University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire is consistently known to have one of the top pre-K through grade 12 school systems in the country, and it is home to the private Ivy League school, Dartmouth College. The remaining colleges and universities vary in quality and accessibility. You will find most degrees and majors available from at least one college or university in the state. All majors and degrees may not be available at all New Hampshire higher learning institutions; however, they will be available in at least a few. Dartmouth and the University of New Hampshire have a wide variety of options.
This small state is home to roughly 10 private higher learning institutions, such as New England College, Franklin Pierce University, Dartmouth College, and Colby-Sawyer College. It is also home to fewer than 10 community colleges at which many people specialize in trade skills or transition to four-year colleges and universities, and it is home to around five public, four-year colleges and universities. These public colleges and universities are typically far more expensive than most public state schools in the US, and many have relatively low graduation rates.
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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is similar to the rest of the country pertaining to the most popular degrees and the shifts of degree interests. Most public colleges and universities have a high interest in engineering, psychology, and health degrees. These degrees are representative of growth careers and growth industries projected in the state by 2026. Some of the other higher learning institutions have a higher number of students pursuing degrees in business and biological and biomedical sciences. Other popular degrees are in communications, marketing, and criminal justice.
How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in New Hampshire
Regardless of the state in which you live, degrees are important for your career advancement and your salary. While only a small percentage of the population earns a doctoral degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree can lead to well-paying positions and significant career opportunities. The difference between a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree is nearly $25,000 a year. If you choose a four-year public college or university, you can relatively easily pay back any financial aid debt in a reasonable amount of time. If you complete a master’s degree, you will earn roughly $15,000 more each year making your life even less financially stressful. Do not forget to be mindful of your student debt to earning potential ratio.
Education Level & National Average Median Compensation
NO FORMAL EDUCATION | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE | BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
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Most Popular Degrees and Careers in New Hampshire
The most popular degrees are highly reflective of employable industries throughout the state. Some of the biggest industries in New Hampshire are trade and transportation, education, health services, government, professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing. These industries are serving the state well as they experience a 2.4% unemployment rate which is significantly lower than the US average.
To maintain such a low rate, the state is working to diversify and focus on growth industries that are beneficial to the state and its residents. Growing industries are changing a bit, including healthcare, electronic components, and biomedical research and devices. New Hampshire continues to grow in tourism, and net migration remains modestly positive. This will help lead to new construction and development.
Top Biological and Biomedical Sciences Careers and Salaries
OCCUPATION | NUMBER OF JOBS | ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Natural Sciences Managers | 230 | $81,000 |
Biological Technicians | 580 | $38,500 |
Biochemist and Biophysicist | 90 | $62,200 |
Microbiologist | 150 | $54,500 |
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | 80 | $62,500 |
- Natural sciences managers supervise and direct the roles and responsibilities of biologists, chemists, and physicists.
- Biological technicians work in laboratories to assist scientists through setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment and instruments.
- Biochemists study and analyze the chemical process in living organisms and research the direct effect food and drugs have on human biological processes.
- Microbiologists study microscopic organisms that might lead to environmental damage or that cause disease, such as algae, fungi, and bacteria
- Wildlife biologists primarily study animals in their natural or unnatural habitats. They might study plants, too.
Top Business Careers and Salaries
OCCUPATION | NUMBER OF JOBS | ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Accountants and Auditors | 5,670 | $57,400 |
Human Resource Specialist | 2,520 | $51,500 |
Logisticians | 850 | $66,700 |
Food Service Managers | 1,130 | $46,700 |
Financial Managers | 3,890 | $92,600 |
- Auditors are authorized and trained to examine the accuracy and legitimacy of business records so that they are in compliance with all laws and regulations.
- Human resource specialists work to find the right fit for each position. They may work for one company, work for themselves, or work for a recruitment firm.
- Logisticians are responsible for getting the right products to the right place at the right time in the right quantities.
- Food service managers oversee the operations of food-related businesses, such as restaurants and alternative dining locations.
- Financial managers are responsible for the oversight of all financial transactions, strategies, investments, and reports for a company.
- Accountants are responsible for keeping and interpreting financial records of a company.
- Business professionals are those who are hired into an organization to help run and manage its day-to-day responsibilities.
- Business managers are employees that help manage the day to day tasks of their team.
- Entrepreneurs are visionaries that take their talents and start a business offline or online.
