University of Phoenix vs. Southern New Hampshire University – How Do They Compare?

Choosing between the University of Phoenix and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a meaningful step if you want a flexible, career-focused online degree. Both schools are built around working adults, with fully online options, structured coursework, and student services that help you balance study with life and work ^[3][4].

They serve very similar markets using traditional credit-hour systems, but they execute the model differently. Phoenix leans on accelerated, one-course-at-a-time scheduling across many programs, while SNHU uses short, instructor-led terms with weekly deadlines. Pricing pages, accreditation listings, and federal outcomes data make it possible for you to compare the two side by side before you apply ^{[1][2][5][6][7][8]}.

Key takeaways

• Similar learning model, different execution: Both schools run semester-based, credit-hour programs delivered online. Phoenix often uses accelerated courses with frequent starts, while SNHU uses short, instructor-led terms with clear weekly workflows ^{[3][4][11][12]}.
• Tuition structures reflect different value propositions: Phoenix lists $398 per undergrad credit and $698 per graduate credit, plus a per-course resource fee. SNHU lists $342 per undergrad credit and $659 per graduate credit. Always confirm program specifics before you enroll ^[5][6].
• Both hold regional accreditation: Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) ^[1][2].
• Programs overlap in high-demand fields: Each university offers business, education, healthcare, and technology options, with broad online catalogs for adult learners ^[13][14].
• Support targets working adults: You can expect advising, instructor interaction, and online learning resources designed for students who study while working and caring for family ^[3][4].

What Makes the University of Phoenix and SNHU Unique Online Universities?

Both universities adapt traditional academic structures for online students, but have different signatures. Phoenix emphasizes accelerated, instructor-led courses with frequent start opportunities and a one-course-at-a-time rhythm in many areas, which makes pacing simple and predictable for busy professionals ^[3][11][14].

SNHU pairs instructor-led courses with short terms and clear weekly deadlines. Undergraduate online terms are eight weeks and graduate terms are ten weeks, which gives you a regular cadence and multiple start points each year without sacrificing structure ^[4][12].

Each institution has scaled by focusing on accessibility, career relevance, and flexible scheduling. Their regional accreditation signals quality standards that support transferability and employer recognition nationwide ^[1][2].

Head-to-Head Comparison: Phoenix vs SNHU

This section discusses the practical differences you will consider as you plan your degree. You will see how classes run, what you are likely to pay, which accreditors stand behind the institutions, the breadth of options, the type of support to expect, the tech experience, and where to check standardized outcomes data.

Learning Format and Academic Model

• University of Phoenix: Instructor-led, credit-hour courses delivered online with frequent starts. Many undergraduate and graduate offerings run in accelerated five to six-week blocks, typically one course at a time ^[3][11][14].
• SNHU: Instructor-led online courses organized into eight-week undergraduate terms and ten-week graduate terms, with weekly modules and deadlines that keep you on track ^[4][12][17].

What this means for you: Phoenix may fit your routine if you prefer short, concentrated classes with a single focus at a time. If you like a steady eight—or ten-week rhythm with clear week-by-week expectations, SNHU’s format may feel more comfortable ^{[3][4][11][12]}.

Tuition and Total Cost Analysis

• University of Phoenix: Tuition is $398 per undergraduate credit and $698 per graduate credit, with a per-course resource fee shown on tuition pages. The costs add up based on the credits required in your program, and Phoenix promotes fixed per-credit pricing across your degree plan ^[5].
• SNHU: Its online tuition pages list $342 per undergraduate credit and $659 per graduate credit, with examples showing how a 120-credit bachelor’s totals at the published rate before any transfer credits or aid ^[6][10].

Bottom line: Both use per-credit pricing, but the posted rates differ. Your total will depend on credits required, transfer credits accepted, and fees noted on each school’s tuition pages ^[5][6].

Accreditation and Academic Credibility

• Institutional accreditation: Phoenix is HLC-accredited, and its continued accreditation is documented in HLC’s Institutional Status and Requirements report. SNHU is NECHE-accredited, and NECHE’s institutional listing confirms its status ^[1][2].
• Why it matters: Regional accreditation supports transfer acceptance, employer recognition, and eligibility for federal financial aid ^[1][2].

