Accounting at Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Southern New Hampshire University's accounting program delivers solid middle-of-the-pack performance with one major advantage: exceptionally manageable debt levels. While the median starting salary of $54,898 places graduates around the 55th percentile nationally and 60th percentile in New Hampshire, the real story is the $34,900 median debt load. This debt level ranks in the 7th percentile nationally—meaning 93% of accounting programs saddle students with more debt—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.64.
This debt advantage becomes clearer when compared to typical accounting programs. Nationally, accounting graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, but SNHU's $34,900 is still well below what creates financial stress. The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to $61,017 by year four, keeping pace with career progression expectations. Among New Hampshire's eight accounting programs, SNHU ranks respectably in the middle, trailing Saint Anselm College but outperforming several competitors.
For an anxious parent, this represents a reasonable investment in a stable career field. Your child will graduate with manageable debt and solid earning potential in a profession with consistent demand. While they won't be the highest earners immediately, the combination of accessible admission (96% acceptance rate), reasonable debt levels, and steady career growth makes this a financially sensible choice for students seeking accounting careers without excessive financial risk.
Where Southern New Hampshire University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Southern New Hampshire University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southern New Hampshire University graduates earn $55k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (8 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | $54,898 | $61,017 | $34,900 | 0.64 |
| Saint Anselm College | $60,830 | — | $27,000 | 0.44 |
| Plymouth State University | $54,209 | $54,684 | $27,000 | 0.50 |
| Franklin Pierce University | $45,356 | $57,926 | $26,274 | 0.58 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in New Hampshire
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Hampshire schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Anselm College Manchester | $46,810 | $60,830 | $27,000 |
| Plymouth State University Plymouth | $14,558 | $54,209 | $27,000 |
| Franklin Pierce University Rindge | $44,963 | $45,356 | $26,274 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Southern New Hampshire University, approximately 47% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 686 graduates with reported earnings and 887 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.