Every state has its unique offerings, and New Hampshire is no exception. It provides quality education at various levels and ample opportunities for individuals to launch and grow their careers. In this article, you’ll discover the best universities in New Hampshire for your specific discipline and how you can get started with your admissions and enrollment process.
Beyond that, you’ll discover how New Hampshire universities have ranked in significant areas such as graduation rate and academic offerings. This article also explores the funding options and processes in the top 10 universities in New Hampshire. Moreover, you’ll discover the employment outlook and career opportunities open to college graduates in New Hampshire.
What Are the Best Universities in New Hampshire?
The best universities in New Hampshire include Dartmouth College, University of New Hampshire, Colby-Sawyer College, and Keene State College. These universities are the best in New Hampshire because they have high graduation rates and have ranked on Times Higher Education and US News & World Report as the best in research, academic influence, and employment outlook.
Other notable institutions in New Hampshire include Southern New Hampshire University, Plymouth State University, Franklin Pierce University, and New England College. These schools also offer quality education to residents and non-residents. Our top picks are your best bet if you’re looking for schools with active student life and optimal living conditions.
How Many Universities Are in New Hampshire?
There are 16 universities and colleges in New Hampshire, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). However, further analysis shows that only seven of these institutions offer research experience at the doctoral level.
This doesn’t mean New Hampshire does not offer an adequate learning experience. According to US News & World Report’s education rankings, New Hampshire is among the top states in the US for quality education. Its efforts in offering accredited academic programs such as engineering, computer science, business, and nursing make it an ideal state for most college students.
What Are the Biggest Universities in New Hampshire?
The biggest universities in New Hampshire, judging by the sizes of student bodies, are Southern New Hampshire University, University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth College, Plymouth State University, and New England College, according to NCES. Size positively influences areas such as the number of academic offerings, class sizes, student organizations, and events.
Largest New Hampshire Universities by Enrollment
- Southern New Hampshire University | 134,345
- University of New Hampshire | 15,507
- Dartmouth College | 6,292
- Plymouth State University | 4,491
- New England College | 4,483
New Hampshire University Rankings: What Are the Top 10 Universities in New Hampshire?
Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Dartmouth College | Hanover | 94% |
2 | University of New Hampshire | Durham | 78% |
3 | Colby-Sawyer College | New London | 65% |
4 | Keene State College | Keene | 60% |
5 | Rivier University | Nashua | 60% |
6 | Plymouth State University | Plymouth | 53% |
7 | Franklin Pierce University | Rindge | 42% |
8 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester | 39% |
9 | Granite State College | Concord | 22% |
10 | New England College | Henniker | 21% |
How We Defined New Hampshire University Rankings
Our ranking of the 10 best New Hampshire universities is based on the graduation rates of top schools in the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In coming up with our list of 10 New Hampshire universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can reference in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in New Hampshire, Explained
We want you to make a constructive and informed decision about your academic future. So, we’ve organized the sections to include essential details about each university’s graduation rates, history, degrees and certificates available, student outcomes, and top academic programs. The information below is sourced from each school’s official website.
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New Hampshire University Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for attending a university in New Hampshire include online admission forms, application fees, official transcripts, academic preparation courses, standardized tests, supplemental documents, and financial aid. The section below outlines your typical admission requirements for colleges in New Hampshire.
Admission Requirements for Universities in New Hampshire
- Online admission form
- Application fee or a fee waiver
- Supplemental documents such as supplemental essays, teacher evaluation, recommendation letters, resume, portfolio, and peer recommendations
- Standardized test report
- Official high school or college transcript
- 2.0 to 3.0 GPA and B or C course grade
- English proficiency reports
- Financial aid application
How to Apply to New Hampshire Universities
To apply to a university in New Hampshire, you need to first complete an online admission form through the school’s website or application service. To process your application, you’ll be required to pay an application fee. You can request a waiver if you can’t afford the fee. You’ll need to submit official transcripts and standardized test reports.
Supplemental documents include essays, recommendation letters, portfolios, resumes, and teacher evaluations. International applicants will submit English proficiency reports through an evaluation service. You may be given varying deadlines for each requirement. Once completed, you should track your admission status and apply for financial aid.
New Hampshire Universities Admissions Process
- Complete an online admission form through the Common App or the school’s website before the application deadline. The admissions form usually includes your contact information.
- Pay the application fee, which is usually less than $100. You can request a fee waiver if you are a student in financial need.
- Provide supplemental documents. This usually includes essays of no more than 500 words, two teacher evaluations, or one to three recommendation letters. You may also be required to provide a peer recommendation to give insight into your character and interests. This may be accepted after the application deadline.
- Standardized test scores may be optional. Most schools prefer SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate applicants and GMAT or GRE scores for graduate students, depending on their area of study.
