Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a small college that boasts a large number of online students. Founded in 1932 as the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science, its founders were a married couple who wanted to help students gain employment in the fastest growing fields in the area. After becoming the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Commerce in the 1960s, it gained the right to offer associate degree programs. Its current name didn't come about until the early 2000s and after the university went through a major renovation that significantly enlarged its campus. Though SNHU has its main campus in Manchester, New Hampshire, it also operates campuses and regional centers in three other cities in New Hampshire and a campus in Maine.

SNHU has a total population of more than 30,000 students, but fewer than 4,000 students actually attend classes on one of its campuses. The majority of its students take classes online. Its online program grew out of an older distance learning program that provided students with workbooks and assignments that they completed at home before mailing back to the university for credit. Though SNHU originally only offered a small number of online classes, you can now complete nearly any of the degree programs that it offers over the Internet. It now ranks as one of the best colleges for taking online classes and as one of the most innovative colleges in the nation.

Accreditation Details

Online colleges sometimes lack accreditation or only have accreditation in one specific state. Southern New Hampshire University has both regional and specialty accreditation, which lets students know that they will get the most out of their money and time. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges awarded SNHU regional accreditation after looking at factors like how many students completed their programs of study, the background of professors working on campus and the number of students who found employment within six months to one year of finishing their studies. This organization does regular checks of the university as well to ensure that it should keep its accreditation.

SNHU also has specialty accreditation for its programs in both the culinary arts and business. Its business programs have accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Those enrolling in its culinary arts program will find that the program has acceptance from the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation. These organizations offer accreditation for the degree programs available at all levels.

Application Requirements

The steps you take to apply to Southern New Hampshire University depends on whether you want to enroll in an online program or one of the programs available on campus. SNHU uses the Common Application, which is an online application system that gives you the option of applying to one or more colleges with the same information. While you may need to submit some supplemental materials or fill out essays for each college, you can apply to as many schools as you would like. Those wanting to take classes online can fill out the university's simple application that asks them about any schools they attended before and what they want to study. Online students generally do not need to submit test scores or any other verifying documents.

If you want to take classes on campus, you must provide SNHU with an official score from a test like the ACT or SAT and a transcript from your high school. You can also provide your official GED score in lieu of a high school transcript. The university also requires a letter of recommendation from either a guidance counselor or high school teacher. Certain programs have other requirements in place too. Those enrolling in one of its accelerated business programs must attend an interview session, and those enrolling in the creative writing program must submit a short story or writing sample of 10 pages.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Those living on the SNHU campus pay more each year because they have more expenses. Tuition rates for full time students come in at just over $30,000 a year. When you add in the cost of a meal plan, miscellaneous fees and a dorm room, your total can reach more than $46,000 a year. Those who have insurance through their parents can save more than $1,000, because they do not need to purchase insurance through the university. Online programs charge a flat rate of $960 per course, and those who take classes on the Maine campus pay around $730 per class. SNHU offers a discounted tuition rates for active duty personnel and their spouses and dependents. This brings down their costs to less than $700 per class.

Even if you do not qualify for the military discount, SNHU offers financial aid for qualifying students. You can submit the FAFSA as early as January 1 in the same year that you want to enroll. Dependents must use their parents' tax returns on the form, but independent students can use their own tax returns. Both online students and students taking classes on the SNHU campuses in New Hampshire and Maine may receive packages that combine grants and loans.

Human Resources Degrees

SNHU offers several types of human resources programs and degrees. You can earn a certificate in human resources management in just a few semesters. This certificate program requires that students take six classes total, including organizational behavior, human relations in administration and employee and labor relations. An online bachelor's degree program is also available, which lets you complete a Bachelor of Science in Business Studies with a concentration in human resources management. Though you'll take a minimum of 120 credit hours, at least five of the classes you take must come from HR courses, including total rewards and principles of management. The remaining courses come from both general education courses and core business classes.

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Once you have a bachelor's degree, you can enroll in the SNHU MS in Human Resources Management program. This program consists of 12 courses like leading changes, talent development, managing difficult situations at work and negotiating in the workplace. Students must submit proof that they took a business foundations class or take that class online or on campus before starting the degree program. Southern New Hampshire University offers this program online for busy professionals who cannot take classes on any of its campuses.