Best
Public Colleges in New Hampshire in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in New Hampshire combines management theory with skills for organizations of all sizes. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, finance, business law, human resources, and operations management. Graduates may pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, or management trainee. Popular options include the University of New Hampshire, Southern New Hampshire University, Plymouth State University, and Keene State College, each offering business-related study opportunities across the state.

Psychology

Studying psychology in New Hampshire offers opportunities to explore human behavior through coursework in developmental psychology, cognitive processes, social psychology, research methods, statistics, and abnormal psychology. Students can pursue programs at the University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth College, Southern New Hampshire University, Plymouth State University, and Keene State College. Graduates commonly work as case managers, human resources specialists, behavioral health technicians, research assistants, or support workers. Clinical psychologist roles generally require graduate study and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in New Hampshire combines programming foundations with problem-solving and technology skills. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and networks. Students build projects and gain experience through internships or research. Popular options include Dartmouth College in Hanover, the University of New Hampshire in Durham, Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, and Keene State College. Graduates pursue roles as software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists.

Counseling

Studying counseling in New Hampshire typically combines psychology and supervised practice. Courses may include counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and clinical techniques, with internships or practicums. Popular options include the University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, Rivier University, and Antioch University New England in Keene. Depending on degree level and licensure, graduates may work as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance use counselors, case managers, or community support specialists.

Nursing

Studying nursing in New Hampshire offers preparation for patient care across hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Coursework typically includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, ethics, and clinical practice. Programs may lead to associate or bachelor's degrees and licensure eligibility. Graduates commonly work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or care coordinators. Popular in-state options include the University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, and Rivier University, each offering nursing study opportunities.

Best Colleges in New Hampshire Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $23,810, compared with $35,994 at schools in the top 10%, a difference of $12,184.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100% of students overall, compared with 86.75% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 86.75%. Schools receive an average of 8,462 applicants overall, while top-10% schools average 16,885.9 applicants. The median numbers of male and female applicants are 2,737.5 and 3,352.5, respectively.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,155 and 26.5, respectively.
• Average enrollment is 5,023.75 students; average enrollment is 479.5 men and 568.25 women.
• The average graduation rate is 53.6%, compared with 69.6% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 54.0% for men and 60.0% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, five offer bachelor's degrees, six offer master's degrees, and two offer doctor's degrees.
• Four schools are coeducational. There are zero schools for men and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial-aid availability alongside admissions figures, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation rates. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher median costs and graduation rates, while the overall average financial-aid reach is higher; consider which of these factors best fits your needs.

How much does studying at a college in New Hampshire cost?

For a New Hampshire student, the average total cost of studying is $25,523.20 per year. It offers a practical starting point for budgeting, but your actual expenses can vary with the college, housing, meal plan, and financial aid. Average tuition and fees are $14,831.60, average room and board is $14,078, and books and supplies average $1,100. Because these are separate averages, don't assume they add up to the total for one student.

Compare the University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth College, Keene State College, and Southern New Hampshire University: each offers different programs, and individual costs vary. Check each college's cost-of-attendance estimate. Living at home or choosing campus or off-campus housing can also change your budget. Ask financial-aid offices about grants, scholarships, and work-study, then focus on your estimated net price after aid. With a clear estimate and planning, pursuing a degree in New Hampshire can feel more manageable - and exciting.

How long does it take to finish college in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, a traditional bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree often takes about two. Students at the University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth College, Southern New Hampshire University, or Plymouth State University should expect timelines to vary with major, course availability, and whether they study part-time.

On-time completion is not guaranteed, but New Hampshire's average graduation rate is 53.6%; among the top 10% of schools, it is 69.6%. The average is 48.8% for men and 56.4% for women, showing many students do earn degrees, though outcomes differ.

You may be able to finish sooner by bringing in AP or transfer credits, taking summer courses, choosing an accelerated program, or studying year-round. Ask an adviser how credits apply to your chosen New Hampshire program before enrolling; a plan can help you save time and feel confident about reaching your graduation goal.

Salary

After graduating from college in New Hampshire, a useful salary benchmark is $52,636 - the reported median alumni salary. This is a broad benchmark, not a promise of what you'll earn in your first job; your major, career, location, and experience can all affect your pay.

Whether you study at the University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth College, Southern New Hampshire University, or another New Hampshire school, your degree can lead to different career paths and earning potential. The reported median for graduates of top 10% schools is also $52,636, so the available figures do not show a higher median for that group.

For planning your next steps, consider how your intended field and career goals fit with the salary benchmark. It can be encouraging to have a concrete figure to work with as you compare programs and imagine building your career in New Hampshire.

People also ask

What is the most prestigious college in New Hampshire?

Dartmouth College in Hanover is generally considered New Hampshire's most prestigious college. As an Ivy League university, it is known for selective admissions, strong academic programs, and a close-knit campus community. For students in the state, Dartmouth offers an especially distinctive opportunity: an internationally recognized education in a scenic New England setting.

Which city in New Hampshire has the best public schools?

Bedford is often recognized for having some of New Hampshire's strongest public schools, though rankings vary by source and criteria. It is technically a town, not a city. Families and students may appreciate its strong academic reputation, while also comparing individual schools, programs, and district information to find the best fit.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Public Colleges Ranking in New Hampshire Ranking in 2026-2027

The University of New Hampshire enrolls 13,041 students and reports a 76% graduation rate with an 88% acceptance rate. For a New Hampshire student seeking a university setting, it offers the largest enrollment among these five options. Its listed total study cost is $36,170, while median alumni salary is $52,636. Those figures may help you weigh upfront expense against reported post-graduation earnings when comparing in-state degree choices. Consider your program and financial aid before deciding whether that balance suits you.

Plymouth State University has 3,593 enrolled students, a 52% graduation rate, and an 88% acceptance rate. Its total listed study cost of $22,810 is lower than the costs reported for the other traditional campus options here, making it worth comparing for a New Hampshire student managing expenses. Median alumni salary is $44,002. The figures offer a starting point, not a guarantee: review your intended major, available aid, and expected completion timeline when deciding whether Plymouth State fits your goals well.

Keene State College enrolls 2,794 students, with a 60% graduation rate and a 90% acceptance rate. Its listed total cost of $23,810 and median alumni salary of $45,561 provide useful comparison points for a prospective student weighing college costs and reported outcomes in New Hampshire. The school's enrollment is smaller than the University of New Hampshire's, so compare programs, campus environment, and support services. Check aid and degree requirements to estimate your net cost and path to graduation before choosing.

University of New Hampshire at Manchester enrolls 667 students, reports a 50% graduation rate, and accepts 81% of applicants. Its listed total study cost is $35,730, and median alumni salary is $52,636. For a New Hampshire resident considering a smaller-enrollment option, these figures invite comparison with the University of New Hampshire campus and other choices. Ask how your intended program is delivered, what aid may apply, and which campus resources are available; totals alone cannot determine your experience or cost.

University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online is an option to examine if you want to pursue a New Hampshire degree through online study. Enrollment and acceptance-rate figures are unavailable in the data, while the graduation rate is 30%. The listed total cost is $9,096, the lowest among these five entries, and median alumni salary is $52,636. Confirm what the cost includes, whether your program suits online learning, and how advising and schedules fit your needs before enrolling.