- You’ll need a high school diploma or college transcript and counselor evaluation from an accredited US institution you attended. This may need to be evaluated through a NACES-member agency.
- You may be required to have a 2.0 to 3.0 GPA. Depending on your academic program, you may also need to have completed credits in foundational courses in math, English, lab science, and social studies.
- International students may be required to submit proof of English proficiency, usually in the form of TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or the Cambridge English Test.
- Apply for financial aid by filling out the FAFSA form.
- Track your admissions status.
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Why Study in New Hampshire?
You should study in New Hampshire because it offers an inclusive and conducive environment that facilitates a variety of ventures. According to US News & World Report’s state rankings, New Hampshire has good ratings in crime and correction, natural environment, job opportunities, economy, health care, and education. It’s rated the fourth-best state overall.
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Education and Career Opportunities
According to a survey by Statista on educational attainment, only two percent of adults have less than ninth grade academic attainment, and only 4.7 percent don’t have a high school diploma, meaning 93.3 percent of adults in New Hampshire have a complete high school education.
The educational system in this state promotes both experiential learning and innovation. If you’re looking to build real-world experiences while still studying, then enroll in a university in New Hampshire.
Healthcare
Health professions are some of the most popular academic programs in New Hampshire. This state ensures its medical and healthcare students receive adequate field experience in clinical practices. According to the key health indicators revealed by the Center for Disease Control, New Hampshire has a decent health care system.
Security
Based on an in-depth review of New Hampshire and the overall crime and corrections rate in the US, New Hampshire is considered one of the safest US states to live in. According to US News & World Report’s crime and corrections rankings, New Hampshire has a low crime rate and a high corrections rate. Students looking to study in this state will find themselves in a safe environment.
More New Hampshire University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in New Hampshire?
Based on our review of New Hampshire university rankings, below are some more of the best universities and colleges in New Hampshire, sorted by what they offer prospective college students to boost their learning and social environment.
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Top New Hampshire Universities by Major
We’ve compiled a list of top New Hampshire universities for students interested in the most popular and lucrative disciplines, such as computer science, nursing, engineering, and business. Each of the top schools below offers unique programs and facilities that improve the students’ overall learning experience.
Tuition Costs for New Hampshire Universities
The 2019-2020 average undergraduate tuition report for post-secondary degree-granting institutions, released by the National Center for Education Statistics, showed that public universities in New Hampshire cost an average of $28,734. Private four-year institutions in this state have considerably higher fees, which average $47,517.
Most Affordable Universities in New Hampshire
- Granite State College | Tuition: $314/Credit (Resident); $370/Credit (Non-Resident). This tuition rate covers summer 2022 to spring 2023. The graduate tuition rate per credit is $545, and the independent learning agreement is $314 for residents and $365 for non-residents. The fees charged may vary.
- Southern New Hampshire University | Tuition: $320/Credit (Undergraduate); $627/Credit (Graduate). SNHU doesn’t charge an application fee for its online undergraduate or graduate application. These tuition rates have been fixed since 2012. There are discounts for active-duty military and dual enrollment for nursing students.
- Franklin Pierce University | Tuition: $400/Credit. This is the rate for both online and on-campus programs, excluding fees. Part-time and overload tuition per credit is $1,302. Partnership tuition per credit is at a discounted rate of $320 for the 2022 school year.
- Keene State College | Tuition: $490/Credit (Resident); $570/Credit (Non-Resident). This is the official rate for the 2022-2023 school year. Graduate students pay $542 per credit for residents and $612 if they are out-of-state candidates.
- University of New Hampshire | Tuition: $645/Credit (Resident); $1,435/Credit (Non-Resident). Students in the New England Regional Student Program, engineering and computer science, business and economics, and music majors have different credit rates for the 2022-2023 academic year. This rate excludes mandatory fees.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in New Hampshire
In collaboration with the government, public and private four-year institutions in New Hampshire offer financial aid to students. This aid usually goes to students with financial needs or those that exhibit certain remarkable qualities. Scholarships and grants are the most popular types of aid in New Hampshire. Recipients of these awards don’t have to worry about repayment.
Financial Aid for New Hampshire Universities: A Summary
- Scholarships and grants. This includes scholarship awards given by the school, external scholarships, and federal or state grants. Scholarships and grants are usually based on financial need and academic excellence. However, they may also be offered for community service, special interests, research, and leadership.
- Work-study and student employment. You may be allowed to seek employment opportunities in research or community service or with local organizations. The school or department may offer work-study opportunities, or you can access them yourself. In most cases, you’ll need to work 10-12 hours a week at the minimum average.
