Southern New Hampshire University

Home/Colleges/Southern New Hampshire University

This school appears in our ranking 15 Most Affordable Top Online Master's in Forensic Psychology Degree 2018 and 10 Most Affordable Top Master's in Economics Online 2018

Founded as a small, privately-funded school designed to train bookkeepers, Southern New Hampshire University has grown to an enrollment of more than 83,000, between on-campus and online students. When the school, then known as the New Hampshire Accounting and Secretarial School, began in 1930, students were able to take courses on any Monday, attend school at night so they could work during the day and were permitted to pay their tuition in installments. In 1936, the name of the school changed to the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Finance.

After World War II, veterans returning from the war made up a large number of the students enrolled. Many of them were seeking typing and clerical skills which led classes to be offered to active duty soldiers on a military base in Manchester. The base school added a program in military secretarial studies, the first of its kind in the United States. In 1944, the school established a Vocational Program designed to serve disabled veterans. The program helped soldiers whose war injuries prevented them from doing work they did prior to their injuries gain skills in another area so that they could return to work.

The name of the school changed again in 1948 to the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Commerce. Throughout the 1950s, the school marketed programs specifically to veterans, especially classes held in the evening. Veterans were older than most college students and many had obligations that prevented them from attending traditional classes. The name of the school was once again changed to the New Hampshire College of Accounting and Commerce in 1958. Off-campus centers were established in 1965 at Pease Air Force Base, Grenier Field and Hanscomb Field to provide military members and veterans easier access to classes. The school became New Hampshire College in 1969 and moved to a new campus in 1971. Online education was established in 1995 and enrollment grew rapidly. In 2001, the school gained university status and was renamed Southern New Hampshire University.

Southern New Hampshire University Accreditation Details

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education. Regional accreditation indicates that the school provides students with an education that will prepare them for careers in their chosen field. The university also agrees to periodic evaluations that determine if programs are still adequate for student success, to suggest any areas of improvement necessary and to confirm that the school has the resources necessary to meet their goals.

The Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration accredit the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration while the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs accredits both undergraduate and graduate programs. The undergraduate nursing degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Elementary Education program has been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Southern New Hampshire University Application Requirements

Students who wish to attend online classes at Southern New Hampshire University must complete an online application. Once submitted, an admissions representative will call to provide students with the steps necessary to complete the online application process. Students who wish to attend on-campus must complete the Common Application and submit official high school transcripts as well as SAT or ACT scores. Students must provide a letter of recommendation and various programs require additional application materials. Transfer students must submit an application as well as an attestation form and a transcript request form. Students may transfer up to 45 credits toward an associate degree or 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree.

Graduate students must complete an application for online programs and may be required to submit a resume. Students must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institute of higher learning. Each program has specific admission requirements, so students should discuss what is required with an admissions counselor before applying.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for online undergraduate programs is $320 for undergrad, $627 for grad and $15,000 or $10,000 on campus.

Every student should submit the FAFSA each year. Financial assistance cannot be awarded without the FAFSA and it must be renewed each year. Students should not assume that they are ineligible for financial aid as some aid is merit-based while other assistance is need-based. Students may qualify for scholarships as well as grants. In addition, Southern New Hampshire University participates in federal-work study and student loan programs. The university also accepts military benefits and employer-funded tuition.

Online Degrees Available

Master of Arts in Communication: Public Relations

Southern New Hampshire University offers a Master of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. The degree program is designed with today's internet-enabled world in mind, focusing on the constant access people have to news media. Students gain an understanding of technology and strategies that promote brands, show them positively and keep them in the spotlight. Students gain an understanding of media and how to manage information flow between the public and the brand. Courses like Social Media Practices and Crisis Communication prepare students for the challenges they will face in the public relations industry. Students also gain an understanding of law and ethics as well as how identity and personal brands impact buying among the public.

Master of Arts in Communication: New Media & Marketing

Southern New Hampshire University offers a Master of Arts in Communication with a concentration in New Media & Marketing. The program prepares students to understand evolving media technologies. Students learn to collaborate with others, how to communicate in writing and orally across different media channels. Students will also learn what helps new products succeed and what causes others to fail. or higher. Students complete classes that include Communication for Leadership, Communication by Design, Knowledge & the New Media as well as Strategic Communication in the New Age and Communication with Media Technology. A communication capstone is also required, and students are provided insight into the law and ethics of communication.

Southern New Hampshire University has focused on adult learners and the military almost since it began. The school offers a wide range of online programs designed to allow working adults to achieve their education goals. Southern New Hampshire University makes it easier for working adults to move into a new career or advance in a current career with flexible, online programs.

Southern New Hampshire University Website