University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online traces its roots to Granite State College, which was established in 1972 to serve adult learners. Granite State College later became part of the University of New Hampshire; its online programs now operate under the College of Professional Studies Online name.
That history helps explain the college's emphasis on flexible study, transfer credit and learning acquired outside a traditional classroom. Applicants researching older catalogs or records may encounter the Granite State College name. They should use the current UNH catalog to confirm which institution awards a degree and which requirements apply to a new enrollment.
UNH College of Professional Studies Online offers career-oriented and liberal arts programs rather than organizing its online division around a conventional set of residential-campus faculties. Its offerings span associate, bachelor's and graduate study, with program availability depending on the credential.
Examples of fields represented in its academic offerings include business, accounting, communication, computer and information sciences, criminal justice, education, health care administration, human services and psychology. Some paths, particularly nursing and educator preparation, are intended for students who already hold particular credentials or must meet professional requirements. A prospective student should check the current program page and catalog for the exact degree title, course sequence, admission conditions and any required in-person work.
UNH College of Professional Studies Online is associated with Manchester, New Hampshire, but its defining setting is online: students generally do not need to relocate to Manchester for ordinary online coursework. Manchester is a small city in southern New Hampshire with regional road, bus and airport connections.
The location matters most when a program requires a placement, examination or other in-person activity. Applicants outside New Hampshire should also check whether their intended program accepts students in their state, especially if it leads to a professional license. Services and facilities at UNH's Manchester and Durham campuses should not be assumed to be available to every online student on the same terms.
The college's educational purpose reflects its Granite State College origins: expanding access to higher education for working adults and other students who need flexible ways to complete a credential. Within UNH, its online programs emphasize applied learning and opportunities to build on previous college study or qualifying prior learning.
Those priorities describe the institution's stated approach, not an assurance that every course is self-paced or that every prior experience earns credit. Students evaluating flexibility should examine the schedule, assignment deadlines and placement requirements of their specific program.
Name of the institution
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies OnlineLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
City: MidsizeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degreeData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.