- Business Administration
- Economist
- Hospitality manager
- International business
- Marketing managers are business people who specialize in promoting the products and services their company offers.
- Organizational leaders
- Operations manager
- Project managers
- Supply chain managers
Top Engineering Careers and Salaries
OCCUPATION | NUMBER OF JOBS | ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Electronics Engineering | 500 | $79,000 |
Electrical Engineering | 1,890 | $76,500 |
Mechanical Engineering | 2,660 | $71,500 |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians | 770 | $56,500 |
Electrical and Electronics Drafters | 140 | $49,500 |
- Electronics engineers can specialize in a number of areas, such as control engineering, instrumentation, signal processing, and telecommunications.
- Electrical engineering is responsible for electrical components, such as microchips and power station generators.
- Mechanical engineers design devices and parts used in manufacturing.
- Electrical and electronics engineering technicians assist with the design, development, and testing of devices and equipment.
- Electronics drafters create schematics and diagrams used to install, manufacture, and repair electronic devices and components.
Top Health Professions Careers and Salaries
OCCUPATION | NUMBER OF JOBS | ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Physical Therapy Assistants | 330 | $50,400 |
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers | 40,290 | - |
Registered Nurses | 14,320 | $65,500 |
Physician Assistants | 670 | $97,900 |
Dietitians and Nutritionists | 330 | $51,300 |
- Physical therapy assistants help patients in their physical therapy and other medical issues whilst under supervision.
- Healthcare practitioners work either independently or with a group of practitioners in nearly any medical field.
- Registered nurses are one of the fastest growing and most in-demand professions in the US.
- Physician assistants help doctors diagnose and treat diseases and illnesses, relieving them from some of the more mundane but necessary tasks such as paperwork, renewing prescriptions, and others.
- Dietitians and nutritionists work with patients to help resolve health conditions with food rather than or in addition to medication.
- Healthcare administrators work with strategic planning, preparing budgets, risk management, and marketing to keep the facilities operations running smoothly.
- Healthcare managers
Top Psychology Careers and Salaries
OCCUPATION | NUMBER OF JOBS | ANNUAL SALARY |
---|---|---|
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors | 1,790 | $40,000 |
Marriage and Family Therapists | 40 | $58,100 |
Psychiatrists | 60 | $212,900 |
Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists | 490 | $56,000 |
Psychiatric Aides | 370 | $24,000 |
- Substance abuse counselors work with addicts and those with addiction tendencies to overcome their substance abuse dependencies.
- Marriage and family therapists are considered mental health professionals who assist marriages and families through the practice of psychotherapy.
- Psychiatrists have a doctoral degree and help people with physical and mental health issues.
- Clinical psychologists treat psychological issues, including behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders.
- Psychiatric aides help patients who are emotionally and mentally impaired and are supervised by nursing and medical professionals.
- Counselors
- Mental Health Counselors
- Psychologists
- School Counselors
Additional Careers in New Hampshire
- Computer science professionals
- Criminal justice professionals
- Cybersecurity analysts
- Child counselor
- Corrections and case manager
- Database administrators
- Education
- Forensic psychology
- Forensic scientist
- Homeland security and crisis management
- Preschool teachers
- Public administrator
- Software engineer
- Web developer
- Public administrator
The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in New Hampshire
The primary New Hampshire industries are unlikely to change too much over the next five to ten years. The tourism industry continues to grow as more people are looking for new winter holiday destinations. Biotechnology and medical research continue to be an important growth industry. The same is true of smart manufacturing and high technology, also known as advanced manufacturing, for producing sophisticated electronic components. And healthcare and hospitality continue to employ a large percentage of residents. Below are the projected fastest growing careers in New Hampshire through 2026.
