SNHU vs National University: Degrees & Cost Comparison

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and National University are both well-known nonprofit schools serving adult learners, transfer students, and working professionals through flexible online education. Both universities offer broad academic catalogs, online and campus-based learning options, and career-focused degree programs designed to help students balance school with work and family responsibilities.

While the schools share many similarities, they also differ in important ways. SNHU emphasizes structured online terms, lower tuition, and extensive transfer flexibility, while National University is known for monthly course starts, one-course-at-a-time scheduling, and strong programs in education, healthcare, psychology, counseling, and military-affiliated learning. Below, we’ll compare National University vs SNHU across tuition, flexibility, degree options, transfer policies, admissions, and student experience to help you determine which school may fit your goals best.

Quick Overview: SNHU vs National University

SNHU and National University both focus heavily on flexible online learning for adult students, but they approach scheduling, tuition structure, and student pacing somewhat differently. SNHU uses a more traditional online university model with structured academic terms, while National University emphasizes accelerated monthly scheduling and flexible one-course-at-a-time learning. The better fit often depends on whether you prioritize lower tuition, structured pacing, transfer flexibility, or accelerated scheduling designed around busy working adults. 

Below, we’ll briefly compare SNHU acceptance rates and tuition to National 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. 

National University at a Glance

• School type: Private nonprofit university
• Accreditation: National University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Some programs also hold specialized accreditation depending on the academic field, particularly in education, nursing, business, and healthcare-related areas.
• Degree options: Associate, bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, and doctoral programs across business, healthcare, education, psychology, counseling, technology, criminal justice, and related professional fields.
• Online learning format: Online, hybrid, and campus-based programs with asynchronous coursework and accelerated monthly scheduling. Many programs use a one-course-at-a-time structure designed for working adults.
• Estimated tuition: Undergraduate tuition is generally about $370 per quarter credit, though costs vary by program and degree level. Graduate tuition also varies depending on the academic field.
• Transfer credit policy: National University accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions and offers prior learning opportunities and military-friendly transfer pathways for eligible students.
• Admissions: National University uses open admissions for many undergraduate programs and offers frequent start dates throughout the year. SAT and ACT scores are generally not required for adult learners and transfer students.
• Financial aid: Federal financial aid, scholarships, military education benefits, employer tuition reimbursement, and grants for eligible students.
• Best fit for: Adult learners and working professionals seeking accelerated nonprofit online education with flexible monthly scheduling and strong healthcare, psychology, counseling, and education programs.

Popular Degree Options at SNHU & National University

Program availability often plays a major role when students compare online colleges and universities. While both SNHU and National University offer broad online degree catalogs designed for adult learners and working professionals, the schools emphasize somewhat different academic strengths. SNHU focuses heavily on broad-access undergraduate education and transfer-friendly degree pathways, while National University is especially known for healthcare, psychology, counseling, education, and military-friendly professional programs. 

Undergraduate Degrees at SNHU vs National University

SNHU offers undergraduate programs across a broad range of academic and career-focused disciplines, including:

• business administration
• psychology
• criminal justice
• cybersecurity
• computer science
• healthcare administration
• communications
• accounting
• graphic design
• education
• sports management

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.

National University also offers a wide variety of undergraduate programs, particularly in professional and workforce-oriented fields, including:

• nursing
• psychology
• business administration
• criminal justice
• healthcare administration
• education
• information technology
• public health
• cybersecurity
• human services

National University has a particularly strong presence among adult learners pursuing healthcare, psychology, education, and public-service careers. Compared to SNHU, the university places somewhat greater emphasis on accelerated professional education and one-course-at-a-time scheduling for working adults balancing school with employment or family responsibilities.

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
• creative writing

These programs are designed primarily for working adults balancing school with employment or family responsibilities and generally emphasize flexibility and asynchronous scheduling. SNHU’s graduate catalog focuses heavily on workforce-oriented master’s degrees with accessible admissions and structured online learning.

