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Southern New Hampshire University vs Franklin Pierce University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Manchester NH · vs · Private nonprofit, Rindge NH

The verdict

Franklin Pierce University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $108,616 in 21.8 years versus 75 years at Southern New Hampshire University, on median earnings of $53,353 vs $50,318 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouthern New Hampshire UniversityFranklin Pierce University
Net price / yr$36,708$27,154
Total net cost$146,832$108,616
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,318$53,353
Median debt$21,082$27,000
Payback75 yrs21.8 yrs
20-year net return-$107,672-$8,756

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Southern New Hampshire University or Franklin Pierce University?

Franklin Pierce University, at $27,154 a year after aid versus $36,708 — a gap of $9,554 a year, or $38,216 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Southern New Hampshire University or Franklin Pierce University graduates earn more?

Franklin Pierce University graduates report a median $53,353 ten years after entry, $3,035 more than the $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Southern New Hampshire University or Franklin Pierce University?

Southern New Hampshire University: its completers carry a median $21,082 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Franklin Pierce University, a difference of $5,918. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

54% of students finish at Franklin Pierce University, against 43% at Southern New Hampshire University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Southern New Hampshire University vs Franklin Pierce University: frequently asked questions

Is Southern New Hampshire University or Franklin Pierce University a better value?
Franklin Pierce University. It clears its $108,616 net cost in about 21.8 years versus 75 years at Southern New Hampshire University, on median earnings of $53,353 vs $50,318 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Southern New Hampshire University or Franklin Pierce University?
Franklin Pierce University: $27,154/yr net price after aid versus $36,708/yr at Southern New Hampshire University — a difference of $9,554 a year, or about $38,216 over four years.
Do Southern New Hampshire University or Franklin Pierce University graduates earn more?
Franklin Pierce University graduates earn a median $53,353 ten years after entry, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University — a $3,035 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.