Southern New Hampshire University’s Snapshot Card
25+
Online master’s programs
$627
Per credit hour
~$22k
Typical total cost
8 wk
Terms · 6 starts/yr
Key policies
Institution type
Private, nonprofit
Regional accreditation
NECHE
Admissions model
Rolling — no application deadlines
GRE/GMAT required
Not required
Military rates
Available
Notable Programmatic Accreditations
- ACBSP
- CACREP
- CSWE
- CCNE
- CEPH
- NSA/DHS
- CAE-CD
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Start Here: Compare SNHU by What Matters Most
- Compare flexibility → Rolling admissions, 8-week terms, and no-GRE pathways
- Compare affordability → ~$22,572 typical total tuition for most 36-credit programs
- Compare accreditation → NECHE regional accreditation plus CACREP, CSWE, CCNE, CEPH, and ACBSP programmatic credentials
- Compare program breadth → 25+ online master’s programs across business, healthcare, education, psychology, IT, and more
- Compare alternatives → Liberty University, WGU, UMGC, National University, and Grand Canyon University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit institution based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with one of the largest online student populations in the United States — over 200,000 online learners. SNHU holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the same body that accredits schools like Harvard, Yale, and MIT.
At the master’s level, SNHU offers more than 25 fully online degree programs across business, education, healthcare, psychology, criminal justice, nursing, IT, and more. Most programs follow an 8-week term structure with six start dates per year, and the university does not require standardized test scores (no GRE or GMAT) for the majority of its graduate programs.
SNHU has built its reputation on accessibility and scale. Here’s what genuinely distinguishes the university in the online master’s landscape:
Breadth of program catalog. Few online universities match SNHU’s range at the master’s level. With 25+ online graduate programs spanning business, education, healthcare, technology, psychology, criminal justice, and more, students rarely need to look elsewhere for a subject fit. This is a meaningful advantage over institutions like University of Maryland Global Campus, which has a narrower graduate catalog.
Nonprofit status with private-school flexibility. SNHU operates as a private nonprofit, which matters for employer perception and financial aid eligibility. Unlike for-profit institutions, SNHU’s nonprofit status provides a layer of credibility while still allowing the university to innovate quickly — rolling admissions, frequent start dates, and aggressive tuition pricing are all results of this model.
Consistent, predictable pricing. At $627 per credit across nearly all online master’s programs, SNHU makes cost calculation straightforward. A standard 36-credit program totals approximately $22,572, competitive for a regionally accredited private nonprofit. There are no hidden fees or variable rates between most programs.
Rolling admissions with no testing barriers. SNHU accepts applications year-round with no GRE or GMAT requirement for most programs. Students can start any of six terms per year. For working adults who can’t wait for a fall or spring cohort, this is a practical advantage. Explore other online master’s programs with no GRE requirement to see how SNHU compares.
Dedicated student success coaches. Every online student is assigned a personal academic advisor — not a call center. These advisors help with course selection, financial aid questions, and degree planning. For students managing school alongside full-time work, this dedicated support model can be the difference between persistence and dropout.
Strong programmatic accreditations in key fields. SNHU holds field-specific accreditations that matter for licensure and career outcomes: ACBSP for business programs, CACREP for clinical mental health counseling, CSWE for social work, CCNE for nursing, and CEPH for public health. The MS in Cybersecurity benefits from the NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense designation.
Generous transfer credit policy. SNHU accepts up to 12 graduate transfer credits, which can reduce both cost and time to completion. This policy is more generous than many peer institutions and is particularly valuable for students who started a master’s elsewhere but didn’t finish.
Not all of SNHU’s 25+ online master’s programs carry the same weight. These are the programs where SNHU’s institutional strengths — accreditation, affordability, or program design — are most evident.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
SNHU’s MBA is ACBSP-accredited and offers 12 concentration options — more than most competitors at this price point. Concentrations span accounting, finance, healthcare management, marketing, project management, and more. At $22,572 total, it’s one of the more affordable accredited online MBAs available, though students seeking AACSB-accredited MBA programs should look elsewhere. The MBA also appears on lists of accessible online MBA programs due to its open admissions model.
