SNHU vs DeVry University: Degrees & Cost Comparison

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and DeVry University are both well-known schools serving online learners, transfer students, and working professionals. Both institutions offer flexible online degree programs alongside career-focused education designed for adult learners balancing school with work or family responsibilities. However, the schools differ significantly in institutional structure, tuition, academic breadth, and overall educational approach.

SNHU operates as a nonprofit university with a broad academic catalog and strong transfer pathways, while DeVry is a for-profit university focused more heavily on technology, business, and healthcare-related workforce education. Below, we’ll compare DeVry vs SNHU across tuition, flexibility, degree options, transfer policies, admissions, and student support, as well as discuss if SNHU is considered a good school and whether DeVry University is considered legitimate, to help you determine which school may fit your goals best.

Quick Overview: SNHU vs DeVry University

SNHU and DeVry both emphasize flexible online education for adult learners, but they approach online learning somewhat differently. SNHU focuses on broad academic flexibility, transfer accessibility, and mainstream online degree pathways, while DeVry places stronger emphasis on workforce-oriented education in technology, business, healthcare, and applied professional fields. The better fit often depends on whether you prioritize affordability, broad academic variety, specialized career preparation, or nonprofit versus for-profit university structure. 

Below, we’ll briefly compare SNHU acceptance rates and tuition to DeVry University acceptance rates and tuition and look at other factors like accreditation and degree options.

SNHU at a Glance

• School type: Private non-profit university
• Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Several programs also hold programmatic accreditation, including business programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). 
• Degree options: Associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs, with some doctoral options in specialized areas. 
• Online learning format: Primarily asynchronous online courses with structured 8-week undergraduate terms and 10-week graduate terms. 
• Estimated tuition: Online undergraduate tuition is about $342 per credit, while many online graduate programs are $659 per credit.
• Transfer credit policy: Students can typically transfer up to 90 credits into a bachelor’s program. SNHU accepts many forms of transfer credit, including prior college coursework, military training, and some alternative credit providers. Students may also be able to transfer options like Sophia Learning credits and Study.com credits to SNHU. 
• Admissions: Online undergraduate programs do not require SAT or ACT scores, and there is no universal minimum GPA requirement for admission. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 
• Financial aid: SNHU accepts federal financial aid, scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, and military benefits, and offers tuition discounts for eligible service members and spouses. 
• Best fit for: Students looking for structured online courses, broad degree availability, and strong transfer credit opportunities. 

DeVry University at a Glance

• School type: Private for-profit university
• Accreditation: DeVry University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Some programs also hold specialized accreditation depending on the academic field, particularly in business, technology, and healthcare-related areas.
• Degree options: Associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs focused primarily on business, technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, and applied professional fields.
• Online learning format: Online and hybrid programs with structured academic terms, asynchronous coursework, and some campus-based learning opportunities depending on location and program.
• Estimated tuition: Undergraduate tuition is approximately $514 per credit, while graduate tuition is approximately $776 per credit, making DeVry generally more expensive than SNHU at both levels.
• Transfer credit policy: DeVry accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions and offers prior learning opportunities and transfer pathways for eligible students.
• Admissions: DeVry uses accessible admissions standards and accepts many applicants, though admissions requirements may vary depending on the program and academic history. SAT and ACT scores are generally not required for many applicants.
• Financial aid: Federal financial aid, scholarships, military education benefits, employer tuition reimbursement, and institutional grants for eligible students.
• Best fit for: Students seeking career-focused online education in business, technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, and applied professional fields with flexible scheduling and workforce-oriented curriculum.

Popular Degree Options at SNHU & DeVry University

Program availability often plays a major role when students compare online colleges and universities. While both SNHU and DeVry University offer flexible online learning designed for adult students and working professionals, the schools emphasize somewhat different academic areas. SNHU focuses on broad mainstream degree availability across many industries, while DeVry places stronger emphasis on business, technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, and career-focused professional education. 