National University offers an especially large graduate and doctoral catalog focused on professional advancement, including:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs
• nursing
• counseling
• psychology
• marriage and family therapy
• education administration
• public administration
• healthcare leadership
• cybersecurity
• data science

The university is particularly visible in graduate education tied to licensure, counseling, healthcare leadership, education administration, and psychology-related professions. Compared to SNHU, National University generally offers deeper specialization in helping professions, clinical pathways, and advanced professional education connected to leadership and licensure-focused careers.

Certificates, Transfer Pathways, and Career-Focused Learning

Both SNHU and National University emphasize flexible online learning and transfer accessibility for adult learners and working professionals.

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.

National University also accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions and offers military-friendly pathways, prior learning opportunities, and flexible scheduling designed heavily around adult learners balancing employment, military service, or family responsibilities.

Career-focused learning is central to both institutions. SNHU generally emphasizes broad workforce preparation across many industries and academic disciplines, while National University focuses more heavily on accelerated professional education, healthcare advancement, counseling, psychology, education, and public-service career pathways.

Which School Has More Degree Choices?

SNHU generally offers broader undergraduate variety overall, particularly in business, technology, liberal arts, communications, criminal justice, and general workforce-focused education.

National University, however, offers especially strong depth in graduate and professional education, particularly in healthcare, nursing, counseling, psychology, education, and related helping professions. Students pursuing advanced professional credentials or licensure-focused pathways may therefore find National University especially appealing.

Students prioritizing broad undergraduate flexibility and transfer accessibility may lean toward SNHU, while students seeking accelerated professional education and stronger specialization in healthcare, psychology, counseling, or education may prefer National 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 National University, students should also consider differences in tuition systems, scheduling formats, and acceleration opportunities alongside the advertised price per credit. 

Tuition at SNHU

SNHU uses a traditional semester-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 National University

National University uses a quarter-credit tuition structure, which can make direct comparisons with semester-credit schools like SNHU somewhat more complicated. Undergraduate tuition is generally about $370 per quarter credit, though costs vary depending on the program and degree level.

Because quarter credits are not equivalent to semester credits, students comparing tuition should look carefully at total program costs rather than focusing only on the published per-credit number. Graduate tuition also varies significantly depending on the academic field, particularly in healthcare, counseling, nursing, and doctoral programs.

National University’s one-course-at-a-time scheduling model may help some students manage workload more effectively while balancing employment or family responsibilities. Depending on pacing and transfer credits, this structure may also help certain students accelerate degree completion.

Like SNHU, National University participates in federal financial aid programs and offers scholarships, military education benefits, employer tuition reimbursement compatibility, and transfer-friendly pathways 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 National University

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

Because many National University students are working professionals balancing school with careers in healthcare, education, counseling, psychology, business, or public service, employer tuition assistance may play an important role in affordability for some learners.

Transfer credits and prior learning opportunities may also help students reduce total degree costs, particularly for adult learners returning to school after previous college attendance or military service.

Which School Is More Affordable?

The total cost of attending SNHU or National University depends heavily on transfer credits, pacing, employer tuition benefits, and program selection.

SNHU generally has lower published undergraduate tuition and uses a more straightforward semester-credit pricing structure, which may make budgeting easier for some students. Its extensive transfer ecosystem and acceptance of alternative credits through providers like Sophia Learning and Study.com may also help students reduce total tuition costs substantially.

National University’s quarter-credit structure and accelerated monthly scheduling can make comparisons more complicated. Some students may appreciate the one-course-at-a-time format because it allows them to focus more intensely on a single subject while balancing work and family responsibilities.

Both universities offer federal financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement compatibility, military education benefits, and transfer-friendly pathways that may help reduce total borrowing costs. Rather than viewing one school as universally “cheaper,” students may benefit from comparing total degree cost, scheduling structure, transfer flexibility, and long-term career goals together when evaluating overall value.

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, pacing structure, and student support can all affect how manageable an online degree feels alongside work and personal responsibilities. SNHU and National University both emphasize flexible online education for adult learners, though they structure online learning 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. Strong support systems and flexible scheduling structure make SNHU a good school for adult or nontraditional 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 substantially.

National University Online Experience

National University offers online, hybrid, and campus-based learning options designed heavily around working adults and nontraditional students. One of the university’s biggest differences from SNHU is its accelerated one-course-at-a-time structure, where many students focus on a single class during shorter monthly sessions.