Degree Program Variety and Specializations

Both institutions market large online catalogs in business, education, healthcare, and technology. Phoenix highlights career-aligned programs and skills-focused delivery for working adults. SNHU emphasizes broad undergraduate and graduate offerings across professional fields and liberal arts ^[13][14]. Always confirm details on your intended program page.

Student Support and Academic Resources

Support mirrors the delivery model. At Phoenix, you study in an online classroom with instructor interaction, assignments, tools to track deadlines and progress, and access to resources like the library and tech help ^[3]. At SNHU, you follow weekly modules with regular faculty engagement, advising, and student services designed for online learners ^[4][17].

Technology Platform and User Experience

Both universities run modern learning environments with 24/7 access to course materials, discussion tools, assignment submission, and grade tracking. Phoenix describes the online classroom experience and tools that support participation and feedback. SNHU outlines week-by-week modules and expectations for staying on schedule in short terms ^[3][4][17].

Career Services and Alumni Networks

Each school positions its programs as career-relevant and provides advising and job-search support. Phoenix focuses on career-aligned learning with resources to help you prepare for next steps. SNHU offers advising and career services tailored to online students pursuing advancement or career changes ^[3][4].

Graduate Outcomes and Employment Statistics

For an apples-to-apples snapshot of outcomes, use the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard pages for each school. Scorecard publishes standardized six-year graduation rates, typical annual costs, and earnings data you can compare across institutions and programs. When you apply, check the current figures for the University of Phoenix and SNHU, since values update periodically ^[7][8].

Comparison Table: Phoenix vs SNHU Key Metrics

The table below uses current, on-site sources. Totals are simple tuition illustrations so you can benchmark quickly. Your actual cost depends on transfer credits, fees, and pacing.

Factor	University of Phoenix	Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Learning model	Traditional, instructor-led courses with frequent starts; many offerings run in accelerated short blocks [3][11]	Traditional, instructor-led online terms; 8-week undergrad and 10-week graduate terms [4][12]
Tuition structure	Per-credit pricing: $398 undergrad, $698 most master’s; per-course resource fee listed on tuition page [5]	Per-credit pricing: $342 undergrad, $659 graduate [6]
Illustrative bachelor’s tuition (120 credits)	$47,760 at $398/credit (tuition only; fees extra) [5]	$41,040 at $342/credit (tuition only; fees extra) [6]
Accreditation	Higher Learning Commission (HLC) [1]	New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) [2]
Undergraduate outcomes anchor	See College Scorecard profile for current metrics [7]	See College Scorecard profile for current metrics [8]
Graduation rate (6-year, Scorecard snapshot)	25% (University of Phoenix–Arizona profile) [7]	35% [8]
Average time to degree	Varies by pace and transfer credits; check advising and Scorecard [7]	Varies by pace and transfer credits; check advising and Scorecard [8][12]
Transfer credit limit	Typically up to 87 credits; some programs up to 90 [15]	Up to 90 credits toward a 120-credit bachelor’s [16]
Program focus	Business, education, healthcare, technology; career-aligned pathways [14]	200+ online programs across professional fields and liberal arts [13]
Faculty interaction	Regular instructor communication in each course [3]	Regular instructor communication in each course [4]
Typical course duration	Many offerings in short, accelerated blocks (often one course at a time) [3][11]	8-week undergrad terms; 10-week graduate terms [12]

Notes: Always verify the latest tuition, fees, and transfer policies on the official pages for your program. Scorecard values update periodically.

Phoenix vs SNHU Learning Models Comparison

Both schools use credit hours and instructor-led courses, but the pacing feels different once you are in class. Phoenix emphasizes accelerated blocks so you can concentrate on one class at a time. SNHU uses short terms with weekly modules, which gives you a steady rhythm over eight or ten weeks.

University of Phoenix’s Accelerated Format

You move through compressed courses with clear weekly deliverables, frequent start options, and tools that help you keep pace while focusing on a single class in many programs. This intensity can work well if you prefer shorter bursts of study and tight deadlines ^[3][11].

SNHU’s Extended Term Model

SNHU organizes online courses into 8-week undergraduate terms and 10-week graduate terms. You follow week-by-week modules and instructor interaction across each term, which can be helpful if you like a slightly longer runway for projects and discussion ^[4][12].

