Private nonprofit university blending 300-acre New Hampshire campus with 135,000+ online learners.
SNHU operates through seven colleges and schools: College for America, School of Engineering/Technology/Aeronautics, College of Online & Continuing Education, School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, and School of International Engagement. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs, with specialized accreditation in business (ACBSP), sport management (NASSM), and hospitality (ACPHA). An honors program allows business majors to earn degrees in three years. Regional centers operate in Salem NH, Brunswick ME, and Colchester VT.
The 300-acre campus along the Merrimack River includes academic buildings, residence halls (Kingston, Tuckerman, Conway, Lincoln, Hampton, Windsor), a 50,000-sq-ft Learning Commons (2014), Penmen Stadium (1,500 seats), and SNHU Arena (downtown Manchester). The majority of students are online; on-campus enrollment supports primarily undergraduate residential programs. SNHU competes in NCAA Division II (Northeast-10 Conference) with the Penmen mascot. Student organizations include Radio SNHU and The Penmen Press newspaper.
SNHU has an 88% admissions rate. The university accepts up to 90 credits toward bachelor's degrees, 45 toward associate degrees, and 12 toward master's degrees from transfer students. Online undergraduate programs run 8-week terms with 6 starts per year; graduate programs are 10 weeks with 5 starts per year. Campus terms follow traditional 16-week semesters. Military students receive tuition discounts and can use Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill benefits.
Campus graduation rate is 68% with median salary of $45,800. In 2017–18, 43,067 students received federal Pell Grants. SNHU earned NCAA Foundation Academic Achievement Award for highest Division II graduation rate. U.S. News ranked it #112 Regional Universities North (2019) and #1 Most Innovative Schools. Fast Company named it 12th most innovative organization globally (2012). The university has been named 'Great College to Work For' annually since 2008 and 'Best Employer for Women' by Forbes (2022–2025).