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Southern New Hampshire University vs Rivier University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Manchester NH · vs · Private nonprofit, Nashua NH

The verdict

Rivier University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $112,328 in 28.9 years versus 75 years at Southern New Hampshire University, on median earnings of $52,248 vs $50,318 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouthern New Hampshire UniversityRivier University
Net price / yr$36,708$28,082
Total net cost$146,832$112,328
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,318$52,248
Median debt$21,082$26,956
Payback75 yrs28.9 yrs
20-year net return-$107,672-$34,568

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

Which is cheaper, Southern New Hampshire University or Rivier University?

Rivier University, at $28,082 a year after aid versus $36,708 — a gap of $8,626 a year, or $34,504 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 Rivier University graduates earn more?

Rivier University graduates report a median $52,248 ten years after entry, $1,930 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 Rivier University?

Southern New Hampshire University: its completers carry a median $21,082 in federal loans versus $26,956 at Rivier University, a difference of $5,874. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

52% of students finish at Rivier 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 Rivier University: frequently asked questions

Is Southern New Hampshire University or Rivier University a better value?
Rivier University. It clears its $112,328 net cost in about 28.9 years versus 75 years at Southern New Hampshire University, on median earnings of $52,248 vs $50,318 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Southern New Hampshire University or Rivier University?
Rivier University: $28,082/yr net price after aid versus $36,708/yr at Southern New Hampshire University — a difference of $8,626 a year, or about $34,504 over four years.
Do Southern New Hampshire University or Rivier University graduates earn more?
Rivier University graduates earn a median $52,248 ten years after entry, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University — a $1,930 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.