Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution located primarily in Manchester, New Hampshire, with a 300-acre campus just minutes from downtown Manchester. Founded in 1932 as a school of accounting and secretarial science, SNHU has grown into a major university offering over 200 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs across a wide range of fields including business, education, liberal arts, social sciences, and STEM.
SNHU is recognized for its rapid growth and innovation in higher education, serving more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 200,000 online students, making it one of the largest online education providers in the United States. The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and has received accolades such as being named the “Most Innovative University in the North” by U.S. News & World Report and recognized by Fast Company as one of the 50 Most Innovative Companies.
SNHU’s academic structure includes several colleges and schools, such as the School of Business, School of Arts & Sciences, School of Education, School of Engineering, Technology & Aeronautics, College for America, and College of Online & Continuing Education. The university is known for its career-focused programs, flexible online learning options, and strong support services for students.
In terms of rankings, SNHU is ranked 658th in the United States and 2588th globally for 2025, with notable strengths in business, management information systems, and marketing. The university is also recognized for its affordability and accessibility, providing both traditional campus experiences and innovative online education platforms
