WGU vs SNHU - CollegeRanker (2024)

When deciding between two universities, it’s essential to consider factors such as costs, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. This article will compare Western Governors University (WGU) and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) to help you make an informed decision.

[WGU] Overview

Western Governors University (WGU) is an online university founded in 1997 by a group of U.S. governors. WGU offers a unique competency-based learning model, which allows students to progress through their degree at their own pace. The university is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in various fields, including business, education, healthcare, and IT.

[WGU] Costs & Tuition

WGU’s tuition is based on a flat-rate per six-month term, currently set at $3,225 for most undergraduate programs and $3,895 for graduate programs. Students can complete as many courses as they can during their term, potentially reducing the overall cost of the degree. Financial aid is available for eligible students, as well as scholarships and grants.

[WGU] Admissions

Admission to WGU is open to anyone who has earned a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must also complete an interview with an enrollment counselor and pass a readiness assessment. There are no specific GPA or test score requirements for admission.

[WGU] Degrees Offered

WGU offers a wide range of degree programs across four colleges: the College of Business, the College of Health Professions, the College of Information Technology, and the College of Education. Degrees include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as business management, nursing, cybersecurity, and teaching.

[WGU] Academics

WGU employs a competency-based learning model, allowing students to progress through courses at their own pace. Students are assessed through various methods, including exams, papers, and projects, to demonstrate their mastery of the material. Faculty members, known as Course Instructors, support students through their academic journey by providing guidance, resources, and expertise.

[WGU] Diversity

WGU is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The student body is composed of individuals from various backgrounds, including age, race, ethnicity, and geographic location. WGU also provides resources and support for traditionally underrepresented students, such as minority and first-generation college students.

[WGU] Students

WGU enrolls over 100,000 students from all 50 states. The average age of a WGU student is 36, and the majority of students attend part-time. Students at WGU benefit from a flexible learning environment, allowing them to balance work, family, and other commitments while pursuing their degree.

[WGU] Campus

As an online university, WGU does not have a traditional campus. However, the school’s headquarters are located in Salt Lake City, Utah. WGU’s virtual campus provides students with access to a wide range of resources, including course materials, study guides, and communication with faculty and fellow students.

[WGU] Alumni

WGU boasts a strong alumni network of over 180,000 graduates. Alumni can take advantage of resources such as career services, networking events, and professional development opportunities. WGU graduates have gone on to work at notable companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

[WGU] Rankings

WGU is consistently recognized for its innovation in higher education. The university has been ranked #1 in Fast Company’s “50 Most Innovative Companies” list and has been recognized by the U.S. Distance Learning Association (USDLA) for its quality and innovation in online learning.

[WGU] Outcomes

WGU has a strong track record of student success. A recent study by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center found that WGU students have a 73% graduation rate, higher than the national average for other universities. Additionally, a 2020 survey of WGU graduates found that 96% were employed within one year of graduation, with 88% working in their field of study.

[SNHU] Overview

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, non-profit university founded in 1932. SNHU offers a wide range of online and on-campus degree programs, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and serves over 135,000 students.

[SNHU] Costs & Tuition

SNHU’s online tuition is $320 per credit hour for undergraduate programs and $627 per credit hour for graduate programs. On-campus tuition is $31,136 per year for full-time undergraduate students and $18,810 per year for graduate students. Financial aid is available for eligible students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

[SNHU] Admissions

Admission to SNHU is based on a rolling admissions process, and applications are accepted throughout the year. Applicants must submit a high school transcript or GED, and there are no specific GPA or test score requirements for admission. Some programs may have additional requirements, such as a portfolio or work experience.

[SNHU] Degrees Offered

SNHU offers over 200 degree programs across various fields, including business, education, healthcare, and IT. Degree options include associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate programs.

[SNHU] Academics

SNHU emphasizes student-centered learning, with small class sizes and individualized support from faculty. Online courses are designed to be flexible and accessible for students with a variety of learning styles and schedules. SNHU also offers a range of academic resources, such as tutoring, writing support, and research assistance.

[SNHU] Diversity

SNHU is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning community. The student body includes individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, age, and gender. SNHU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion provides resources and support to promote equity and inclusivity on campus and in the online learning environment.

[SNHU] Students

SNHU serves a diverse student body, with over 135,000 students enrolled in online and on-campus programs. Online students can take advantage of a flexible learning environment, while on-campus students enjoy a traditional college experience at SNHU’s Manchester, New Hampshire campus.

[SNHU] Campus

SNHU’s main campus is located on 300 acres in Manchester, New Hampshire. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and athletic facilities. Online students can access a variety of resources through SNHU’s virtual campus, including course materials, tutoring services, and communication with faculty and fellow students.

[SNHU] Alumni

SNHU has a strong alumni network of over 100,000 graduates. Alumni can access resources such as career services, networking events, and professional development opportunities. SNHU graduates have gone on to work at notable organizations, including Fidelity Investments, Liberty Mutual, and the U.S. Department of State.

[SNHU] Rankings

SNHU has been recognized for its commitment to innovation and student success. The university was named the #1 Most Innovative School in the North by U.S. News & World Report, and its online programs have been ranked among the best in the nation by BestColleges.com and AffordableCollegesOnline.org.

[SNHU] Outcome

SNHU is dedicated to supporting students in achieving their educational and career goals. According to a recent survey, 93% of SNHU graduates were employed or enrolled in further education within six months of graduation, and 91% of alumni reported that their SNHU education was applicable to their career.

When comparing the costs of WGU and SNHU, it’s essential to consider factors such as tuition, fees, and financial aid availability. WGU’s flat-rate tuition model allows students to complete their degree at a potentially lower cost, depending on the number of courses they can complete in a term. WGU’s undergraduate tuition rate is $3,225 per six-month term, while SNHU’s online undergraduate tuition rate is $320 per credit hour.

For a student taking 12 credit hours per term, SNHU’s tuition would amount to $3,840 per term. However, it’s crucial to note that the total cost of a degree will depend on the number of credits required for the program and the time it takes to complete the degree. Both universities offer financial aid for eligible students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.

Both WGU and SNHU have relatively open admissions policies, with no specific GPA or test score requirements for admission. WGU requires applicants to complete an interview with an enrollment counselor and pass a readiness assessment, while SNHU accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Some programs at both universities may have additional requirements, such as a portfolio or work experience. Overall, the admissions process at both institutions is designed to be accessible and accommodating for students with diverse backgrounds and educational experiences.

Academic difficulty can vary between programs and individual students’ learning styles. WGU’s competency-based learning model enables students to progress through courses at their own pace, potentially making the learning experience more manageable for some students. SNHU offers a more traditional learning environment, with set course schedules and deadlines.

Both universities emphasize student-centered learning and provide various academic resources to support students, such as tutoring, writing assistance, and research support. Ultimately, the academic difficulty at each institution will depend on the specific program and the individual student’s needs and preferences.

Both WGU and SNHU have strong track records of student success and positive outcomes. WGU graduates have a 73% graduation rate, higher than the national average for other universities, and 96% of graduates are employed within one year of graduation. SNHU reports that 93% of their graduates are employed or enrolled in further education within six months of graduation, and 91% of alumni report that their SNHU education was applicable to their career.

In comparing the outcomes of WGU and SNHU, it’s essential to consider factors such as graduation rates, employment rates, and the relevance of the education to graduates’ careers. Both universities are dedicated to supporting students in achieving their educational and career goals and have demonstrated success in helping students reach positive outcomes.