Popular areas of study include business, healthcare and technology — fields that align closely with current job market needs.

Learning experience at SNHU

Online courses at SNHU are designed for flexibility. There are no set class times, allowing students to log in and complete assignments on their own schedule. Courses run on accelerated terms — typically eight weeks for undergraduate and 10 weeks for graduate students — making it possible to complete a degree faster than with traditional semester schedules.

Students also receive support tailored to online learners, such as:

  • A dedicated academic advisor from enrollment through graduation
  • Career services including resume help, webinars and internship resources
  • 24/7 tech support, an online library and tutoring services
  • SNHUconnect, a virtual community designed to help students stay connected

SNHU has been offering online education since 1995, giving it a long track record of serving distance learners.

Accreditation and recognition

SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education — a respected accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Many individual programs also hold programmatic accreditation, such as:

  • Business: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • Nursing: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Counseling: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Health informatics: CAHIIM
  • Education: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
  • Engineering: Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
  • Public health: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

This layered accreditation structure may help assure students that both the institution and many of its programs meet established quality standards.

The bottom line

Southern New Hampshire University may be worth considering for students looking for a flexible, affordable and career-focused online education. Its wide program selection, long-standing online infrastructure and supportive services make it especially appealing for working adults, transfer students and military families. While it’s always smart to explore all your options and review program-specific details, SNHU offers a variety of tools to help make higher education more accessible.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, as long as the school is properly accredited, employers should recognize online degrees just like traditional degrees. Many well-known universities now offer 100% online programs, making distance learning more accepted than ever.
Look for accreditation from recognized agencies, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS). Accreditation ensures the program meets high academic standards and is widely accepted by employers and other institutions. Every school featured on our site is fully accredited.
Yes, many universities now offer fully remote degrees where students never have to visit a physical campus. Some programs, particularly those requiring labs or hands-on experience, may have hybrid options with limited in-person requirements.
It depends on the school and program, but online colleges often have lower tuition and reduce expenses like commuting, housing, and campus fees. Some programs even offer in-state tuition rates for online students, regardless of location.
Online classes are typically delivered through a learning management system (LMS) where students access lectures, submit assignments, and participate in discussions. Some courses are self-paced, while others follow a structured schedule with deadlines.
Most accredited online colleges accept transfer credits from other institutions. However, the number of transferable credits depends on the school’s policies and the compatibility of courses.
It depends on the program and your pace. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years, but many online programs offer accelerated options that allow students to graduate faster by taking more credits per term.
Yes, accredited online colleges qualify for federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Students should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine their eligibility.