Career Field Considerations

Both institutions cover business, education, healthcare, and technology. Phoenix frames programs around working-adult schedules and career-aligned coursework ^[14]. SNHU offers an extensive catalog, including liberal arts and professional programs, which can help if you want more options or plan to add a minor or concentration ^[13].

Financial and Time Constraints

Per-credit pricing at both schools makes budgeting straightforward. Phoenix publishes fixed per-credit rates and a per-course resource fee so that you can forecast by credit and by course ^[5]. SNHU posts per-credit rates and shows how totals add up over a 120-credit bachelor’s, with short terms that can fit steady part-time progress or full-time loads ^[6][12].

Cost Comparison: Phoenix vs SNHU Tuition and Fees

Both universities price by the credit, but the posted rates differ. Your total depends on the number of credits you need after transfer and on any program-specific fees.

University of Phoenix Pricing Model and Program Costs

• Tuition: $398 per undergraduate credit; $698 per credit for most master’s programs ^[5].
• Resource fee: The tuition page lists a per-course resource fee; check your program for details ^[5].
• Illustration (bachelor’s): 120 × $398 = $47,760 in tuition before fees or transfer credit ^[5].
• Transfer savings: Phoenix typically allows up to 87 transfer credits, with some programs up to 90; 3+1 community-college pathways are documented ^[15].

SNHU Tuition Structure and Program Costs

• Tuition: $342 per undergraduate credit; $659 per graduate credit ^[6].
• Illustration (bachelor’s): 120 × $342 = $41,040 in tuition before materials and any transfer credit ^[6].
• Transfer savings: SNHU accepts up to 90 credits toward a 120-credit bachelor’s in many programs ^[16].

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

Both schools are regionally accredited and participate in federal aid. Each publishes scholarship and savings pathways, including transfer credit policies that can reduce time and total cost ^[1][2][5][6].

Hidden Costs and Additional Expenses

Plan for books and materials and any program-specific fees. Phoenix lists a per-course resource fee on its tuition pages and publishes a Cost of Attendance overview for budgeting ^[5][18]. SNHU’s tuition page outlines per-credit costs and notes that totals vary by program and materials; review your program page for specific requirements ^[6].

Program Quality and Industry Recognition

Regional accreditation provides the base for transfer and employer recognition at both institutions. Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and SNHU is accredited by NECHE ^[1][2]. Each school highlights career-aligned curricula and online delivery built for working adults, with large catalogs across professional fields ^[13][14]. Confirm details on the specific program page before enrolling for programmatic or licensure-related accreditation.

Student Success and Graduate Outcomes

For standardized comparisons, use College Scorecard. Scorecard lists six-year graduation rates, typical costs, and earnings using federal definitions, which makes side-by-side viewing straightforward:

• University of Phoenix–Arizona profile: graduation rate around 25 percent in recent snapshots ^[7].
• SNHU profile: graduation rate around 35 percent in recent snapshots ^[8].

Outcomes vary by program, prior credits, and time commitment. Check the current values when you apply.

How Does UoPeople Compare to Phoenix and SNHU?

If your priority is keeping costs as low as possible while still earning a regionally accredited degree, the University of the People (UoPeople) offers a compelling option. UoPeople is accredited by WSCUC and follows a tuition-free model, where students only pay low assessment fees per course instead of traditional tuition. Current fees are $160 per undergraduate course, with graduate-level fees set by program. A small one-time application fee and a graduation processing fee also apply ^[9][10].

Because of this model, the total cost of a bachelor’s degree can be just a fraction of what you’d expect at traditional universities like Phoenix or SNHU. Students also pay fees gradually as they progress, making budgeting easier for those balancing work, family, and study.

UoPeople’s fully online format reaches learners in more than 200 countries, and the school emphasizes accessibility and flexibility for working adults. While its catalog is smaller than Phoenix or SNHU, UoPeople provides a recognized, accredited alternative for students who want to minimize debt while still completing a U.S.-accredited degree.

Making Your Decision: Phoenix or SNHU?

There is no single best choice for everyone.

• Pick Phoenix if you like short, concentrated courses with frequent starts and you want to focus on one class at a time while budgeting by the credit ^[3][5][11].
• Pick SNHU if you prefer eight- or ten-week terms with weekly milestones and a broad catalog across professional fields and liberal arts ^{[4][6][12][13]}.

