Skip to main content

Innovative Colleges for Adult Learners

Lauren Keane

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has once again been named to Washington Monthly's "Best Colleges for Adult Learners." SNHU, a repeat top-fifty school, ranked 22nd on the list of 4-year colleges this year, and is one of three institutions from New Hampshire to earn this distinction.

As part of the honor, the University has also been recognized as one of the nation's top 12 "Most Innovative Colleges for Adult Learners," for offering competency-based degree programs designed specifically to meet the unique needs of adult learners.

"This recognition from Washington Monthly reflects our commitment to serve students from all walks of life," said Paul LeBlanc, president, SNHU. "We believe every student should have equal access to education, and we'll continue to find new ways to adapt to the changing needs of today's students."

Nearly half of all college students in the United States are adult learners, yet no national publication had previously rated schools that serve working adults. To recognize the nation's colleges and universities that are meeting the needs of the fastest-growing demographic in higher education, Washington Monthly inaugurated the "Best Colleges for Adult Learners" rankings in 2016. SNHU has been named to the list every year since its inception.

The rankings were determined based on data from the Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the Department's College Scorecard database and the College Board's Annual Survey of Colleges. More than 2,400 two- and four-year institutions were recognized this year, and the following criteria was used to rate each school:

  • Ease of transfer/enrollment; • Flexibility of programs;
  • Services for adult learners;
  • Percentage of adult students (age 25+);
  • Mean earnings after ten years;
  • Loan repayment rates; and
  • Tuition and fees

To learn more, please visit America's Best Colleges for Adult Learners.
To review all of Washington Monthly's 2017 rankings, please visit College Guide and Rankings.

Explore more content like this article

President, Lisa Marsh Ryerson

Lisa Marsh Ryerson Becomes the 6th President of Southern New Hampshire University

Press Release
Lisa Marsh Ryerson, a trusted leader with vast experience in higher education and nonprofit management, began her tenure today as the sixth president of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Ryerson, who previously served on the SNHU Board of Trustees for six years before taking on the role of university provost in 2022, succeeds Dr. Paul J. LeBlanc who announced his decision to step down late last year following 21 years of transformational leadership.
SNHU President Paul LeBlanc standing in front of the campus SETA facility, now named the Paul J. LeBlanc Hall.

SNHU School Of Engineering, Technology and Aeronautics Building Named to Honor President Paul LeBlanc

Press Release
The SNHU Board of Trustees named the School of Engineering, Technology and Aeronautics (SETA) facility, the "Paul J. LeBlanc Hall," honoring the impact President Paul LeBlanc has made on the university. It is one way the SNHU community is coming together in LeBlanc’s final weeks as president.
SNHU Campus Green Space

President's & Dean's List Spring 2024

Press Release
It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) recognizes the following students' academic achievement in being named to the President and Dean's List for the Spring 2024 semester.

About Southern New Hampshire University

Two students walking in front of Monadnock Hall

SNHU is a nonprofit, accredited university with a mission to make high-quality education more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs. Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.