What Southern New Hampshire University offers and who it serves

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university based in Manchester, New Hampshire that offers online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. The university operates a separate online division called SNHU Online, which handles all distance learning. Most students in SNHU Online are working adults returning to school part-time, though some study full-time.

SNHU Online awards bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and graduate certificates across fields including business, information technology, healthcare management, education, and liberal arts. The university is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means credits and degrees are recognized by employers and other universities. SNHU does not require you to attend any classes on campus.

Tuition and program length vary by degree level and field. The university charges per credit hour rather than per semester, so your total cost depends on how many credits your program requires and whether you take courses full-time or part-time. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits; most master's degrees require 36 to 48 credits.

Key Takeaways

  • SNHU Online charges tuition per credit hour, and your total cost depends on program length and how fast you complete it, not on a fixed semester fee.
  • The university requires a high school diploma or GED for bachelor's programs and a bachelor's degree for most master's programs, but does not require standardized test scores for admission.
  • You can start most programs in January, May, or September, and courses run in 8-week blocks so you can take one or two at a time while working.
  • Financial aid including federal student loans, grants, and SNHU scholarships may be available depending on your citizenship, enrollment status, and other factors.
  • SNHU Online students can transfer in credits from other colleges, which can reduce your total program cost and time to degree.

Tuition, fees, and what your total cost depends on

SNHU Online charges tuition per credit hour. As of 2024, the per-credit rate for most undergraduate programs is approximately $320 per credit, though some specialized programs cost more. Graduate programs typically cost between $400 and $550 per credit depending on the field. These rates change annually, so you should confirm the current rate for your specific program on SNHU's website before enrolling.

Your total cost is calculated by multiplying the per-credit rate by the number of credits required for your degree. A bachelor's degree requiring 120 credits at $320 per credit would cost roughly $38,400 before financial aid. A master's degree requiring 36 credits at $450 per credit would cost roughly $16,200. If you transfer in credits from another college, you pay tuition only for the credits you complete at SNHU, which lowers your total.

SNHU charges no separate process fee, no technology fee, and no per-semester registration fee. Books and course materials are included in the per-credit tuition. You may have costs outside tuition — such as a computer or internet service — but those are not billed by the university.

Admission requirements and how to start

To enroll in a bachelor's program, you must have a high school diploma or GED. SNHU does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. You will need to submit proof of your high school completion and create an SNHU account to begin the enrollment process.

To enroll in a master's program, you must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Some master's programs have additional requirements — for example, an MBA may require work experience or a minimum undergraduate GPA. You will need to submit your bachelor's degree transcript and, if required by your program, other documents such as a resume or statement of purpose.

SNHU Online accepts students on a rolling basis, meaning there is no single process important date. You can start most programs in January, May, or September. Once you are admitted, you can enroll in your first course within a few weeks. Courses run in 8-week blocks, so you can take one course at a time (part-time) or two courses at a time (full-time), depending on your schedule and program requirements.

Course structure and how learning happens online

SNHU Online courses are asynchronous, meaning you do not attend live classes at set times. Instead, you log into the course platform on your own schedule, watch recorded lectures or read assigned materials, complete assignments, and participate in discussion boards. Most courses require you to log in and participate several times per week, but you choose when during the week you do so.

Each course runs for 8 weeks. You take one or two courses per 8-week term, depending on your enrollment status. If you take one course per term, a 120-credit bachelor's degree takes approximately four years. If you take two courses per term, the same degree takes approximately two years. Your pace depends on how much time you can commit while working or managing other responsibilities.

Instructors are faculty members, many of whom work in the fields they teach. You communicate with instructors and classmates through email, discussion boards, and office hours. SNHU provides online tutoring, writing support, and academic advising at no additional cost.

Transfer credits and how they affect your cost and timeline

SNHU allows you to transfer in credits from other regionally accredited colleges and universities. You do not pay SNHU tuition for transferred credits — you pay only for credits you complete at SNHU. This can significantly reduce your total cost and shorten your time to degree.

To transfer credits, you submit official transcripts from the college where you earned them. SNHU's admissions office reviews the transcripts and determines which credits count toward your degree. The number of credits you can transfer depends on your degree level and program. For a bachelor's degree, you can typically transfer in up to 90 credits, meaning you would complete at least 30 credits at SNHU. For a master's degree, transfer limits are usually lower — often 6 to 12 credits.

Credits transfer only if they are from a regionally accredited institution and if the course content matches your SNHU program. For example, a statistics course from another college may transfer as a general education credit or a major requirement, depending on the course content and your program. SNHU evaluates each transcript individually, so there is no fixed list of which courses transfer.

Financial aid, scholarships, and how to pay

SNHU Online students may be may be able to access for federal student loans, federal grants (such as the Pell Grant), and SNHU scholarships. may be able to access depends on your citizenship, enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and other factors. To explore what may be available, you complete the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. SNHU's financial aid office uses your FAFSA information to determine what aid you may receive.

SNHU also offers its own scholarships and payment plans. Some scholarships are merit-based (awarded for academic achievement or test scores), while others are need-based (awarded based on your financial situation). The university also allows you to pay tuition in installments rather than all at once, which can make monthly costs more manageable.

If you are a military service member or veteran, you may be may be able to access for GI Bill benefits or military tuition information. SNHU is approved for GI Bill benefits, and the financial aid office can explain how those benefits work with SNHU tuition.

Accreditation, degree recognition, and employer acceptance

SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Regional accreditation is the standard form of accreditation for colleges and universities in the United States and is recognized by employers, other universities, and government agencies. This means your SNHU degree is widely recognized if you want to transfer credits to another college, pursue a graduate degree elsewhere, or use your degree for employment.

Some individual programs within SNHU also hold specialized accreditation. For example, the business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and the nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Specialized accreditation signals that a program meets industry standards and can be important if you plan to enter a regulated field.

SNHU is a well-known online university, and many employers recognize its degrees. However, employer attitudes toward online degrees vary by industry and employer. If you are concerned about how an online degree will be perceived in your field, you can research employers in your industry or speak with an SNHU academic advisor about how graduates have fared in your target career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take classes while working full-time?

Yes. Most SNHU Online students work while studying. Courses are asynchronous, so you log in when your schedule allows. Taking one course per 8-week term (part-time) is common for working adults. Taking two courses per term is possible but requires more time commitment. You can adjust your pace each term based on your work and personal situation.

What if I don't have a bachelor's degree but want to pursue a master's?

Most SNHU master's programs require a bachelor's degree for admission. If you do not have one, you would need to complete a bachelor's degree first, either at SNHU or elsewhere. Some universities offer bridge or pathway programs, but SNHU's standard route is bachelor's first, then master's.

How long does it take to complete a degree?

Timeline depends on how many credits your program requires and how many courses you take per term. A bachelor's degree (120 credits) takes roughly four years at one course per term or two years at two courses per term. A master's degree (36 to 48 credits) takes roughly one to two years. Transferring in credits can shorten your timeline.

Do I need a computer or specific software to take classes?

Yes, you need a computer with internet access and a web browser. SNHU's learning platform works on Windows and Mac computers. Some courses may require specific software, but SNHU typically provides free or low-cost access to required tools. You should confirm technical requirements for your specific program before enrolling.

Can I change my major or program after I start?

Yes. You can change your major or switch to a different program. Some credits you have already completed may count toward your new program, which can reduce the number of additional credits you need. You should speak with an academic advisor about how a change would affect your timeline and cost.