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
This is SNHU’s most rigorous online master’s program and one of its strongest credentials. It carries CACREP accreditation — the gold standard for counseling programs — and prepares graduates for state licensure. The program requires 60 credits, including practicum and internship hours with some in-person supervision. Students interested in broader clinical psychology programs should compare SNHU’s CACREP credential against non-accredited alternatives.
MSW — Master of Social Work
SNHU’s MSW is accredited by CSWE, which is essential for anyone planning to pursue clinical social work licensure (LCSW). The program requires 60 credits with field placement hours, but an Advanced Standing track for BSW holders reduces the load to approximately 33 credits. This is a strong option in the online MSW landscape, particularly among CSWE-accredited programs.
MS in Cybersecurity
SNHU is designated as an NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense — a credential held by a relatively small number of institutions. The MS in Cybersecurity costs $22,572 total and requires no in-person components. For students comparing cybersecurity-focused graduate programs, this designation is a meaningful differentiator.
MPH — Master of Public Health
The MPH at SNHU is CEPH-accredited and includes an applied practice experience component. At 42 credits and approximately $26,334 total, it’s competitively priced compared to other accredited online MPH programs. Students interested in public health specializations like epidemiology should verify whether SNHU’s generalist MPH meets their concentration needs.
MSN — Master of Science in Nursing
SNHU’s online MSN is CCNE-accredited with concentrations in Nursing Education and Patient Safety & Quality. It requires a BSN for admission and is fully online. Prospective students should explore the broader online MSN landscape to compare clinical vs. non-clinical track options, as SNHU’s MSN does not include nurse practitioner pathways.
SNHU’s online master’s catalog spans nine subject areas. Programs are grouped below by discipline, with links to relevant OMC subject hubs where you can compare SNHU against other institutions in the same field.
SNHU’s business programs are ACBSP-accredited and cover the broadest range of any subject area at the university. The MBA alone offers 12 concentrations. Students interested in operations management or part-time MBA formats will find SNHU’s flexible 8-week terms compatible with working schedules.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) — 36 credits, $22,572, ACBSP
- MS in Accounting — 36 credits, $22,572, ACBSP
- MS in Finance — 36 credits, $22,572, ACBSP
- MS in Marketing — 36 credits, $22,572, ACBSP
- MS in Human Resource Management — 36 credits, $22,572 (SHRM-aligned)
- MS in Project Management — 36 credits, $22,572 (PMI-aligned)
- MS in Operations and Supply Chain Management — 36 credits, $22,572, ACBSP
- MS in Organizational Leadership — 36 credits, $22,572
- MA in Management – Sport Management — 36 credits, $22,572
SNHU’s MEd programs are designed for practicing educators seeking advancement — none lead to initial teaching licensure. Students should verify state reciprocity for any program used toward certification.
- MEd in Curriculum and Instruction — 36 credits, $22,572
- MEd in Higher Education Administration — 36 credits, $22,572
- MEd in Special Education — 36 credits, $22,572
- MEd in Technology Integration — 36 credits, $22,572
SNHU offers both a licensure-track counseling program (CACREP-accredited) and a non-licensure MS in Psychology with five concentrations. Students exploring psychology master’s programs should understand the distinction — the MS in Psychology does not qualify graduates for clinical licensure. Those interested in industrial-organizational psychology will find a dedicated concentration within the MS.
- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — 60 credits, $37,620, CACREP
- MS in Psychology — 36 credits, $22,572 (concentrations in I-O, Forensic, Child/Adolescent, Mental Health, Social)
SNHU’s criminal justice master’s program offers six concentrations covering corrections, criminology, homeland security, counterterrorism, and leadership.
- MS in Criminal Justice — 36 credits, $22,572
The MSW is CSWE-accredited with an Advanced Standing option for BSW holders. Field placement hours are required. Compare across the online MSW landscape for alternatives.
- MSW — Master of Social Work — 60 credits, $37,620, CSWE
SNHU offers both an MS in Healthcare Administration and a CEPH-accredited MPH. Students interested in healthcare administration programs should note that SNHU’s MS in Healthcare Administration does not carry programmatic accreditation from CAHME.
- MPH — Master of Public Health — 42 credits, $26,334, CEPH
- MS in Healthcare Administration — 36 credits, $22,572
SNHU’s MSN program is CCNE-accredited and requires a BSN for admission. It does not include nurse practitioner tracks. Students holding a BSN may also want to explore BSN-to-MSN pathways at other institutions for comparison.
