SNHU Named a Top Employer in Higher Ed for Nearly Two Decades

Manchester, N.H. (September 18, 2026) Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has, for the 19th consecutive year, been recognized as a top employer in higher education as part of the Great Colleges to Work For® program. SNHU is among 76 institutions to be recognized and the only institution to make the Great Colleges to Work For® list every year since the program began in 2008.

“I’m incredibly proud that SNHU is once again named a Great College to Work For. This recognition reflects the focus, energy and commitment our colleagues bring to their work every day,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, President and CEO, SNHU. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it is shaped by the voices of our employees. Their feedback helps us understand where we are doing well and where we can continue to grow. We will keep listening, learning and investing in a vibrant community where our colleagues feel supported, connected to our shared purpose and empowered to do the life-changing work that makes our mission possible."

As one of the largest employers in the Granite State, SNHU is the only university in New Hampshire to be recognized by the Great Colleges to Work For® program and the only institution in New England to make Honor Roll this year. This marks the 16th consecutive year SNHU has received the prestigious Honor Roll status, scoring well across multiple categories including Compensation & Benefits, Faculty Experience, and Job Satisfaction & Support.

The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institution questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback.

All full-time SNHU employees were invited to participate in the survey. Based on the top responses, employees believe that SNHU is a place that fosters both pride in its mission and an inclusive culture. They also celebrated the sense of belonging amongst teams and the strong benefits and facilities that support their well-being.

ModernThink LLC, a research and consulting leader in workplace issues administered the survey and analyzed this year's results.

“The institutions recognized in the 2026 Great Colleges to Work For program demonstrate that strong workplace cultures are possible even in an environment where the antipathy and hostility towards higher education is acute," said Richard K. Boyer, Chief Culture Strategist, ModernThink. "While the challenges are many, these institutions focus on their missions, their long-term success, and their people.”

About ModernThink LLC

As a research and consulting leader in workplace issues, ModernThink has supported a wide variety of “Best Place to Work” initiatives. Through these programs, the firm has gained substantial survey and industry expertise, including specific insight into higher education. ModernThink knows what it takes to build a great place to work and shares that know-how with its clients. The ModernThink team of organizational development experts is dedicated to helping colleges follow through and capitalize on feedback from employees and benchmark data from peers to drive meaningful change at their institutions. Learn more about the Great Colleges to Work For® program, including all current and previously recognized institutions, at GreatCollegesProgram.com and GreatCollegesList.com, and about ModernThink at ModernThink.com.

Nicole Watkins is a PR Manager at Southern New Hampshire University. Connect with her at media@snhu.edu.