Best New Hampshire Colleges: 2017-2018 Rankings
Although Dartmouth College is the state's most recognized university, the depth of quality universities and colleges expands well beyond the Ivy League. The state is home to public and private post-secondary institutions that offer regionally and nationally recognized academic programs. Prospective students can use the rankings below to gauge the quality of individual schools. To compile this year's rankings, we reviewed and calculated a series of factors, including student-teacher ratios, tuition, graduation rates, and financial aid availability.
Methodology +
Minimum Qualifications
- Located in New Hampshire
- Public or private not-for-profit
- Institutionally accredited
- At least 5 total programs
- Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
- In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
- Student/teacher ratio
- % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
- Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
- Availability of placement services upon completion
- Availability of academic/career counseling services
- Availability of employment services
- 3-year student cohort loan default rate
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics
- Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016
College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education
- Latest data available as of Fall 2016
Minimum Qualifications
- Located in New Hampshire
- Public or private not-for-profit
- Institutionally accredited
- At least 10 total programs
- Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
- In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
- Student/teacher ratio
- 6-year graduation rate
- % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
- Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
- Availability of placement services upon completion
- Availability of academic/career counseling services
- Availability of employment services
- 3-year student cohort loan default rate
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics
- Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016
College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education
- Latest data available as of Fall 2016
| Rank | School Name | Score | Tuition Fees | Alumni Earnings | Student/Teacher Ratio | Gift Financial Aid | Description | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate | # Online Programs | # Total Programs | Placement Services | Credit for Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
NHTI – Concord’s Community College |
98.69 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
1%
|
20% | N/A | 6 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 2 |
River Valley Community College |
98.01 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
5%
|
24% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 3 |
Nashua Community College |
92.49 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
N/A
|
17% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 4 |
Lakes Region Community College |
91.66 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
N/A
|
28% | N/A | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 5 |
Great Bay Community College |
88.31 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
15%
|
10% | N/A | 0 | N/A | No | Yes | |
| 6 |
Manchester Community College |
86.16 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
N/A
|
17% | N/A | 2 | N/A | No | Yes | |
| 7 |
White Mountains Community College |
86 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
N/A
|
49% | N/A | 3 | N/A | No | Yes |
| Rank | School Name | Score | Tuition Fees | Alumni Earnings | Student/Teacher Ratio | Gift Financial Aid | Description | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate | # Online Programs | # Total Programs | Placement Services | Credit for Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Dartmouth College |
99.66 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
47%
|
96% | 12% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 2 |
Saint Anselm College |
98.41 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
95%
|
74% | 76% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 3 |
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus |
95.06 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
64%
|
78% | 80% | 2 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 4 |
Keene State College |
94.66 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
75%
|
62% | 79% | 0 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 5 |
University of New Hampshire at Manchester |
93.33 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
76%
|
62% | 70% | 0 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 6 |
Rivier University |
93.26 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
99%
|
51% | 63% | 3 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 7 |
Franklin Pierce University |
92.33 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
100%
|
50% | 84% | 12 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 8 |
Southern New Hampshire University |
91.71 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
71%
|
59% | 84% | 62 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 9 |
Plymouth State University |
91.55 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$
$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
69%
|
55% | 75% | 7 | N/A | Yes | No | |
| 10 |
Granite State College |
87.96 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$
$$$$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
N/A
|
50% | N/A | 38 | N/A | Yes | Yes | |
| 11 |
Colby-Sawyer College |
87.56 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
97%
|
56% | 91% | 4 | N/A | No | No | |
| 12 |
New England College |
86 |
Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students.
$$$$
$
|
Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
$26,500
|
N/A |
First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution.
78%
|
43% | 96% | 30 | N/A | Yes | Yes |
Search & Compare Colleges in New Hampshire
Even though it is one of the country's smallest states, New Hampshire offers one of the most diverse higher education systems. To reach their academic and professional goals, students can select from small, liberal arts-focused colleges to large, public universities. Students interested in colleges in New Hampshire can use the search tool below to learn about and compare different schools, based on location, acceptance rate, enrollment and annual tuition.
College Planning, Assistance and Outreach Programs in New Hampshire
Whether the goal is to enroll in an applied learning program at a technical institute or an Ivy League institution, prospective students should start the college planning process as early as possible. To improve access to education, instructional quality and college affordability, groups such as the New Hampshire College and University Council and the NHHEAF Network have launched a series of programs to support higher education students.