- MSN — Master of Science in Nursing — 36 credits, $22,572, CCNE
SNHU’s technology programs cover data analytics, information technology (with three concentrations), and a standalone cybersecurity degree with an NSA/DHS designation.
- MS in Data Analytics — 36 credits, $22,572
- MS in Information Technology — 36 credits, $22,572
- MS in Cybersecurity — 36 credits, $22,572 (NSA/DHS CAE-CD designated)
- MA in English and Creative Writing — 36 credits, $22,572
- MA in Communication — 36 credits, $22,572
- MPA — Master of Public Administration — 36 credits, $22,572
- MA in History — 36 credits, $22,572
Southern New Hampshire University Compares
SNHU competes in the large-scale online master’s market alongside several other universities that serve working adults at scale. Here’s how it stacks up on the dimensions that matter most.
| Factor | SNHU | Liberty University | Western Governors University | UMGC | National University | Grand Canyon University |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institution Type | Private Nonprofit | Private Nonprofit (Christian) | Private Nonprofit | Public (State) | Private Nonprofit | Private For-Profit |
| Regional Accreditation | NECHE | SACSCOC | NWCCU | MSCHE | WSCUC | HLC |
| Online Master’s Programs | 25+ | 100+ | 15+ | 20+ | 30+ | 40+ |
| Tuition Per Credit | $627 | ~$565 | Flat rate (~$4,295/term) | ~$499–$659 | ~$490 | ~$590–$735 |
| Est. Total (36 credits) | ~$22,572 | ~$20,340 | ~$8,590–$12,885 | ~$17,964–$23,724 | ~$17,640 | ~$21,240–$26,460 |
| GRE/GMAT Required | No | No (most) | No | No (most) | No | No (most) |
| Admissions Model | Rolling | Rolling | Rolling | Rolling/Deadline | Rolling | Rolling |
| Learning Model | 8-week terms, cohort | 8-week terms, cohort | Competency-based, self-paced | 8-week terms | 4-week courses, one at a time | 7-8 week terms |
| Religious Affiliation | None | Christian (integrated) | None | None | None | Christian |
Key takeaways from this comparison:
- SNHU vs. Liberty University: Both are large-scale private nonprofits with rolling admissions and similar term structures. Liberty integrates a Christian worldview across its curriculum, which is a defining feature — not just a label. SNHU is secular. Liberty’s tuition is slightly lower on a per-credit basis, and its catalog is substantially larger (100+ master’s programs vs. SNHU’s 25+). Students who don’t want a faith-based curriculum should favor SNHU; those who value it should consider Liberty .
- SNHU vs. Western Governors University: WGU uses a competency-based model where students pay a flat rate per 6-month term and advance as fast as they demonstrate mastery. This makes WGU dramatically cheaper for fast learners — a self-paced student could complete a master’s for under $9,000. SNHU uses a traditional credit-hour model with structured 8-week terms, which provides more pacing structure but less cost flexibility. SNHU holds more programmatic accreditations (CACREP, CSWE, CEPH) than WGU does at the master’s level, which matters for licensure-track fields.
- SNHU vs. University of Maryland Global Campus: UMGC is a public institution with strong military affiliations and competitive in-state-equivalent pricing. Its master’s catalog is narrower than SNHU’s, particularly outside business and IT. SNHU’s broader program range and rolling admissions may appeal to students who need more subject options, while UMGC may be more cost-effective for Maryland residents or active-duty military.
- SNHU vs. National University: National University uses an accelerated one-course-per-month model, which appeals to students who prefer deep focus on a single subject at a time. SNHU’s two-courses-per-term model is more traditional. National’s per-credit rate is lower (~$490), but SNHU’s larger enrollment base, broader catalog, and deeper programmatic accreditations give it an edge in fields like counseling, social work, and public health. Compare National University directly for accelerated-format preferences.
- SNHU vs. Grand Canyon University: GCU is a for-profit institution with Christian affiliation and HLC accreditation. SNHU’s nonprofit status is a meaningful differentiator — some employers and graduate programs view nonprofit credentials more favorably. GCU’s tuition varies more by program, while SNHU’s flat $627/credit rate is more predictable. Students weighing Grand Canyon University should consider the for-profit/nonprofit distinction and its implications for employer perception.
