Best Colleges in New Hampshire for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

New Hampshire College Guide – What You Need to Know

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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
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment
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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.

Best New Hampshire Schools for Biological and Biomedical Sciences

  • Dartmouth
  • University of New Hampshire, Durham
  • University of New Hampshire, Manchester

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.
  • Marketing managers are business people who specialize in promoting the products and services their company offers.

Best New Hampshire Schools for Business

  • University of New Hampshire, Durham
  • Keene State College
  • Plymouth State University

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.

Best New Hampshire Schools for Engineering

  • Dartmouth College
  • University of New Hampshire, Durham
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • Saint Anselm College

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.

Best New Hampshire Schools for Health Professions

  • Keene State College
  • University of New Hampshire, Durham
  • Plymouth State University

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
  • Psychologists

Best New Hampshire Schools for Psychology

  • Granite State College
  • Keene State College
  • Plymouth State University

Additional Careers in New Hampshire

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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%

Best Associate Degrees in New Hampshire

Best Associate Degrees in New Hampshire
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A two-year degree is a great place to start for someone who isn’t sure of their career path. While a person is getting an associate degree, they have the chance to explore different areas of study in the hopes of finding the right degree for them. And often at a fraction of the cost of pursuing a four-year degree. Whether you know your path or you’re still searching, you can get an associate degree from some of the best colleges in the state.

White Mountains Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
649		 Graduation Rate
50%		 Net Price
$14,245 		Grads Salary
$37,100
Nashua Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,516		 Graduation Rate
34%		 Net Price
$13,444 		Grads Salary
$38,700
Manchester Community College-New Hampshire
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
2,565		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
$13,594 		Grads Salary
$39,300
Great Bay Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,565		 Graduation Rate
30%		 Net Price
$13,998 		Grads Salary
$42,000
Lakes Region Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
697		 Graduation Rate
38%		 Net Price
$16,741 		Grads Salary
$44,200
NHTI-Concord's Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,256		 Graduation Rate
30%		 Net Price
$18,171 		Grads Salary
$39,700
River Valley Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
694		 Graduation Rate
37%		 Net Price
$19,065 		Grads Salary
$38,800

Best Bachelor's Degrees in New Hampshire

Best Bachelor's Degrees in New Hampshire
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Getting a bachelor’s degree and starting a rewarding career is a dream many share. Whether a person wants to work in healthcare, business, or another area, there are degrees and programs that will help them achieve that goal. If you are ready to start a four-year degree program, attending a school in New Hampshire is a great place to start.

Dartmouth College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
6,292		 Graduation Rate
95%		 Net Price
$24,525 		Grads Salary
$89,100
University of New Hampshire
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
14,788		 Graduation Rate
76%		 Net Price
$24,847 		Grads Salary
$72,800
Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
80		 Graduation Rate
76%		 Net Price
$17,042 		Grads Salary
$62,800
Saint Anselm College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,019		 Graduation Rate
84%		 Net Price
$33,292 		Grads Salary
$74,200
Rivier University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,332		 Graduation Rate
56%		 Net Price
$27,304 		Grads Salary
$82,000
University of New Hampshire at Manchester
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
717		 Graduation Rate
58%		 Net Price
$15,634 		Grads Salary
$63,600
Plymouth State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,648		 Graduation Rate
58%		 Net Price
$20,631 		Grads Salary
$64,200
Keene State College
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,502		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$20,038 		Grads Salary
$61,200
Franklin Pierce University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,928		 Graduation Rate
51%		 Net Price
$27,121 		Grads Salary
$72,500
Colby-Sawyer College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
855		 Graduation Rate
65%		 Net Price
$27,625 		Grads Salary
$63,600
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Best Master's Degrees in New Hampshire

Best Master's Degrees in New Hampshire
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Pursuing a master’s or doctorate degree is a big step. It requires dedication and a lot of work. But for many, the end result is worth the work and expense. If you want to position yourself as an expert in your field or you want to pursue teaching at the collegiate level, getting an advanced degree like a masters, doctorate or an MBA in New Hampshire is a good idea. New Hampshire has several schools that can help you attain your goals.

Dartmouth College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
6,292		 Graduation Rate
95%		 Net Price
$24,525 		Grads Salary
$89,100
University of New Hampshire
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
14,788		 Graduation Rate
76%		 Net Price
$24,847 		Grads Salary
$72,800
Rivier University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,332		 Graduation Rate
56%		 Net Price
$27,304 		Grads Salary
$82,000
Plymouth State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,648		 Graduation Rate
58%		 Net Price
$20,631 		Grads Salary
$64,200
Keene State College
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,502		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$20,038 		Grads Salary
$61,200
Franklin Pierce University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,928		 Graduation Rate
51%		 Net Price
$27,121 		Grads Salary
$72,500
Colby-Sawyer College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
855		 Graduation Rate
65%		 Net Price
$27,625 		Grads Salary
$63,600
Granite State College
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
1,879		 Graduation Rate
15%		 Net Price
$13,051 		Grads Salary
$66,700
New England College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,483		 Graduation Rate
21%		 Net Price
$32,024 		Grads Salary
$62,700
Southern New Hampshire University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
134,345		 Graduation Rate
37%		 Net Price
$41,217 		Grads Salary
$63,000
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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.

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.

Best Scholarships for New Hampshire

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_logo

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_logo

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_logo

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_logo

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.

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