Like SNHU, National University primarily uses asynchronous coursework, allowing students to complete assignments around work schedules and family responsibilities instead of attending regular live class sessions. Students still follow assignment deadlines and instructor-guided pacing within each course.

National University provides academic advising, tutoring services, technical support, career counseling, and student success resources for online learners. Also like SNHU, National University is a good school for adult learners seeking flexible scheduling, particularly for students balancing full-time work, military service, or caregiving responsibilities.

Transfer flexibility is also a major part of National University’s structure. The university accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions and offers military-friendly transfer pathways and prior learning opportunities for eligible students.

Which School Is Better for Working Adults?

SNHU and National University can both work very well for working adults, but the better fit often depends on preferred scheduling style, career goals, and learning preferences.

Students comparing the two schools may want to consider:

• structured 8-week terms versus monthly one-course scheduling
• semester-credit versus quarter-credit tuition systems
• transfer flexibility
• accelerated pacing opportunities
• graduate and licensure-focused programs
• the amount of workload they want to balance at one time

SNHU may appeal more to students seeking lower tuition, broader academic variety, and a more traditional online university structure. National University may appeal more strongly to students who prefer focusing on one course at a time or who are pursuing healthcare, psychology, counseling, nursing, or education-related professional pathways.

Which School Is Better for Accelerated Degrees?

National University’s one-course-at-a-time structure may feel more accelerated for some students because it allows learners to focus heavily on a single subject during shorter monthly sessions. This pacing model can work especially well for working adults who prefer concentrated coursework rather than balancing multiple classes simultaneously.

SNHU, however, may offer stronger acceleration opportunities overall through its extensive transfer ecosystem and acceptance of alternative credits through providers like Sophia Learning and Study.com. Students transferring substantial previous coursework may significantly shorten graduation timelines.

Both universities support adult learners seeking flexible degree completion, but the best fit may depend on whether a student prefers concentrated monthly pacing or more traditional structured academic terms with broader transfer flexibility.

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 fields like healthcare, counseling, psychology, nursing, education, business, and 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 nonprofit online degree pathways with broad academic variety. Check out SNHU online reviews to find out what current and former students say about the school.

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 fully online-focused institutions.

National University Accreditation

National University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 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 National University programs also hold specialized accreditation depending on the academic field, particularly in nursing, education, business, counseling, healthcare, and psychology-related areas. Students pursuing licensure-focused careers may still want to verify state-specific licensing requirements tied to their intended professions.

National University is especially well known for serving adult learners, military-affiliated students, and working professionals through flexible accelerated scheduling and online education. The university has a particularly strong reputation in healthcare, nursing, counseling, psychology, education, and public-service-related fields. Check out National University online reviews to find out what current and former students say about the school.

Because National University also operates as a nonprofit institution, students comparing it with SNHU may find more similarities than differences in overall institutional structure and mission. The biggest distinctions between the two schools generally center more around scheduling format, pacing style, tuition structure, and academic specialization rather than legitimacy or accreditation concerns.

Admissions Requirements at SNHU vs National 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 National University both emphasize adult learners, transfer students, and flexible online education, though the schools structure admissions somewhat differently. Both universities are generally considered accessible for working professionals and nontraditional students seeking online degree pathways. 

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.

National University admissions:

• GPA requirements: National University uses open admissions for many undergraduate programs, making the university broadly accessible for adult learners, transfer students, and working professionals. Some graduate and professional programs may have additional GPA or prerequisite requirements depending on the field.
• Transfer credit acceptance: National University accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions and offers military-friendly transfer pathways and prior learning opportunities for eligible students.
• 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: National University offers rolling admissions and frequent monthly start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin programs more often than at many traditional universities.
• Application process: Applicants generally complete an online application and submit transcripts from previous institutions. Depending on the program, students may also work with admissions advisors to review transfer credits, financial aid options, and degree completion pathways before enrollment.

Student Support and Career Services

Both SNHU and National University provide support services designed for adult learners, transfer students, and working professionals balancing school with employment or family responsibilities. Because both universities focus heavily on online education, student support systems play a major role in the overall learning experience.