In either case, confirm your transfer credit evaluation, check the latest tuition and fees for your specific program, and review the College Scorecard profile for current outcomes ^{[5][6][7][8][15][16]}.

FAQs

Do the University of Phoenix and SNHU serve working professionals equally well?

Yes. Both deliver instructor-led online courses designed for adults who study while working. Phoenix emphasizes accelerated blocks and frequent starts ^[3][11]. SNHU uses eight- and ten-week terms with weekly modules ^[4][12].

Which university offers more affordable tuition rates?

At the posted rates, SNHU’s undergraduate per-credit tuition ($342) is lower than Phoenix’s ($398), while graduate rates are $659 at SNHU and $698 at Phoenix. Your total depends on transfer credits and any program-specific fees ^{[5][6][16][15]}.

Do employers recognize University of Phoenix and SNHU degrees equally?

Both institutions hold regional accreditation, which supports transferability and employer recognition nationwide ^[1][2].

How do graduation rates compare between the University of Phoenix and SNHU?

Recent College Scorecard snapshots show about 25 percent for the University of Phoenix–Arizona and about 35 percent for SNHU. Check the current profiles when you apply because figures update periodically ^[7][8].

Do both schools provide adequate student support services?

Yes. Both describe instructor-led courses, advising, and online learning resources for adult learners on their official pages ^[3][4].

Can I transfer credits to both the University of Phoenix and SNHU?

Yes. Phoenix typically accepts up to 87 transfer credits, with some programs up to 90 ^[15]. SNHU accepts up to 90 credits toward a 120-credit bachelor’s ^[16].

What are the main differences in course formats between these universities?

Phoenix emphasizes short, accelerated classes with frequent starts, often one course at a time ^[3][11]. SNHU uses 8-week undergraduate and 10-week graduate terms with weekly modules and deadlines ^[4][12].

Additional reading:

University of Phoenix vs WGU

SNHU vs WGU

References

1. Higher Learning Commission University of Phoenix – Institutional Status and Requirements Report. Available at: https://www.hlcommission.org/component/directory/?Itemid=&Action=ShowBasic&instid=1081
2. New England Commission of Higher Education Southern New Hampshire University – Institutional Listing. Available at: https://www.neche.org/institutions/southern-new-hampshire-university/
3. University of Phoenix Online classes. Available at: https://www.phoenix.edu/student-resources/going-to-class.html 
4. Southern New Hampshire University Asynchronous Classes | Online Courses. Available at: https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/classes/asynchronous
5. University of Phoenix Tuition and Financial Aid. Available at: https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition_and_financial_options.html
6. Southern New Hampshire University Online Tuition & Financial Aid. Available at: https://www.snhu.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/online
7. U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard – University of Phoenix (Arizona profile). Available at: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?484613-University-of-Phoenix-Arizona=
8. U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard – Southern New Hampshire University. Available at: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?183026-Southern-New-Hampshire-University=
9. University of the People Fees | Low Cost, High Quality. Available at: https://www.uopeople.edu/tuition-free/processing-fees/
10. WASC Senior College and University Commission (2025) Statement of Accreditation Status: University of the People (PDF). Available at: https://www.wscuc.org/institutions/university-of-the-people/?print=pdf
11. University of Phoenix: Take Online Courses for College Credit. Available at: https://www.phoenix.edu/admissions/take-courses-for-credit.html
12. Southern New Hampshire University Online Term Start Dates. Available at: https://www.snhu.edu/admission/online/term-start-dates
13. Southern New Hampshire University Online Degree Programs. Available at: https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees
14. University of Phoenix Online Degree Programs. Available at: https://www.phoenix.edu/online-degrees.html
15. University of Phoenix College Transfer Credits. Available at: https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html
16. Southern New Hampshire University Transfer College Credits | Will My Credits Transfer? Available at: https://www.snhu.edu/admission/transferring-credits
17. Southern New Hampshire University Online Courses for College Credit | Individual Classes. Available at: https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/classes
18. University of Phoenix (2025/2026) Cost of Attendance (COA). Available at: https://www.phoenix.edu/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html