Undergraduate Degrees at SNHU vs DeVry University

SNHU offers undergraduate programs across a wide range of academic and career-focused disciplines, including business administration, psychology, criminal justice, cybersecurity, computer science, healthcare administration, communications, accounting, graphic design, and education. The university graduates especially large numbers of students in business, psychology, healthcare administration, criminal justice, and computer and information sciences, which makes sense, as some of these are considered the easiest degrees at SNHU.

Because SNHU operates as a broad-access online university, many undergraduate programs are designed heavily around transfer accessibility, workforce preparation, and flexible degree completion for adult learners and working professionals. Students can often begin programs without prior college experience and transfer substantial previous coursework toward a bachelor’s degree.

DeVry’s undergraduate catalog is smaller overall and more specialized around workforce-oriented professional fields. Popular undergraduate programs include business administration, accounting, cybersecurity, information technology, software development, healthcare administration, engineering technology, and project management.

Compared to SNHU, DeVry places less emphasis on liberal arts and broad academic variety and more emphasis on technical and career-focused education tied directly to workforce preparation. Students seeking a wider range of majors may therefore prefer SNHU, while students focused specifically on technology, business, or healthcare-related career paths may find DeVry’s specialized catalog appealing.

Graduate and Professional Degree Options

SNHU offers graduate programs across a broad mix of professional and academic fields, including:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs
• psychology
• healthcare administration
• project management
• information technology
• criminal justice
• education
• marketing
• accounting and finance
• creative writing

These programs are designed primarily for working adults balancing school with employment or family responsibilities and generally emphasize flexibility and asynchronous scheduling.

DeVry also offers graduate programs focused primarily on workforce-oriented professional education, including:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs
• accounting
• cybersecurity
• information systems management
• healthcare administration
• project management
• human resource management
• public administration

Many DeVry graduate programs are designed around career advancement in business, technology, healthcare, and management-related industries. Compared to SNHU, DeVry’s graduate catalog is more narrowly focused but often more directly tied to technical and applied workforce fields.

Certificates, Transfer Pathways, and Career-Focused Learning

Both SNHU and DeVry emphasize flexible online learning and career-focused education, though they approach workforce preparation somewhat differently.

SNHU allows students to transfer up to 90 credits into many bachelor’s programs and accepts military training, prior learning opportunities, and alternative credit providers like Sophia Learning and Study.com. These pathways can help students reduce tuition costs and shorten graduation timelines substantially.

DeVry also accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions and offers prior learning opportunities for eligible students. The university’s programs are generally designed heavily around career-oriented coursework tied to business, technology, healthcare, and applied professional skills.

Career-focused learning is central to both institutions. SNHU generally emphasizes broad workforce preparation across many industries and academic disciplines, while DeVry focuses more heavily on technical education, business skills, healthcare administration, and technology-driven career pathways.

Which School Has More Degree Choices?

SNHU generally offers a broader overall selection of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, particularly in areas like psychology, liberal arts, communications, education, criminal justice, business, healthcare, and technology.

DeVry, however, offers stronger specialization in technical, business, and applied professional fields tied directly to workforce preparation. Students specifically pursuing careers in cybersecurity, engineering technology, information systems, or technical business management may therefore find DeVry’s focused catalog appealing.

Students prioritizing broad academic flexibility and transfer accessibility will likely prefer SNHU, while students seeking highly career-focused technology and business education may lean toward DeVry University.

Tuition and Cost Comparison

The published tuition rate at a university does not always reflect the total amount a student may ultimately pay. Transfer credits, employer tuition reimbursement, financial aid eligibility, and program structure can all affect the overall cost of earning a degree. When comparing SNHU and DeVry University, students should also consider differences in institutional structure, academic focus, and long-term educational goals alongside tuition alone. 

Tuition at SNHU

SNHU uses a traditional per-credit tuition model for most online programs. This structure can make costs relatively predictable for students following a standard academic schedule, especially since most undergraduate programs use structured 8-week terms.

