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Southern New Hampshire University vs University of New Hampshire-Main Campus: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Manchester NH · vs · Public, Durham NH

The verdict

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $95,220 in 5.3 years versus 75 years at Southern New Hampshire University, on median earnings of $66,479 vs $50,318 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouthern New Hampshire UniversityUniversity of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Net price / yr$36,708$23,805
Total net cost$146,832$95,220
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,318$66,479
Median debt$21,082$26,814
Payback75 yrs5.3 yrs
20-year net return-$107,672$267,160

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

Which is cheaper, Southern New Hampshire University or University of New Hampshire-Main Campus?

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, at $23,805 a year after aid versus $36,708 — a gap of $12,903 a year, or $51,612 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 University of New Hampshire-Main Campus graduates earn more?

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus graduates report a median $66,479 ten years after entry, $16,161 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 University of New Hampshire-Main Campus?

Southern New Hampshire University: its completers carry a median $21,082 in federal loans versus $26,814 at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, a difference of $5,732. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

76% of students finish at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, 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 University of New Hampshire-Main Campus: frequently asked questions

Is Southern New Hampshire University or University of New Hampshire-Main Campus a better value?
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus. It clears its $95,220 net cost in about 5.3 years versus 75 years at Southern New Hampshire University, on median earnings of $66,479 vs $50,318 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Southern New Hampshire University or University of New Hampshire-Main Campus?
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus: $23,805/yr net price after aid versus $36,708/yr at Southern New Hampshire University — a difference of $12,903 a year, or about $51,612 over four years.
Do Southern New Hampshire University or University of New Hampshire-Main Campus graduates earn more?
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus graduates earn a median $66,479 ten years after entry, versus $50,318 at Southern New Hampshire University — a $16,161 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.