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 generally emphasizes broad university-style support systems tied to transfer advising, degree completion, and online student success across many academic disciplines. National University also provides extensive support resources, though its accelerated one-course-at-a-time structure may appeal especially to students who prefer more concentrated academic pacing while managing work and personal responsibilities. Both schools place strong emphasis on accessibility for adult learners, though the student experience may feel somewhat different depending on scheduling preferences and career goals.

Who Should Choose SNHU?

SNHU may be a strong fit for students seeking affordable nonprofit online degree pathways with broad academic variety, strong transfer flexibility, and structured online scheduling. 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 extensive transfer pathways may also prefer SNHU. Its combination of workforce-oriented education, accessible admissions, and large-scale online student support systems may appeal especially to learners seeking flexibility across many career fields.

Who Should Choose National University?

National University may be a strong fit for adult learners seeking accelerated nonprofit online education with flexible monthly scheduling and one-course-at-a-time pacing.

Students pursuing careers in healthcare, counseling, psychology, education, nursing, public administration, or public-service professions may also find National especially appealing because of the university’s strong graduate and professional education focus. The university’s military-friendly pathways and flexible scheduling structure may work particularly well for students balancing school alongside demanding work or family responsibilities.

Alternatives to SNHU and National University

SNHU and National University are both popular nonprofit universities for online learners, but they are not the only schools offering flexible degree pathways for working adults and transfer students. Depending on your goals, you may also want to compare schools based on tuition structure, competency-based learning, transfer flexibility, accelerated pacing, and professional specialization.

Other comparisons you may want to explore include:

• SNHU vs UMass Global
• SNHU vs Liberty University
• SNHU vs WGU
• SNHU vs Purdue Global
• SNHU vs UMGC

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

FAQs About Comparing SNHU to National University

Choosing between SNHU and National University often comes down to scheduling preferences, transfer flexibility, tuition structure, and long-term career goals. Below are answers to some common questions students ask when comparing these two nonprofit online universities.

What Is the Difference Between Semester Credits and Quarter Credits?

SNHU primarily uses semester credits, while National University generally uses quarter credits. Quarter-credit systems divide the academic year differently, so quarter credits are typically worth less than semester credits.

This means students should not compare tuition based only on the published per-credit rate. Instead, it is important to look at total program costs, transfer policies, and the number of credits required to graduate when evaluating affordability between quarter-credit and semester-credit schools.

Do Other Colleges Accept Credits From SNHU and National University?

Many colleges and universities may accept transfer credits from both SNHU and National University because both institutions hold regional accreditation. However, transfer credit decisions are always made by the receiving institution 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. National University credits may also transfer widely because of the university’s regional accreditation, though transfer policies vary between schools and programs.

Which School Is Better for Military Students?

Both universities are considered military-friendly and offer transfer pathways, flexible scheduling, and support services designed for active-duty service members, veterans, and military families.

National University has historically maintained a particularly strong military-affiliated student population and may appeal especially to service members seeking accelerated monthly scheduling. SNHU also works extensively with military learners and offers strong transfer flexibility for military training and prior coursework.

Which School Is Better for Counseling or Psychology Degrees?

National University may appeal more strongly to students pursuing counseling, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or licensure-focused helping professions because of its extensive graduate and doctoral offerings in those areas.

SNHU also offers strong psychology and behavioral science programs, particularly at the undergraduate and master’s levels. Students comparing the two schools may therefore want to evaluate licensure pathways, graduate specialization options, scheduling structure, and long-term career goals carefully.

Can You Attend National University Completely Online?

National University offers many programs fully online in addition to hybrid and campus-based learning opportunities. Most online coursework is asynchronous and designed for adult learners balancing school with work or family responsibilities.

The university’s one-course-at-a-time monthly scheduling structure may also appeal to students seeking concentrated pacing rather than traditional semester-style course loads.

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 lower tuition, broad academic catalog, and strong transfer ecosystem, while others may value National University’s one-course-at-a-time structure, monthly scheduling, and strong graduate programs in healthcare, counseling, psychology, and education.

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 nonprofit online universities, accelerated learning models, and flexible degree pathways for adult learners and working professionals.