Online undergraduate tuition at SNHU is currently about $342 per credit, while many online graduate programs cost about $659 per credit. Students generally complete coursework within scheduled academic terms rather than moving through material at a self-paced rate.

Additional fees may apply depending on the program, technology requirements, or course materials, though online students often avoid many campus-related expenses associated with traditional universities. Students may also reduce overall tuition expenses by transferring previous coursework or approved alternative credits.

SNHU participates in federal financial aid programs and offers scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement partnerships, military education benefits, and transfer-friendly pathways that may help lower overall borrowing costs.

Tuition at DeVry University

DeVry University also uses a per-credit tuition structure, though tuition rates are generally higher than SNHU at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Undergraduate tuition is approximately $514 per credit, while graduate tuition is approximately $776 per credit. Depending on the program and transfer credits applied, this can create a substantially higher total degree cost compared to SNHU.

Because DeVry focuses heavily on business, technology, healthcare, and applied professional education, some programs may also include additional technology, software, lab, or course-specific fees depending on the field of study.

Like SNHU, DeVry participates in federal financial aid programs and offers scholarships, military education benefits, employer tuition reimbursement compatibility, institutional grants, and transfer credit opportunities for eligible students.

Financial Aid Options at SNHU

SNHU participates in federal financial aid programs, allowing eligible students to apply for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities through the FAFSA. The university also offers scholarships, military tuition discounts, employer tuition reimbursement partnerships, and financial aid counseling for online learners.

Transfer flexibility can also help reduce costs at SNHU. Students who transfer substantial college credit, military training, or approved alternative credits may lower both tuition expenses and time to graduation. This can be especially valuable for adult learners returning to school after previous college experience.

Financial Aid Options at DeVry University

DeVry also participates in federal financial aid programs and offers scholarships, grants, loans, military education benefits, and employer tuition reimbursement opportunities for eligible students.

Because many DeVry students are working professionals pursuing career advancement in technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, or business, employer tuition assistance may play a significant role in affordability for some learners.

Transfer credits and prior coursework may also help reduce total degree costs, particularly for adult learners returning to school after previous college attendance or workforce experience.

Which School Is More Affordable?

The total cost of attending SNHU or DeVry depends heavily on transfer credits, employer tuition benefits, program selection, and long-term educational goals.

SNHU generally has lower published tuition rates at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, which may make it more accessible for students paying primarily out of pocket or relying heavily on loans. Its broad transfer system and acceptance of alternative credits through providers like Sophia Learning and Study.com may also help students reduce total tuition costs substantially.

DeVry’s higher tuition may still appeal to students specifically seeking career-focused education in technology, cybersecurity, healthcare administration, or business fields tied closely to workforce advancement. Employer tuition reimbursement may also offset costs for some working professionals.

Neither school uses a fully competency-based learning model, so accelerated savings opportunities generally depend more on transfer credits, year-round scheduling, and course load than self-paced completion. Students comparing affordability may therefore benefit from evaluating total program cost, transfer flexibility, career outcomes, and employer support together rather than focusing only on per-credit tuition rates.

Online Learning Format and Flexibility

For working adults, transfer students, parents, and career changers, flexibility can play a major role in choosing an online college. Factors like term length, asynchronous learning, transfer policies, and student support can all affect how manageable an online degree feels alongside work and personal responsibilities. SNHU and DeVry University both emphasize flexible online education for adult learners, though the schools approach scheduling and workforce preparation somewhat differently. 

SNHU Online Experience

SNHU’s online programs are built around structured academic terms designed to provide flexibility without fully self-paced learning. Most undergraduate programs use 8-week terms, while many graduate programs follow 10-week terms. Students generally complete one or two classes at a time depending on their enrollment status and goals.

Courses are primarily asynchronous, meaning students can usually complete assignments on their own schedules rather than attending live online classes at set times. However, students still follow weekly deadlines, discussion boards, and instructor-guided coursework throughout each term.

Student support is a major part of SNHU’s online model. Online learners have access to academic advising, tutoring services, technical support, transfer counseling, and career resources designed specifically for adult learners and online students.

