Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU, SNHU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university in Manchester, NH that offers 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. The history of SNHU dates back to 1932 when the university was set up by H.A.B. Shapiro as the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science. In 1961, the school was renamed the New Hampshire College of Accounting and Commerce. In 1963, the state of New Hampshire conferred degree-granting authority to the college and it began offering associate degrees. The college became a nonprofit organization and has expanded its academic offerings over the years.

Today, the Southern New Hampshire University is comprised of three schools: the School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Liberal Arts. The main SNHU campus is located in Manchester with continuing education centers in Nashua, Salem, Maine, and Portsmouth.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and New Hampshire Postsecondary Education Commission. The university also has many specialized accreditations for its academic programs.

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Information Summary

Ranks 12th in New Hampshire and 1749th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	68.5
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$51,538
Admission Success rate	N/A
SAT 75%ile scores	1060
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	180 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	68% / 43%
Enrollment Total (all students)	104,068

Academics

Southern New Hampshire University offers various undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certifications. The undergraduate degree programs include the Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Bachelor of Arts (BA.), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA.), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), and Bachelor of Science (BS) degree programs.

Associate Degrees

The Associate of Arts degree is offered in Liberal Arts while the Associate of Science degree is offered in areas such as Accounting, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, Computer Information Technology, and Fashion Merchandising.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree can specialize in areas like Advertising, Child Development Leadership, Communication, English Education, Game Design and Development, History, Psychology, and Public Service. The Bachelor of Applied Science degree is offered in Hospitality Administration and the Bachelor of Business Administration program is offered in Business Administration. Students opting for the Bachelor of Science program can specialize in areas such as Accounting, Business Studies, Hospitality Business, Justice Studies, and Sport Management.

Graduate Degrees

Southern New Hampshire University offers graduate degree programs including the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Specialized MBAs, Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Science (MS). SNHU also offers doctoral programs including the Ph.D. in Community Economic Development and International Business.

Certificate Programs

The university offers various career-oriented certificate programs in Business Information Systems, Cooking, Crime and Criminology, Policing and Law Enforcement, International Business, Integrated Marketing Communications, and International Finance.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Undergraduate Applicants

Students wishing to attend Southern New Hampshire University are required to complete the Common Application. First-time college students are required to submit official copies of their high school transcripts or GED. They must also submit an essay on one of the subjects suggested on the application. Students are required to provide one academic recommendation.

Applications for admission are screened on the basis of academic record, level of college preparatory course work and achievements. It is recommended that students seeking admission to SNHU should have completed a program of study comprised of 16 college preparatory courses: four years of English, three or more years of mathematics, two or more years of science, and two or more years of social science. The admission process is test optional, meaning that students are not required to submit copies of their SAT / ACT scores.

International Applicants

International students need to submit the International Student Application form, official copies of academic records, proof of graduation, and a certificate of finances to demonstrate availability of funds to finance the education expenses for a year. They are also required to submit their high school and college transcripts. They are required to provide evidence of their proficiency in English by submitting their TOEFL/IELTS scores.

Graduate Applicants

Prospective graduate students must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. Graduate admissions are based on academic qualifications, potential of the student, admissions essay, and letters of recommendation. In addition, most departments require scores achieved by the students in specialized examinations such as the MAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or OAT.

Special Requirements

Certain programs at Southern New Hampshire University have selective requirements such as the creative writing major, Honors Program, and the 3 Year Honors Program in Business Administration.

Financial Aid

Southern New Hampshire University participates in a variety of financial aid programs to help students meet their educational expenses. Different types of financial aid programs administered by SNHU include scholarships, grants and loans.

Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

Merit-based awards include Academic Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship, Honors Program Scholarship, and Future Business Leaders of America Scholarship (FBLA). Need-based awards include the Federal Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, State Grants, and the Governor’s Success Grant. Students may also be eligible for various loan options such as Federal Subsidized Stafford loans, Federal Perkins Loans, and Parent PLUS loans.

FAFSA

To apply for financial aid from Southern New Hampshire University, students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the U.S. Department of Education. The Southern New Hampshire University recommends a priority deadline of March 15 to apply for the financial aid.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 2701st for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in New Hampshire.

Students

Southern New Hampshire University believes in creating an atmosphere where students are challenged to learn and grow outside the classroom. The Center for Service and Community Involvement encourages students to get involved in community service programs wherein they earn credits towards their degrees by making valuable contributions toward the society. The Office of Cultural Outreach & Involvement strives towards creating a supportive campus environment wherein students of diverse backgrounds connect with each other and get academic and social support. The Career Development Center provides support related to career planning, on-campus recruitment, and graduate school preparation. The Learning Center provides services such as mentoring, remedial assistance, and tutor training for the students. Students can also get involved on the campus by joining various clubs and student organizations.

On-Campus Housing and Dining Facilities

A majority of SNHU students prefer to live on campus. Housing options include suites in residence halls and shared apartments. Dining facilities are available for the students at the Dining Center at the Southern New Hampshire University, Mill City Grill, Ultimate Deli, Global Cuisine, The Penmen Snack Bar, and the Common Grounds Coffee Shop.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Southern New Hampshire University’s athletic teams are known as the Penmen. SNHU is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Northeast-10 Conference, and the Eastern College Athletic Conference. The intercollegiate athletic teams include men’s baseball, cross-country, golf, basketball, lacrosse, ice hockey, tennis and soccer and women’s soccer, cross-country, volleyball, lacrosse, tennis, softball, and basketball.

For students that wish to stay in shape without playing organized sports, Southern New Hampshire University offers an Athletic and Recreation Complex featuring a 2,000-seat fieldhouse, a 25-meter six-lane swimming pool, an auxiliary gym with stage, racquetball court, training room, mirrored exercise/dance room, and a 5,500 square-foot fitness center.

Additional School Information

Southern New Hampshire University is the first carbon-neutral campus in New Hampshire.

Bibliography

Southern New Hampshire University. About SNHU. Web. 16 September 2011.

Southern New Hampshire University. Athletics & Recreation. Web. 16 September 2011.

Southern New Hampshire University. 2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog. 2011. Print.

Southern New Hampshire University