Southern New Hampshire University is
Best For
SNHU isn’t the right fit for everyone, but it’s an especially strong match for these student profiles:
- Working adults who need maximum scheduling flexibility. SNHU’s rolling admissions, six annual start dates, and 8-week terms mean you’re never more than a few weeks from starting. There are no application deadlines to miss and no cohort you have to wait for. If your work schedule is unpredictable, SNHU’s structure accommodates that.
- Career changers who haven’t narrowed their field yet. With 25+ online master’s programs across nine subject areas, SNHU lets you explore options within a single institution. Students who are still deciding between, say, an MBA and an MS in Organizational Leadership can evaluate both without switching schools.
- Students who want a private nonprofit credential without flagship pricing. At $627/credit, SNHU costs less than many public university out-of-state rates and significantly less than selective private institutions. The nonprofit status carries more weight with some employers than a for-profit degree, and NECHE accreditation is recognized nationally.
- Students pursuing licensure in counseling, social work, nursing, or public health. SNHU holds programmatic accreditations (CACREP, CSWE, CCNE, CEPH) that are prerequisites for licensure and certification in these fields. Students in these disciplines need accredited programs, and SNHU delivers them at a lower price point than many alternatives.
- Students who want to avoid standardized testing entirely. No SNHU online master’s program requires the GRE or GMAT. For students who test poorly or who have been out of school for years, this removes a significant barrier.
- Military-connected students. SNHU offers discounted tuition rates for active-duty military, veterans, and military spouses, along with dedicated support staff for military learners. Students may also benefit from student loan forgiveness programs applicable to public service.
Not a Best Fit For
SNHU serves a specific segment of the online master’s market well, but it’s not the right choice for every student. Be honest with yourself about these tradeoffs:
- You prioritize brand prestige or research credentials. SNHU is not a selective institution, and its name doesn’t carry the same weight as a flagship state university or elite private school on a résumé. Students applying to competitive doctoral programs or working in fields where institutional selectivity matters (e.g., management consulting, investment banking) may find that programs at Arizona State University or Northeastern University open more doors.
- You want AACSB-accredited business programs. SNHU’s business programs are ACBSP-accredited, not AACSB. While ACBSP is a legitimate accreditation, some employers and MBA rankings treat AACSB as the higher standard. If AACSB accreditation is important to your career goals, explore AACSB-accredited online MBA programs from other institutions.
- You want small cohort sizes or intensive faculty interaction. SNHU’s scale — 200,000+ online students — means class sizes tend to be larger and the learning experience is more standardized. Students who thrive on seminar-style discussion, research mentorship, or close faculty relationships may find the experience impersonal. Smaller programs at schools like George Washington University or Drexel University may be a better match.
- You prefer a self-paced, competency-based model. SNHU uses structured 8-week terms with set start and end dates. If you want to accelerate through material you already know and potentially finish faster at a lower cost, Western Governors University offers a fundamentally different model that rewards prior knowledge.
- You need a program that SNHU doesn’t accredit in your field. While SNHU holds strong programmatic accreditations in several areas, not every program has one. The MS in Healthcare Administration, for example, lacks CAHME accreditation. The MS in Psychology is a non-licensure degree. Students should verify that their target program carries the specific accreditation their career path requires.
- You’re looking for nurse practitioner or clinical nursing tracks. SNHU’s MSN focuses on Nursing Education and Patient Safety & Quality — it does not offer NP pathways. Students needing NP preparation should explore other MSN programs with clinical tracks.
Admissions Data Block:
SNHU’s admissions model is designed around accessibility. There are no application deadlines, no standardized test requirements, and no application fee for most programs.
| Admissions Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Admissions Model | Rolling — applications accepted year-round |
| Start Dates | 6 per year (approximately every 8 weeks) |
| GRE/GMAT Required | No — not required for any online master’s program |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 cumulative GPA (varies by program) |
| Application Fee | None for most online programs |
| Transfer Credits Accepted | Up to 12 graduate-level credits |
| Required Materials | Completed application, official transcripts, program-specific requirements (e.g., BSN for MSN, field experience documentation for clinical programs) |
| Decision Timeline | Typically, within days of completing application |
What this means practically: SNHU’s admissions process is among the most accessible in the online master’s space. The combination of no application fee, no GRE, rolling starts, and a relatively low GPA floor means that most working adults with a bachelor’s degree can begin a program quickly. The university’s transfer credit policy — up to 12 credits — can also meaningfully reduce time and cost for students with prior graduate coursework.
