New Hampshire offers strong job prospects and above-average salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Granite State's unemployment rate was 2.6% in August of 2018, which is more than one percentage point lower than the national average. In addition, the average salary for workers in New Hampshire exceeded $51,000 in 2017, higher than the national average.
New Hampshire boasts a strong network of public and private universities, many of which offer programs for distance learners. The University of New Hampshire, for example, allows students to earn a fully online master's in business administration, doctorate in nursing practice, and graduate certificate in data science.
This page offers information on New Hampshire online colleges, including career outlooks, tuition rates, and the most lucrative majors in the state. It also provides financial aid opportunities and additional resources to support your research.
According to the state's Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau, New Hampshire is projected to add about 42,104 new jobs through 2026, an employment growth rate of 6.1%. The bureau predicts an additional 80,000 job openings during that same period, mostly due to labor force exits and occupational transfers.
Healthcare should experience the biggest expansion, with a projected growth rate of 15.7%. While you qualify for some jobs in this industry with a high school diploma, the most lucrative positions require some postsecondary education. For example, New Hampshire is projected to have a demand for 1,800 new registered nurses by 2026, and most of these positions require at least an associate degree in nursing. Registered nurses in New Hampshire earned an average salary of more than $70,000 in 2017, roughly $20,000 more than the average for all occupations.
Many of the state's other fast-growing occupations, such as software developer, information security analyst, and operations research analyst, also require a college degree. Fields that require less education, such as manufacturing and transportation, may see more restrained growth or a decline in employment.
Most colleges and universities charge similar tuition rates to students whether they study on campus or at a distance. However, online learners can save money by avoiding expenses related to on-campus education, such as transportation and room and board. Some schools may waive fees associated with certain campus services for online students while others assess a technology fee for using their online learning platforms.
New Hampshire students pay more to earn a degree than the national average at two-year and four-year institutions. The mean cost of tuition and fees at a public college in the state exceeds the national average by roughly $6,000 per year.
If you plan to pursue a bachelor's degree, you can save money by first earning an associate degree. Completing general education requirements at a two-year institution costs considerably less than doing so at a four-year college or university, and you can easily transfer credits from New Hampshire community college online courses toward your bachelor's.
Research public and private financial aid opportunities to help finance your education. Below are scholarship opportunities for New Hampshire students along with guidance on applying for state and federal aid.
| Public Two-Year | Public Four-Year | |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $7,090 | $16,460 |
| U.S. Average | $3,660 | $10,230 |
Source: The College Board
Most states offer tuition discounts to residents. For example, a student living in New Hampshire pays, on average, about $16,500 to attend one of the state's public colleges or universities; out-of-state students pay just over $29,000 per year.
If you live in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Vermont, you may qualify for discounted tuition at New Hampshire schools through the New England Board of Higher Education's (NEBHE) Tuition Break program. During the 2016-17 academic year, this regional exchange program helped more than 9,000 New England residents save more than $60 million in tuition and fees.
To qualify for Tuition Break, you must live in a New England state for at least one year prior to enrolling in a program. You must also attend one of the 82 public colleges and universities that offer discounted tuition to students from neighboring states. Check the NEBHE's online listing of institutions to see if your school participates.
| Public Two-Year | Public Four-Year | |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $16,460 | $29,170 |
| U.S. Average | $10,230 | $26,290 |
Source: The College Board
Before applying for any other forms of financial support, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The information you enter on the FAFSA allows the federal government to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The government uses your EFC to determine your eligibility for various forms of aid, including federal grants, work-study opportunities, and loans. Some state agencies and private grantmaking organizations also use your federal EFC to make award decisions.
In addition to state and federal aid, you can use private scholarships to help finance your education. The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, for example, offers financial support to state residents pursuing associate, bachelor's, and advanced degrees. The foundation offers scholarships based on financial need, academic merit, and community service; it gives priority to students in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
You do not need to repay money you receive from grants or scholarships. You do need to pay back your student loans, with interest. Private student loan providers often charge higher interest rates than the government.
When applying for scholarships and grants in New Hampshire, identify programs that serve students from your background and with your professional aspirations. For example, some scholarships support students planning to teach or enter a healthcare profession, while others provide aid to the children of military veterans.
Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports students seeking a professional certificate, license, or other industry-recognized credential. The NHCF gives preference to those working in the manufacturing and trade fields, such as plumbers, electricians, and machinists.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Students pursuing an associate degree at one of New Hampshire's community colleges can apply for this scholarship. To qualify, you must hold a high school diploma or GED. You must also demonstrate financial need.
Amount: $100-$2,500
Who Can Apply: This program supports students who plan to earn a bachelor's degree at public and private institutions in New Hampshire. The NHCF provides awards based on academic achievement, community service, and financial need.
Amount: Up to $7,500
Who Can Apply: NCHF provides aid to students seeking an advanced degree. It prioritizes students who plan to enroll in medical school. Recipients must demonstrate academic merit, a commitment to their community, and strong financial need.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: This private scholarship supports students who attend Franklin, Gilford, Merrimack, Merrimack Valley, Newfound Regional, or Winnisquam Regional High School. The bank makes scholarships decisions based on academic achievement and financial need.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: New Hampshire's community college system offers several scholarships to students. For example, students majoring in a field related to science, technology, engineering, or math can apply for the system's NASA Space Grant Scholarship.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: This program supports students seeking a postsecondary degree or training in a health-related field. Applicants must work at a health organization in New Hampshire.
Amount: $500-$2,500
Who Can Apply: The Concord Hospital Trust supports students seeking to enter a healthcare profession, with an emphasis on students seeking a nursing degree. The trust provides scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and personal character.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: This state-administered grant program provides aid to the children of military veterans who died in the line of duty. Students must submit a notarized application to the Department of Education to receive funding.
Amount: Fees and room and board
Who Can Apply: This scholarship aims to encourage students to become math teachers. To qualify, you must hold a high school diploma, pursue a degree in math education, and commit to working as a math teacher after graduation.
Amount: $1,000
In the coming years, New Hampshire's Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau projects the strongest employment growth in the fields of healthcare and information technology. Employment for nurse practitioners and physician assistants is projected to grow by 34.9% and 35.9%, respectively, through 2026. Employment for information security analysts and software developers in the state is projected to grow by 27.8% and 28.8%, respectively, during the same time period.
In addition to exceptional job prospects, these fields offer above-average salaries. In 2017, the average physician assistant in New Hampshire earned $111,810, while the average nurse practitioner earned $112,440. Certain positions in information technology command higher pay. For example, the average New Hampshire software developer specializing in systems software earned close to $123,000 the same year.
All of these roles require at least a bachelor's degree, with nurse practitioners and physician assistants needing a master's to qualify for licensure.
Students majoring in nursing take coursework in areas like human physiology, caring for older adults, and population-focused nursing. As undergraduates, they must complete a clinical experience to qualify for licensure. Registered nurses with a bachelor's degree typically enjoy the best job prospects, while roles such as nurse practitioner and nurse anesthetist require a master's degree.
A bachelor's degree in medical studies positions you to continue your education or take on a variety of entry-level roles in healthcare. For example, medical studies majors may seek a master's degree to qualify for positions as physician assistants. Rather than providing direct care, medical studies graduates may seek jobs as healthcare administrators, which is another fast-growing occupation in the state.
Aspiring software engineers explore subjects like computer programming languages, operating systems, and data security. Some students may focus on developing technical skills to become developers or analysts, while students interested in managerial roles often take coursework in business administration as well.
New Hampshire Community Foundation: The New Hampshire Community Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to state residents pursuing a postsecondary degree. It also curates a list of additional resources for students, including financial aid opportunities, free SAT preparation services, student loan providers, and career guidance.
New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation: The New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation provides many resources for students and families. You can read about how to choose the best college to meet your needs, how to apply to programs, how to complete the FAFSA and save for college, and what to expect once enrolled.
Community College System of New Hampshire: The state's community college system comprises seven campuses across the state and serves over 26,000 learners annually. Each campus offers 100% online courses in a variety of areas. In addition to generous scholarships for students seeking an associate degree, the system provides resources on workforce training and transferring credits.
New England Board of Higher Education: Through research and advocacy, the New England Board of Higher Education aims to improve collaboration among the region's state education agencies. It also works to increase the affordability of New England's public colleges and universities through its Tuition Break program.
New Hampshire Department of Education: The New Hampshire Department of Education oversees public education in the state. Its website features resources for veteran students, such as guidance on using GI Bill® funding to pay for education and scholarship opportunities for the children of military veterans who died in the line of duty.
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