Growth Occupation | Projected growth |
---|---|
Physical Therapist Assistants | 24.6% |
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | 22.4% |
Web Developers | 14.9% |
Dental Hygienists | 14.7% |
Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 13.8% |
Registered Nurses | 13.8% |
Preschool Teachers | 9.6% |
Electronic and Electrical Engineering Technicians | 6.3% |
Top 5 Best Associate Degree Programs in New Hampshire
White Mountains Community College
Score: 86.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,050
- Out-of-State: $15,300
- Net Price: $14,426
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 523
- Undergrad Students: 523
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,600
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
Nashua Community College
Score: 80.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,140
- Out-of-State: $15,390
- Net Price: $11,840
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 1,245
- Undergrad Students: 1,245
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,800
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Manchester Community College-New Hampshire
Score: 75.18
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,090
- Out-of-State: $15,340
- Net Price: $13,779
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 1,976
- Undergrad Students: 1,976
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,300
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
NHTI-Concord's Community College
Score: 72.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,200
- Out-of-State: $15,450
- Net Price: $16,936
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 52%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 2,619
- Undergrad Students: 2,619
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $42,800
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
River Valley Community College
Score: 71.22
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,940
- Out-of-State: $15,190
- Net Price: $19,431
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 50%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 658
- Undergrad Students: 658
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,800
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Top 10 Best Bachelor's Programs in New Hampshire
Dartmouth College
Score: 95.25
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,739
- Out-of-State: $65,739
- Net Price: $19,208
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 6,744
- Undergrad Students: 4,458
- Graduate Students: 2,286
- Grads Salary: $96,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
University of New Hampshire
Score: 70.9
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,112
- Out-of-State: $38,882
- Net Price: $24,507
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 13,953
- Undergrad Students: 11,512
- Graduate Students: 2,441
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Saint Anselm College
Score: 70.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $46,810
- Out-of-State: $46,810
- Net Price: $35,080
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 1,977
- Undergrad Students: 1,959
- Graduate Students: 18
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Rivier University
Score: 67.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,791
- Out-of-State: $37,791
- Net Price: $28,983
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 2,551
- Undergrad Students: 1,340
- Graduate Students: 1,211
- Grads Salary: $90,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of New Hampshire at Manchester
Score: 67.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,820
- Out-of-State: $35,530
- Net Price: $18,923
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 534
- Undergrad Students: 524
- Graduate Students: 10
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
Colby-Sawyer College
Score: 64.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,400
- Out-of-State: $18,400
- Net Price: $28,202
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 943
- Undergrad Students: 867
- Graduate Students: 76
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Keene State College
Score: 64.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,710
- Out-of-State: $26,186
- Net Price: $19,546
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 2,872
- Undergrad Students: 2,737
- Graduate Students: 135
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Franklin Pierce University
Score: 60.9
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $44,963
- Out-of-State: $44,963
- Net Price: $28,434
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 1,663
- Undergrad Students: 1,118
- Graduate Students: 545
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Plymouth State University
Score: 60.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,558
- Out-of-State: $25,498
- Net Price: $20,321
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 3,872
- Undergrad Students: 3,308
- Graduate Students: 564
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
UNH College of Professional Studies
Score: 57.78
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,812
- Out-of-State: $9,372
- Net Price: $11,850
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 15%
- Total Enrollment: 1,425
- Undergrad Students: 1,195
- Graduate Students: 230
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Top 10 Best Master's Programs in New Hampshire
Dartmouth College
Score: 94.53
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $63,684
- Out-of-State: $63,684
- Net Price: $19,208
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 6,744
- Undergrad Students: 4,458
- Graduate Students: 2,286
- Grads Salary: $96,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
University of New Hampshire
Score: 69.67
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,170
- Out-of-State: $27,810
- Net Price: $24,507
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 13,953
- Undergrad Students: 11,512
- Graduate Students: 2,441
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Rivier University
Score: 65.98
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,546
- Out-of-State: $12,546
- Net Price: $28,983
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Total Enrollment: 2,551
- Undergrad Students: 1,340
- Graduate Students: 1,211
- Grads Salary: $90,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Keene State College
Score: 63.45
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,990
- Out-of-State: $11,556
- Net Price: $19,546
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 2,872
- Undergrad Students: 2,737
- Graduate Students: 135
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Colby-Sawyer College
Score: 62.61
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,830
- Out-of-State: $13,830
- Net Price: $28,202
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 943
- Undergrad Students: 867
- Graduate Students: 76
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Plymouth State University
Score: 60.01
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,090
- Out-of-State: $23,690
- Net Price: $20,321
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 3,872
- Undergrad Students: 3,308
- Graduate Students: 564
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Franklin Pierce University
Score: 59.29
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,549
- Out-of-State: $39,549
- Net Price: $28,434
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 1,663
- Undergrad Students: 1,118
- Graduate Students: 545
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
UNH College of Professional Studies
Score: 57.78
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,044
- Out-of-State: $10,962
- Net Price: $11,850
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 15%
- Total Enrollment: 1,425
- Undergrad Students: 1,195
- Graduate Students: 230
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
New England College
Score: 52.1
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,376
- Out-of-State: $14,376
- Net Price: $29,512
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 2,852
- Undergrad Students: 1,043
- Graduate Students: 1,809
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
Southern New Hampshire University
Score: 46.5
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,467
- Out-of-State: $19,467
- Net Price: $32,043
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 164,091
- Undergrad Students: 140,865
- Graduate Students: 23,226
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Cost of New Hampshire College Education & Salaries
New Hampshire is an expensive state in which to receive a higher education. Even the four-year public schools cost roughly the same as out-of-state tuition in many states. If you do choose a college or university in New Hampshire and you must take out financial aid, it is important that you understand the amount of debt with which you will graduate.