The tradeoff of this accessibility is selectivity. SNHU does not screen for competitive profiles, which means the student body spans a wide range of academic backgrounds. Students who value selective admissions as a signal of program rigor should factor this into their evaluation.
SNHU uses a flat per-credit pricing model for nearly all online master’s programs, making cost estimation straightforward.
Tuition Table:
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition Per Credit (Standard Online Graduate) | $627 |
| Typical 36-Credit Program Total | $22,572 |
| 42-Credit Program (e.g., MPH) Total | $26,334 |
| 60-Credit Program (e.g., MSW, CMHC) Total | $37,620 |
| Military/Veteran Rate Per Credit | Discounted (contact SNHU for current rate) |
| Application Fee | None (most online programs) |
| Books & Materials | Varies — many courses use OER or included digital materials |
How SNHU’s pricing compares: At $627/credit, SNHU sits in the middle of the large-scale online university pricing spectrum. It’s more expensive than WGU’s flat-rate model (which can total under $9,000 for fast completers) and slightly higher than UMGC’s in-state rates or National University’s per-credit pricing. However, SNHU is less expensive than many public universities’ out-of-state rates and significantly below selective private institutions that charge $1,000+ per credit.
The flat-rate model means students know their total cost upfront — there are no per-program surcharges for business or STEM programs as some universities charge. Military-connected students should inquire about SNHU’s discounted military tuition rate, which further reduces costs.
Financial aid: SNHU participates in federal financial aid programs, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans. Students employed in public service roles should explore student loan forgiveness programs that may apply to their situation. SNHU also has employer partnership agreements with several large companies that may offer tuition reimbursement or discounted rates.
Explore these OMC rankings to compare SNHU against other online master’s programs in specific categories:
- Online Master’s Programs With No GRE Requirement — SNHU’s no-test-required policy makes it a consistent presence in accessible admissions rankings.
- Easiest Online MBA Programs — SNHU’s MBA is frequently cited among the most accessible accredited online MBA options.
- AACSB-Accredited Online MBA Programs — SNHU’s MBA is ACBSP-accredited, not AACSB. This ranking helps students who need AACSB specifically find alternatives.
- CSWE-Accredited Online MSW Programs — SNHU’s MSW holds CSWE accreditation and competes in this category.
- Online MSN Programs — Compare SNHU’s CCNE-accredited MSN against other online nursing master’s options.
Visit Southern New Hampshire University’s official online programs page
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. SNHU holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the same accrediting body for institutions like Harvard and MIT. Several individual programs also hold programmatic accreditations: ACBSP (business), CACREP (counseling), CSWE (social work), CCNE (nursing), and CEPH (public health).
SNHU’s NECHE accreditation and nonprofit status are widely recognized. However, SNHU is not a selective institution, and some employers in highly competitive fields may weigh institutional selectivity more heavily. For the majority of career fields — especially those that require a master’s credential as a baseline — SNHU’s degree satisfies employer requirements.
Most 36-credit programs can be completed in 15 to 24 months. Higher-credit programs like the MSW (60 credits) and MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 credits) typically take 24 to 42 months, depending on enrollment pace and field placement scheduling.
Yes. SNHU is a private, nonprofit institution. This distinguishes it from for-profit online universities and has implications for financial aid eligibility, employer perception, and regulatory protections.
Online graduate tuition is $627 per credit. Most 36-credit programs total approximately $22,572. The 42-credit MPH totals about $26,334, and 60-credit programs (MSW, Clinical Mental Health Counseling) total approximately $37,620. Military-connected students may qualify for discounted rates.
No. SNHU does not require the GRE or GMAT for any of its online master’s programs. Admissions decisions are based primarily on undergraduate GPA and transcripts.
Yes. SNHU accepts up to 12 graduate-level transfer credits for most online master’s programs, which can reduce both tuition costs and time to completion. Credits must meet SNHU’s transfer evaluation criteria.