SNHU Once Again Recognized as a Top College for Adult Learners, the Most Innovative University in the North

Manchester, N.H. (September 10, 2018) - Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has recently been recognized as a top university by two national publications. U.S. News & World Report announced today that SNHU has been named the Most Innovative University in the north for the fourth consecutive year. In late August, SNHU was also recognized as a top institution for adult learners by Washington Monthly.

"We are proud to once again be recognized by Washington Monthly and U.S. News & World Report," said Paul LeBlanc, President, SNHU. "At SNHU, we believe all students should have access to the type of instruction and support services that best fit their individual needs. This recognition is a testament to the work we do every day, and we will continue to create even more innovative, flexible and affordable pathways to education for lifelong learners."

SNHU, a repeat top fifty school, jumped six spots this year on Washington Monthly's list of 4-year colleges, ranking 14^th, and is one of three institutions from New Hampshire to earn this distinction. The University also topped the U.S. News & World Report's "Most Innovative Schools in the North" category for the fourth year in a row, and is the only institution from the Granite State on the list. SNHU has been named to both rankings every year since their inception.

Unlike most of U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges" rankings, the "Most Innovative Schools" category solely relies on a peer assessment survey to compile the results. Participants - college presidents, provosts and admission deans - were asked to nominate up to fifteen institutions "that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities."

Washington Monthly inaugurated the "Best Colleges for Adult Learners" rankings in 2016 to recognize the nation's colleges and universities that are meeting the needs of the fastest-growing demographic in higher education. The rankings are 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 2,200 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+);
• Graduation rates of part-time students;
• Mean earnings after ten years;
• Loan repayment rates; and
• Tuition and fees

To learn more, please visit Washington Monthly's College Guide and Rankingsand U.S. News & World Report's Rankings and Lists.