SNHU is also highly transfer-friendly, allowing students to transfer up to 90 credits into many bachelor’s programs. Military training, prior coursework, and alternative credit providers like Sophia Learning and Study.com may also help students shorten graduation timelines.

DeVry University Online Experience

DeVry University offers both online and hybrid learning opportunities designed heavily around working adults and career-focused students. Programs generally follow structured academic sessions rather than fully self-paced learning models, though the university emphasizes flexible scheduling and online accessibility.

Most online coursework is asynchronous, allowing students to complete assignments around work schedules and family responsibilities instead of attending regular live class sessions. However, students still follow assignment deadlines, course pacing requirements, and instructor-guided schedules throughout each session.

DeVry provides academic advising, tutoring services, technical support, career resources, and student success coaching for online learners. Because many students enroll specifically for workforce advancement in business, healthcare, cybersecurity, or technology fields, the university places strong emphasis on career-focused student support.

Transfer flexibility is also part of DeVry’s online structure. The university accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions and offers prior learning opportunities for eligible students, though transfer pathways are generally not as extensive as SNHU’s broad transfer ecosystem.

Which School Is Better for Working Adults?

SNHU and DeVry can both work well for working adults, but the better fit often depends on career goals, preferred learning style, and the type of academic environment a student wants.

Students comparing the two schools may want to consider:

• whether they prefer a nonprofit or for-profit institution
• broad academic flexibility versus career specialization
• tuition differences
• transfer flexibility
• workforce-focused curriculum
• long-term graduate school plans

SNHU may appeal more to students seeking affordable tuition, broad program variety, strong transfer systems, and traditional university pathways. DeVry may appeal more strongly to students focused specifically on business, technology, cybersecurity, healthcare administration, or applied professional education tied closely to workforce advancement.

Which School Is Better for Accelerated Degrees?

Neither SNHU nor DeVry uses a fully competency-based self-paced learning model, so acceleration generally depends on transfer credits, course load, and year-round scheduling rather than independent pacing.

SNHU may offer stronger acceleration opportunities overall because of its highly transfer-friendly structure and acceptance of alternative credits through providers like Sophia Learning and Study.com. Students transferring substantial previous coursework may significantly shorten graduation timelines.

DeVry also supports accelerated progress through transfer credits and flexible scheduling, particularly for adult learners returning with previous college experience or workforce-related educational backgrounds.

Students prioritizing maximum transfer flexibility and lower tuition may lean toward SNHU, while students seeking workforce-oriented technical education in business, healthcare, or technology fields may find DeVry’s specialized structure appealing despite the higher overall tuition costs.

Accreditation and Reputation

Accreditation is an important factor when choosing an online college because it can affect transfer credits, financial aid eligibility, employer recognition, graduate school admissions, and professional licensure opportunities. A university’s reputation can also shape how employers and graduate schools view its programs, especially in career-focused fields like business, healthcare, cybersecurity, information technology, and engineering technology. 

SNHU Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), one of the major regional accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Regional accreditation is generally important for transferability, federal financial aid eligibility, and graduate school admissions.

Several SNHU programs also hold specialized accreditation. Many business programs, for example, are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Programmatic accreditation can be especially important for students pursuing professional certifications, licensure pathways, or advanced graduate education.

SNHU has developed a strong national reputation for online learning, transfer flexibility, and accessibility for adult learners. The university is especially well known among transfer students, working professionals, and students seeking affordable online degree pathways with broad academic variety.

Because SNHU operates as a nonprofit university with both online and on-campus programs, some students may view it as more similar to a traditional university model than highly career-specialized institutions.

Check out SNHU online reviews to find out what current and former students say about the school.

DeVry University Accreditation

DeVry University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This regional accreditation supports federal financial aid eligibility and may help with transferability, employer recognition, graduate school admissions, and professional licensure pathways.