- Loans. This includes student loans from the school or government and private loans from third-party lenders. Students who need extra funds to cover costs outside of tuition may seek low-interest loans from their school. You can also apply for federal or private loans through the admissions office of your school.
- Veteran benefits. These may be GI Bills, service programs, or discounts that supplement the cost of tuition for veterans. To qualify for this tuition reduction, you may be required to submit an eligibility letter to the registrar and financial aid office of your school.
New Hampshire University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at New Hampshire Universities?
- Students enrolled in a degree program at the school.
- US citizens or eligible US residents or non-residents who are enrolled students.
- Students with academic achievements or equivalent.
- Financial needs students from verified low-income families.
- Students who have not defaulted or don’t owe a federal education loan or grant.
Private New Hampshire Universities With Good Financial Aid
- Dartmouth College. Dartmouth College offers scholarships, student loans, veteran benefits, and work-study opportunities to need-based students. You’ll automatically be considered for a scholarship award when you apply for financial aid. The amount usually ranges between $1,000 and $50,000 and may be applied only to tuition.
- Colby-Sawyer College. Prospective students can look forward to a wide range of scholarship opportunities and student loans at this college. Early applicants, students who display scholastic achievement and leadership, and those who engage in community service are some of the eligible candidates for these awards.
- Rivier University. Rivier University offers 100 percent of its full-time undergraduate students financial aid. The only requirement is that they fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, students who wish to receive scholarship awards based on merit do not need to complete the FAFSA form.
Universities in New Hampshire That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- Dartmouth College. Dartmouth College offers a variety of financial aid to international students. This includes an allowance for travel to the United States. Your program application path determines your financial aid. You can qualify for scholarships, grants, and student employment.
- Franklin Pierce University. At Franklin Pierce University, international students are eligible for scholarship considerations of up to $20,000 a year.
- Southern New Hampshire University. SNHU offers merit-based scholarships to international students applying for master’s level degrees. International students pursuing undergraduate degrees can apply for individual or organizational scholarships through the school.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for New Hampshire State Universities
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Know your school’s FAFSA code.
- Sign up for an FSA ID.
- Fill out and sign your FAFSA form.
- Submit your application.
- Review your financial aid package.
- Accept or decline your aid package and print your confirmation page for future use.
Demographics of Universities in New Hampshire
The demographics of universities in New Hampshire, as detailed by NCES, show that there was a high enrollment of students in fall 2019. Below you will find a detailed list of the different populations in New Hampshire according to race.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in New Hampshire
- White: 70.7%
- Black: 13.3%
- Hispanic: 9.7%
- Asian: 2.8%
- Pacific Islander: 0.3%
- American Indian: 0.6%
- Two or More Races: 2.6%
New Hampshire Employment Outlook for University Students
New Hampshire offers job and career opportunities to its residents and non-residents. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 760,000 residents in New Hampshire are engaged in some form of employment. Between November 2021 and April 2022, New Hampshire’s labor force unemployment rate fell from three to 2.3 percent.
New Hampshire is estimated to have 1,388,992 residents based on data acquired by the US Census Bureau, which means more than half of its population is employed. Most NH students find it easy to secure employment while in school because of the internship and job opportunities offered by their schools. Even international students can look forward to work and study opportunities.
5 In-Demand New Hampshire Jobs
There are several in-demand jobs in the state of New Hampshire, including operations manager, software developer, accountant and auditor, teacher, project manager, and business operations specialist, among others. Below we have listed the five most in-demand professions in New Hampshire.
Is a University in New Hampshire Right for You?
Yes, a university in New Hampshire is right for you if you’re looking for career-focused programs that involve lots of fieldwork. New Hampshire universities help students build valuable relationships with local recruiters and employers for career or academic advancements through internships and research programs.
However, it’s not the only choice for prospective students who wish to launch their careers sooner rather than later, preferably in the technology industry. If that’s you, then you should attend a coding bootcamp to build technical skills for today’s job market.
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Best Universities in New Hampshire FAQ
The Ivy League school in New Hampshire is Dartmouth College. It is one of the eight most prestigious colleges and universities in the US. It is known for offering rigorous and competitive academic programs. Its global research impact and academic standards are widely acclaimed, and it has become a leader in higher education.
Yes, New Hampshire has several good colleges. Some of these colleges are Keene State College, Rivier University, and Granite State College. These institutions offer high-quality education to their student body and prepare them for successful careers in their chosen field.
Yes, New Hampshire is a good place to live and study. It is one of the safest US states to live in. It also has good healthcare, economic stability, state infrastructure, quality education, and ample job opportunities.
New Hampshire universities are known to combine theoretical and experiential learning approaches. Universities and colleges in this state ensure students are engaged beyond lecturing. Students take part in research, fieldwork, internships, workshops, and other career-oriented programs.
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