NHHEAF Network
Consisting of three nonprofit groups: Granite State Management & Resources; New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation; and the New Hampshire Higher Education Loan Corporation, NHHEAF Network provides a variety of online services and in-person events for high school and adult education students. These resources help students prepare for college, navigate the application aid process, get ready for standardized tests, develop competitive application packets, understand college costs and financing options, and choose a major that meets their future professional goals.
New Hampshire Scholars
Federally funded by the New Hampshire Department of Education, New Hampshire Scholars is a community-based program that helps eighth grade students take a rigorous course of study in high school that prepares them for admission to the state's two- and four-year postsecondary institutions. Local business leaders pair with middle school classes, encouraging and mentoring students as they enroll in comprehensive courses in mathematics, science, English, social studies and foreign languages.
New Hampshire Bureau of Adult Education
The Bureau was created to assist non-traditional and adult students to complete academic programs that prepare them for college, technical training and build career readiness skills. Each year, the Bureau provides service to more than 8,000 adult learners across six core programs: New Hampshire High School Equivalency; English as a Second Language; Adult Basic Education; Adult Learner Services; Adult High School; Career and College Transitions. Through these programs, students can complete college pre-requisite courses, learn about college options in New Hampshire, receive career counseling and get help with college and financial aid applications.
Cost of College in New Hampshire
Pursuing a college degree is an investment in a student's future. Before making a decision, prospective students should learn about how much it costs to attend colleges in New Hampshire and the amount of financial aid available. The charts below compare average tuition rates and financial aid in New Hampshire to national averages.
Average New Hampshire Tuition & Fees at 4-Year Public Colleges
Source: CollegeBoard
Percent of New Hampshire Students Receiving Financial Aid
Source: IPEDS
Average Financial Aid Award for New Hampshire Students
Source: IPEDS
* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire
When reviewing colleges in New Hampshire, students should look at the total cost of attendance. This includes tuition and financial aid. We have compiled a list of the most affordable colleges in New Hampshire based on financial aid packages and the total cost of attendance.
-
1
Granite State College$14,515 -
2
-
3
-
4
Plymouth State University$19,689
-
5
Keene State College$20,768
-
6
Colby-Sawyer College$22,644
Average
Annual Net
Price
Cost for students awarded federal financial aid, after school and government aid is deducted. At public colleges, only applies to in-state students.
New Hampshire College Net Price vs. National Average
$23,507
|
Average Annual Net Price |
$18,073
|
Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
New Hampshire Colleges with Highest-Paid Alumni
The most recent data from the US Department of Education's College Scorecard reveals that graduates from colleges in New Hampshire earn competitive salaries that represent a solid return on their tuition investment. Learn more about how New Hampshire colleges rank for alumni earning power and how they stack up against national averages.
-
1
Dartmouth College$67,100
-
2
Saint Anselm College$55,300
-
3
-
4
Rivier University$42,800
-
5
-
6
Keene State College$39,900
Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College
Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
New Hampshire Alumni Salaries vs. National Average
|
$43,000
|
Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After Entering College |
$42,759
|
Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
Colleges in New Hampshire With Least Alumni Debt
Attending college in New Hampshire can be expensive and the state has some of the highest student debt rates in the country. College affordability is a central point of concern for prospective students and we've created a ranking of New Hampshire colleges that graduate students with the lowest student debt.
-
1
Dartmouth College$11,625
-
2
Granite State College$17,665
-
3
-
4
-
5
Keene State College$26,000
-
6
Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation
Only for undergraduates who completed college; does not include Parent-PLUS loans.
New Hampshire College Grad Debt Vs. National Average
|
$24,722
|
Median Federal Student Loan Debt After Graduation |
$23,145
|
Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
New Hampshire Cost of Living: College Expenses Beyond Tuition
When planning for college, students need to look beyond tuition and consider other expenses, such as rent, groceries and utilities. The average cost of living in New Hampshire annually exceeds the national average, which means students need to consider where they plan to live in addition to where they want to go to school. Use the tables below to learn more about how much it costs to live in metropolitan areas in New Hampshire and how the state's cost of living compares nationally.
| area | composite index | housing | groceries | utilities | transportation | health care | misc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide Average | 118% | 121% | 112% | 135% | 105% | 116% | 117% |
| Manchester | 118% | 121% | 112% | 135% | 105% | 116% | 117% |
Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research
Accreditation for New Hampshire Colleges
Accreditation is a major indicator of an institution's overall commitment to delivering a quality education to students. New England Association of Schools and Colleges manages the regional, institution-level accreditation in New Hampshire. Attending an accredited school is significant for students that may want to transfer credits to another school or attend graduate school in the future. If students attend a non-accredited institution, their credits may not transfer and they may not be eligible for graduate school admission. Academically, individual degree programs also undergo a review process by accrediting bodies. Below are two examples of program-based accreditation.