Some DeVry programs also hold specialized accreditation depending on the academic field, particularly in business, accounting, technology, and healthcare-related programs. Students pursuing professional certifications or licensure pathways may still want to verify any state-specific or industry-specific requirements tied to their intended careers.

DeVry is especially well known for career-focused education in business, cybersecurity, healthcare administration, information technology, and technical workforce fields. Compared to SNHU, the university places greater emphasis on applied professional training and technical career preparation rather than broad academic variety.

Because DeVry operates as a for-profit university, some students may prefer nonprofit institutions like SNHU when considering institutional structure or long-term academic reputation. At the same time, DeVry remains regionally accredited and continues to serve large numbers of adult learners and working professionals through flexible online and hybrid programs.

Check out DeVry University online reviews to find out what current and former students say about the school.

Admissions Requirements at SNHU vs DeVry University

Admissions policies can affect not only how quickly students can begin a degree program, but also how accessible a university feels overall. SNHU and DeVry University both emphasize adult learners, transfer students, and flexible online education, though the schools differ somewhat in institutional structure and academic focus. Both universities use accessible admissions pathways designed for working professionals and nontraditional students. 

SNHU admissions:

• GPA requirements: SNHU does not have a universal minimum GPA requirement for most online undergraduate programs, though some graduate programs may have additional academic expectations depending on the field of study.
• Transfer credit acceptance: Students can typically transfer up to 90 credits into many bachelor’s degree programs. SNHU accepts transfer credits from accredited colleges, military training, and some approved alternative credit providers like Sophia Learning and Study.com.
• SAT/ACT requirements: SAT and ACT scores are generally not required for online undergraduate admissions.
• Open enrollment or rolling admissions: SNHU uses rolling admissions and offers multiple term start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin programs without waiting for a traditional semester calendar.
• Application process: Students typically complete an online application and submit transcripts from previous schools. Admissions counselors often assist students with transfer evaluations, degree planning, and financial aid guidance throughout the enrollment process.

DeVry University admissions:

• GPA requirements: DeVry uses accessible admissions standards and accepts many applicants, though some programs may have additional academic requirements depending on the degree level or field of study. Graduate programs may require minimum GPA standards or supporting documentation.
• Transfer credit acceptance: DeVry accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions and offers prior learning opportunities for eligible students. Transfer evaluations are typically completed during the admissions process to determine how previous coursework applies toward degree requirements.
• SAT/ACT requirements: SAT and ACT scores are generally not required for many undergraduate applicants, particularly adult learners and transfer students.
• Open enrollment or rolling admissions: DeVry uses rolling admissions with multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin programs more frequently than at many traditional universities.
• Application process: Applicants generally complete an online application and submit transcripts from previous schools. Depending on the program, students may also work with admissions representatives to review transfer credits, career goals, financial aid options, and degree planning before enrollment.

Student Support and Career Services

Both SNHU and DeVry University provide support services designed for online learners and working adults, though the overall student experience may feel somewhat different because of each university’s academic focus and institutional structure. SNHU emphasizes broad university-style student support across many academic disciplines, while DeVry focuses more heavily on career-oriented services tied to technology, healthcare, business, and workforce advancement.

Students at both universities may have access to academic advising, tutoring services, technical support, career counseling, internship guidance, job search tools, and alumni networking opportunities. SNHU’s support model often centers around transfer advising, degree completion, and broad online student support systems for adult learners, while DeVry places stronger emphasis on career-focused coaching, technical workforce preparation, and employer-aligned professional development. Students comparing the two schools may therefore consider not only flexibility and affordability, but also whether they prefer a broader traditional university environment or a more specialized career-focused academic structure.

Who Should Choose SNHU?

SNHU may be a strong fit for students seeking affordable online degree pathways, broad academic variety, strong transfer flexibility, and nonprofit university structure. The university can work especially well for adult learners, transfer students, working professionals, and students planning to pursue long-term academic progression through bachelor’s or graduate education.

Students who value lower tuition, asynchronous learning, broad degree options, and accessible admissions may also prefer SNHU. Its combination of transfer-friendly policies, workforce-oriented education, and comprehensive online student support may appeal especially to learners seeking flexibility across many career fields.

