Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2023

Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in New Hampshire. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in New Hampshire

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  1. Dartmouth College
    2. 67%
  2. University of New Hampshire
    3. 46%
  3. Southern New Hampshire University
    4. 35%
  4. Saint Anselm College
    5. 31%
  5. New England College
    6. 28%
  6. Franklin Pierce University
    7. 27%
  7. Keene State College
    8. 27%
  8. Plymouth State University
    9. 26%
  9. University of New Hampshire at Manchester
    10. 24%
  10. Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
    11. 22%
  1. New England College
    2. 100%
  2. Colby–Sawyer College
    3. 93%
  3. Southern New Hampshire University
    4. 92%
  4. Plymouth State University
    5. 92%
  5. Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
    6. 90%
  6. Franklin Pierce University
    7. 89%
  7. Keene State College
    8. 88%
  8. University of New Hampshire
    9. 87%
  9. Rivier University
    10. 84%
  10. University of New Hampshire at Manchester
    11. 83%
  1. Southern New Hampshire University
    2. 21 to 1
  2. Granite State College
    3. 20 to 1
  3. Plymouth State University
    4. 17 to 1
  4. University of New Hampshire
    5. 16 to 1
  5. Rivier University
    6. 15 to 1
  6. New England College
    7. 13 to 1
  7. Keene State College
    8. 13 to 1
  8. Franklin Pierce University
    9. 12 to 1
  9. Colby–Sawyer College
    10. 12 to 1
  10. Saint Anselm College
    11. 11 to 1
  1. Dartmouth College
    2. $60,870
  2. Colby–Sawyer College
    3. $46,254
  3. Saint Anselm College
    4. $43,910
  4. Franklin Pierce University
    5. $42,100
  5. New England College
    6. $40,642
  6. Rivier University
    7. $35,512
  7. Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
    8. $25,200
  8. University of New Hampshire
    9. $15,520
  9. Southern New Hampshire University
    10. $15,380
  10. University of New Hampshire at Manchester
    11. $15,150
  1. Dartmouth College
    2. $58,953
  2. Franklin Pierce University
    3. $36,150
  3. Saint Anselm College
    4. $25,000
  4. Southern New Hampshire University
    5. $18,900
  5. New England College
    6. $14,568
  6. University of New Hampshire at Manchester
    7. $14,170
  7. University of New Hampshire
    8. $14,170
  8. Rivier University
    9. $11,880
  9. Plymouth State University
    10. $11,160
  10. Keene State College
    11. $9,756
  1. Colby–Sawyer College
    2. 17%
  2. Granite State College
    3. 20%
  3. Rivier University
    4. 21%
  4. Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
    5. 22%
  5. University of New Hampshire at Manchester
    6. 24%
  6. Plymouth State University
    7. 26%
  7. Keene State College
    8. 27%
  8. Franklin Pierce University
    9. 27%
  9. New England College
    10. 28%
  10. Saint Anselm College
    11. 31%
  1. Dartmouth College
    2. 6%
  2. Saint Anselm College
    3. 78%
  3. University of New Hampshire at Manchester
    4. 83%
  4. Rivier University
    5. 84%
  5. University of New Hampshire
    6. 87%
  6. Keene State College
    7. 88%
  7. Franklin Pierce University
    8. 89%
  8. Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
    9. 90%
  9. Plymouth State University
    10. 92%
  10. Southern New Hampshire University
    11. 92%
  1. Dartmouth College
    2. 7 to 1
  2. Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
    3. 8 to 1
  3. University of New Hampshire at Manchester
    4. 10 to 1
  4. Saint Anselm College
    5. 11 to 1
  5. Franklin Pierce University
    6. 12 to 1
  6. Colby–Sawyer College
    7. 12 to 1
  7. New England College
    8. 13 to 1
  8. Keene State College
    9. 13 to 1
  9. Rivier University
    10. 15 to 1
  10. University of New Hampshire
    11. 16 to 1
  1. Granite State College
    2. $7,536
  2. Keene State College
    3. $11,754
  3. Plymouth State University
    4. $11,870
  4. University of New Hampshire at Manchester
    5. $15,150
  5. Southern New Hampshire University
    6. $15,380
  6. University of New Hampshire
    7. $15,520
  7. Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
    8. $25,200
  8. Rivier University
    9. $35,512
  9. New England College
    10. $40,642
  10. Franklin Pierce University
    11. $42,100
  1. Colby–Sawyer College
    2. $7,200
  2. Granite State College
    3. $9,684
  3. Keene State College
    4. $9,756
  4. Plymouth State University
    5. $11,160
  5. Rivier University
    6. $11,880
  6. University of New Hampshire at Manchester
    7. $14,170
  7. University of New Hampshire
    8. $14,170
  8. New England College
    9. $14,568
  9. Southern New Hampshire University
    10. $18,900
  10. Saint Anselm College
    11. $25,000