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Accredits the programs for the College of Engineering & Physical Sciences at the University of New Hampshire.
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Accredits undergraduate and graduate business programs for Southern New Hampshire University.
Popular College Cities in New Hampshire
Concord
The state's capital, Concord is a smaller city with approximately 43,000 residents. Yet, it has a strong higher education presence. Students can select from public and private two- and four-year colleges and universities. In addition, students may also attend professional training programs in physical therapy (Franklin Pierce University), as well as law -- University of New Hampshire (the state's only school of law). Concord embraces education, evidenced by nearly 45 percent of the population age 25 and older holding a college degree. Graduates can pursue career opportunities in several major industries, including transportation and healthcare.
| College Name | School Type | Annual Net Price | Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. |
|---|---|---|---|
 NHTI - Concord's Community College
|
Public | $16,954 | $32,100 |
| Founded in 1965, NHTI is a two-year public community college that has a student body of approximately 4,600 students taking day, evening, weekend and noncredit classes. The college offers 90 academic degree programs, including 41 associate, 47 certificate and two professional certificate areas of study. Professional certificate majors include dental assisting and diagnostic medical sonography. The school is home to more than 400 faculty members (110 full-time and 300 adjunct), five academic buildings and a 16,000-square foot student center. | |||
 Granite State College
|
Public | $14,515 | $37,700 |
| One of four institutions in the University System of New Hampshire, Granite State College is a public university that was founded in 1972. It has an articulation agreement with the Community College System of New Hampshire and offers six associate degree programs, 27 undergraduate degree programs and seven master's degree programs of study. Additionally, the college has a range of online degree programs for students seeking learning flexibility. | |||
Manchester
As the largest city in the state, Manchester has grown to more than 110,000 residents, according to New Hampshire Employment Security. The city itself is an educational hub. Nearly 87 percent of residents have graduated from high school and 26.4 percent of the population over the age of 25 has earned a bachelor's degree or higher. Serving the area are four career technology centers, community colleges and four-year public universities. These colleges produce graduates ready to work in the area's major industries, including banking, healthcare, communications and engineering.
| College Name | School Type | Annual Net Price | Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. |
|---|---|---|---|
 Saint Anselm College
|
Private not-for-profit | $29,704 | $55,300 |
| A Benedictine liberal arts college, Saint Anselm College was founded in 1889. It is a member of the National Catholic Educational Association. Approximately 2,000 students attend classes across the college's 45 majors and 42 minors. In addition, it offers pre-professional programs in medicine, theology, engineering, law and dentistry. | |||
 Manchester Community College
|
Public | $14,315 | $33,300 |
| Manchester Community College has an enrollment of 3,200 students with nearly 1,000 students enrolled in online programs. The college offers more than 60 associate degree and certificate programs. Its major programs of study include liberal arts, business and automotive and construction technologies. Nearly 40 percent of the students are under the age of 25 and 77 percent of classes have 19 or fewer students. | |||
 Southern New Hampshire University
|
Private not-for-profit | $28,889 | $41,800 |
| Southern New Hampshire University is a private, non-profit university with an enrollment of 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students. Its 300-acre campus in Manchester complements its status as a major online education university. There are more than 200 areas of study in the school's online arm. Both on-campus and online, students can select from degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, graduate and certificate levels. | |||
Source: College Scorecard
New Hampshire College Resources
There are numerous resources for students preparing to attend college in New Hampshire. The following resources can help students along each step of the college-planning process.
New Hampshire College Club
An online resource of the NHHEAF Network that includes college-planning resources, tips on choosing a college, information on what to expect in college, as well as college funding and financial aid resources for parents.
New Hampshire Division of Higher Education
The state agency that oversees and regulates postsecondary institutions in the state and offers student resources including financial aid and veteran education resources.
New Hampshire Educational Opportunity Association
A nonprofit organization that helps students that come from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop skills and gain access to the resources necessary to succeed in a postsecondary education setting.
Next Steps New Hampshire
A special project from the New Hampshire Department of Education, Next Steps works to improve the college readiness of students who are at risk of dropping out of high school or have disabilities.
Reaching Higher New Hampshire
Reaching Higher New Hampshire is a local advocacy program that supports higher education in the state through legislative advocacy, student and teacher grants, newsletters and community events.