Who Should Choose DeVry University?

DeVry University may be a strong fit for students specifically pursuing career-focused education in business, cybersecurity, information technology, healthcare administration, accounting, or technical workforce fields.

Students who value applied professional education, workforce-oriented curriculum, and flexible online or hybrid scheduling may also find DeVry appealing. The university’s programs are designed heavily around career advancement and technical skill development for adult learners balancing school with employment or family responsibilities.

Alternatives to SNHU and DeVry University

SNHU and DeVry are both popular among online learners and working professionals, but they are not the only universities offering flexible career-focused degree pathways. Depending on your goals, you may also want to compare schools based on tuition structure, nonprofit versus for-profit status, transfer flexibility, online learning format, and workforce specialization.

Other comparisons you may want to explore include:

• SNHU vs Capella University
• SNHU vs Walden University
• SNHU vs University of Phoenix
• SNHU vs AMU

These comparisons can help you better understand how different online universities approach affordability, transfer pathways, workforce preparation, flexibility, and career-focused education for adult learners and working professionals.

FAQs About Comparing SNHU to DeVry University

Choosing between SNHU and DeVry University often comes down to career goals, budget, learning preferences, and long-term educational plans. Below are answers to some common questions students ask when comparing these two online universities.

What Does It Mean To Be a For-Profit University?

A for-profit university is operated by a private company or organization that generates revenue for owners or shareholders. DeVry University operates as a for-profit institution, while SNHU operates as a nonprofit university. Learn more about nonprofit vs for-profit colleges.

For-profit status does not automatically determine educational quality or legitimacy. Students may still want to compare accreditation, transferability, student outcomes, tuition structure, and employer recognition carefully when evaluating any college or university.

Do Other Colleges Accept Credits From SNHU and DeVry?

Many colleges and universities may accept transfer credits from both SNHU and DeVry because both institutions hold regional accreditation. However, transfer credit decisions are always made by the receiving school and can depend on course content, grades earned, and degree requirements.

Students researching transfer pathways may want to review lists of colleges that accept SNHU credits. DeVry credits may also transfer to many schools, though policies vary between institutions and academic programs.

Is DeVry Better for Technology Careers?

DeVry may appeal especially to students pursuing technology-focused careers because of its emphasis on cybersecurity, information technology, software development, engineering technology, and business-related technical education.

However, SNHU also offers strong online technology programs, including computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics, and information technology. Students comparing the two schools may therefore want to evaluate curriculum structure, tuition, scheduling flexibility, and long-term academic goals rather than focusing only on subject area.

Which School Is Better for Transfer Students?

SNHU is often viewed as especially transfer-friendly because it accepts large numbers of transfer credits and works extensively with adult learners returning to school after previous college experience. The university also accepts some alternative credit providers like Sophia Learning and Study.com.

DeVry also accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions and supports adult learners with previous coursework. However, SNHU’s transfer ecosystem is generally broader overall, particularly for students pursuing traditional bachelor’s degree completion pathways.

Can You Attend DeVry Completely Online?

DeVry offers fully online degree programs in addition to some hybrid and campus-based learning opportunities depending on the program and location.

Students who prefer online learning flexibility may complete many DeVry programs entirely online, similar to SNHU’s online degree pathways. However, DeVry’s academic catalog is generally more focused on business, healthcare, and technology-related fields than SNHU’s broader university offerings.

Discover Online Colleges & Universities

The best online university for you may depend on more than just tuition or degree availability. Some students may prefer SNHU’s nonprofit structure, broader academic catalog, and transfer-friendly pathways, while others may value DeVry University’s career-focused programs in technology, business, and healthcare.

As you compare online colleges, take time to evaluate accreditation, transfer policies, scheduling flexibility, student support services, and long-term career goals. You can also explore additional schools featured on Learn.org to compare online degree programs, workforce-focused education, and flexible learning pathways for adult learners and working professionals.