Southern New Hampshire University’s competency-based education program

Southern New Hampshire University's competency-based education (CBE) program, formerly known as College for America, offers a distinctly different approach to higher education. Students, parents, and adult learners share varied perspectives on this innovative model that emphasizes skills mastery over traditional coursework.

What Users Value Most

The exceptional flexibility offered by SNHU's competency-based model consistently receives high praise, particularly from adult learners juggling multiple responsibilities. The self-paced nature allows students to fit education around their existing commitments:

"The flexibility of the programs made it easy to balance my studies with other responsibilities." SNHU Student Review on Niche

"I was able to actually pace myself... No one else is in charge of my schedule." CBE Program Graduate

For parents supporting adult children returning to college, this flexibility means their family members can pursue education without sacrificing employment or family obligations. The ability to work and study simultaneously removes significant barriers to degree completion.

The robust support system built into the program stands out as another major advantage. Despite being an online program, students report feeling personally connected to their advisors:

"My academic advisor has been really supportive and she checks on me weekly. I haven't felt that supported at any other school in the past." Freshman Student Review

Parents appreciate knowing their adult children have access to dedicated coaching, especially when the family may not have the academic background to provide guidance themselves. This support structure creates a safety net that helps ensure student success.

The project-based approach resonates with career-focused learners who value practical application over traditional exams:

"It required competency-based projects and assignments" SNHU Reddit User

Many students report that these real-world projects directly translate to workplace skills, creating immediate value even before graduation. Parents often notice this practical benefit as their adult children apply new skills in their current jobs while still completing their degrees.

The affordability of the program, with its flat-rate subscription model, receives tremendous appreciation from cost-conscious families:

"SNHU offers one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation." SNHU Review on Yelp

For some students with employer partnerships, the program becomes even more affordable:

"If you can join their College for America option, you can practically get your degree free of charge – your workplace and SNHU work together." Degree Forum Comment

This cost structure makes higher education accessible to families who might otherwise find college financially out of reach, particularly for adult learners funding their own education.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its many advantages, the competency-based approach isn't ideal for everyone. The self-directed nature requires significant personal discipline, which can be challenging for some students:

Students who thrive on structure and external deadlines may struggle with the open-ended format. Parents of younger students (such as those in dual enrollment programs) sometimes need to provide additional oversight to ensure consistent progress is maintained throughout the term.

Some users express concerns about academic rigor, particularly in comparison to traditional university programs:

"It's a relatively easy school... The rubric is clear and you can easily get 100 on a project if you follow it to the dot." Reddit Comment

However, this perspective isn't universal. Others find the coursework appropriately challenging:

"The coursework is very intensive and one has to be committed to finish the program." Quora Response

The mastery-based grading system (receiving either "Mastery" or "Not Yet") presents a psychological adjustment for some students accustomed to traditional letter grades:

"I feel like this whole 'Mastery and Not Yet' is getting difficult for me." Reddit User

Having to repeatedly revise projects until they meet the mastery standard can be frustrating compared to traditional courses where students might accept a lower grade and move on.

The limited degree options in the competency-based format restrict choices for students with specialized interests. Currently, CBE programs focus primarily on business, healthcare management, communications, and general studies, requiring students interested in other fields to transition to traditional online programs.

A small percentage of users report administrative challenges, particularly around financial aid processing or advisor communication. While these issues don't affect most students, they can be frustrating when they occur.

Who Thrives in SNHU's Competency-Based Program?

Based on student and parent feedback, this educational model works particularly well for:

• Self-motivated adult learners juggling work and family responsibilities
• Career-focused individuals seeking practical skills with immediate workplace application
• Students who prefer project-based learning over traditional exams and papers
• Budget-conscious learners looking to minimize educational debt
• Working adults with employer tuition support or partnership programs
• Independent learners who don't require constant structure or social interaction

The program may be less ideal for:

• Students who struggle with self-discipline and time management
• Those seeking a traditional college social experience
• Learners who prefer instructor-led education with real-time interaction
• Students pursuing specialized majors outside the available CBE degree options
• Those who find value in the prestige factor of a traditional university name

The Bottom Line

SNHU's competency-based education program offers a flexible, affordable pathway to higher education that works exceptionally well for many adult learners. The program's emphasis on real-world skills, combined with its supportive coaching model, creates opportunities for degree completion that might otherwise remain out of reach.

As one graduate concisely stated:

"I can say with 100% certainty that SNHU is not a bad university... I really enjoyed my time there." Nick Lockwood on Quora

The program's success hinges on the student's commitment and learning style. For self-motivated learners seeking practical skills in the available degree fields, SNHU's competency-based approach represents an innovative solution to the challenges of cost, time, and accessibility that have traditionally limited higher education opportunities.