Southern New Hampshire University was founded in 1932 by H.A.B. Shapiro as the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science. The school remained relatively small until 1961, when it was incorporated and renamed New Hampshire College of Accounting and Commerce.
The state of New Hampshire in 1963 granted the university its charter, which gave it degree-granting authority. The first associate degree was awarded that year, and the first bachelor’s degrees were conferred three years later. The college became a nonprofit institution under a board of trustees in September 1968, and the name was shortened to New Hampshire College in 1969.
Mission:
Southern New Hampshire University trains intellectually and culturally enriched individuals to be successful in their careers and contribute to their communities.
SNHU's educational philosophy challenges students' intellectual potential and prepares them for professional lives in an ever-changing and increasingly interconnected world. It provides a supportive and close-knit learning community, delivering engaging instruction in a flexible variety of formats. Students develop the knowledge to understand a complex world, the skills to act effectively within that world and the wisdom to make good choices. They do so within a community of teachers, staff and peers that is encouraged to add its scholarly, creative and pedagogical contributions to the larger social good.
Rankings and awards:
US News ranks SNHU a tier one school.
The School of Community Economic Development has been honored by new England board of higher education. The school received a 2007 New England Higher Education Excellence Award, the Robert J. McKenna award, named for the former Rhode Island state senator and NEBHE chair. It is presented each year to an outstanding academic program.
Southern New Hampshire University's School of Business and SNHU Online were recognized as "Best of Business Award" winners in the Best M.B.A. Program and Best Online Degree Program categories by the New Hampshire Business Review.
Location & Facilities
SNHU’s 300-acre main campus sits on the banks of the Merrimack River in Manchester, New Hampshire, one of the fastest-growing cities in New England. It’s a peaceful place where you’ll feel safe and welcome.
SNHU’s 300-acre campus in Manchester has it all: wireless Internet access, an intimate art gallery, a state-of-the-art fitness center with Olympic pool, a stock trading room and more. Off campus, each of our continuing education locations provides all the resources you need to succeed