The majority of college and university students in the US require financial aid to some extent. It is imperative that you consider the amount of money you might earn throughout your career to be able to pay back your debt. If you plan to be an elementary school teacher and pay over $30,000 a year for your tuition, you are not going to have much money to use as disposable income and you might struggle financially.
In-state tuition is often far less expensive than out-of-state tuition for public colleges and universities. Keep in mind that in-state tuition in New Hampshire is far more expensive than most other states; however, out-of-state tuition is less than the national average. Remember that private colleges and universities charge the same for in-state and out-of-state tuition. Housing might be more expensive on campus or off campus. Each town or city will be different. You should also try to cook for yourself whenever possible, as it’s less expensive and better for your health.
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College Cost Analysis - New Hampshire vs. National
Average New Hampshire Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public School
In-State Tuition - $16,329
National Average – $9,580
Out-of-State – $33,364
National Average – $27,437
Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid
New Hampshire is the state with the 6th highest rate of financial aid recipients. Given that even the public schools are often twice as much as four-year public schools in most states, this is quite logical. Roughly 72% of all applicants are approved for some sort of financial aid.
Financial Aid | New Hampshire | Nationally |
---|---|---|
Received Federal Grants | 29% | 37.7% |
Average $ per Recipient | $11,259 | $10,927 |
* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private non-profit schools only.
Scholarships for New Hampshire College Students
SOVP
Scholarships for Orphans of Veterans Program
https://www.education.nh.gov/news/7-nh-students-earn-college-board-scholarships
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: Varies
The Scholarships for Orphans of Veterans Program is dedicated to the children of veterans who died in a war. This could be nearly any war; however, the veteran must have been a resident of New Hampshire at the time of their death. These children are also eligible for free tuition to colleges, universities, and community colleges as long as they are a resident of New Hampshire. This scholarship will be awarded to two individuals, and it is to be used toward books, supplies, rent, and similar expenditures.
RFS
Roothbert Fund Scholarship
https://www.roothbertfund.org/scholarships
Amount: $2,000-$3,000
Deadline: February 1
The Roothbert Fund Scholarship is dedicated to men and women who are planning to earn a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. Applicants must be from one of many Northeastern states, such as New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and others. To be eligible, applicants must enroll in an accredited college or university. Twenty scholarships are available to applicants who are motivated by spiritual values and individuals who demonstrate the ability to create fellowship amongst peers.
SNHU
SNHU Honors Scholarship
https://www.snhu.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/grants-and-scholarships
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 15
The SNHU Honors Scholarship is dedicated to high school seniors who are accepted into the honors program at Southern New Hampshire University. Applicants must have at least a 3.2 GPA and 1100 SAT score to be considered for this scholarship. Fifteen scholarships are available, and this is a renewable scholarship as long as recipients remain a part of the Bradley Three Year Honors Program or the University Honors Program.
FCFS
Fisher Cats Foundation Scholarship
https://www.milb.com/new-hampshire/community/scholar-athlete-scholarships
Amount: $2,500 (10 Awards)
Deadline: May 1
The Fisher Cats Foundation Scholarship offers 12 scholarships each year. Two will be dedicated to students from Massachusetts and 10 of the scholarships will be awarded to students from New Hampshire. All applicants must be graduating seniors with the intention to attend a local technical school or community college. Each applicant will be judged based on citizenship, athletic accomplishments, and academic performance.
DACMS
David A. Copestakes Memorial Scholarship
https://www.nhti.edu/tuition/scholarship-grants/
Amount: $750 (2 Awards)
Deadline: August 22
The David A. Copestakes Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to New Hampshire residents who plan to attend a New Hampshire community college. The community college must be a part of the Community Colleges of New Hampshire Foundation. Two scholarships will be awarded each year and the recipients must major in biotechnology or electronic engineering.