Colleges and Universities in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is also home to 21 public and private higher learning institutions, including the Ivy League school Dartmouth. Dartmouth has a 97% graduation rate, a student population of about 6,000, and a tuition rate of $55,000. Students can major in fields like English, creative writing, engineering, physics, and neuroscience. Dinesh D’Souza, Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers), and Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) are all noteworthy alumni of this school. The largest public institution, the University of New Hampshire, has its main campus in Durham.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

With a student body of almost 16,000, and a tuition rate of $18,000, UNH offers degrees in areas such as economics, biology, and social work. Those looking to earn an associate degree in fields such as early childhood education, cybersecurity networking, or aviation technology can choose from five community colleges that have tuition rates of $8,000. New Hampshire also offers three religiously affiliated colleges, ranging from $22,000 to $41,000 in tuition. Southern New Hampshire University is one of the fastest-growing universities in the United States. With its open enrollment policy, over 138,000 students attend classes both online and in person.

If maple sundaes and cider donuts sound appetizing to you, New Hampshire may be a great destination for your higher education. Take the Mount Washington Cog Railway for a scenic ride up to the 6,288-foot summit, or check out Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth, the state’s first settlement.

Whether you’re looking to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, New Hampshire has a variety of institutions to choose from. Check out the program that best fits you.


What are New Hampshire’s Colleges & Universities?

New Hampshire’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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We’ve identified 13 colleges and universities in New Hampshire that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in New Hampshire below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in New Hampshire.

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Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2022

  1. #1

    Dartmouth College

    Hanover , NH
    #19 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #21 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2023 #22 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #23 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    What is Dartmouth College known for?

    Dartmouth College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  3. #3

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    102K

    What is Southern New Hampshire University known for?

    Southern New Hampshire University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Southern New Hampshire University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Digital Photography
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fashion Merchandising And Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Game Art And Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    Degree Concentrations
    • Forensic Accounting And Fraud Examination
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Human Resources Management
    • International Business
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Nonprofit Management
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Sports Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Healthcare Administration
    • Industrial Organizational Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Data Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    Degree Concentrations
    • Financial Planning
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Digital Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Operations Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Logistics And Transportation
    • Project Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technical Management Ii
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • Data Validation And Decision Making
    • Networking And Security
    • Project Management
    • Project Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Data Analysis
    • Information Security
    • Project Management
    • Software Engineering
    • Project Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Game Programming And Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technologies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Management For It
    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Analytics
    • Project Management For It
    • Software Development
    • Business Management For It
    • Project Management For It
    • Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Technologies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Corrections
    • Criminology
    • Homeland Security And Counterterrorism
    • Human Services And Advocacy
    • Police Administration And Operations
    • Substance Abuse
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    Degree Concentrations
    • New Media
    • Professional Writing
    • Business Communication
    • Public Relations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Creative Writing And English
    Degree Concentrations
    • Fiction
    • Non-Fiction
    • Poetry
    • Screenwriting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English Language And Literature
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    Degree Concentrations
    • American History
    • European History
    • Middle Eastern Studies
    • Military History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Services
    Degree Concentrations
    • Child And Family Services
    • Gerontology
    • Substance Abuse
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Community Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Community Health Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health Information Management
    • Patient Safety And Quality
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Addictions
    • Applied Psychology
    • Child And Adolescent Development
    • Mental Health
    • Social Psychology
    • Forensic Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Geosciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #6

    New England College

    Henniker , NH
    #3 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #4 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    21%

    Student body

    4K

    What is New England College known for?

    New England College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    New England College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Computer Information Systems
    • Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Homeland Security And Emergency Preparedness
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Humanities
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in International Relations And Diplomacy
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Sciences
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #8

    Franklin Pierce University

    Rindge , NH
    #5 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #5 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Franklin Pierce University known for?

    Franklin Pierce University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Franklin Pierce University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting-Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sports And Recreation Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Integrated Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Custom
    • General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Integrated Studies- Social Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Medical Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Emergency Medical Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #11

    Granite State College

    Concord , NH
    #11 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2023 #5 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #8 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    1K

    What is Granite State College known for?

    Granite State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Granite State College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Digital Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting And Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Studies- Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fire Service Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Teacher Certification
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English Language Arts Teacher Certification
    Degree Concentrations
    • Early Childhood Education And Early Childhood Special Education
    • Elementary Education And General Special Ed
    • General Special Ed
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Math Studies Teacher Certification
    Degree Concentrations
    • Elementary Ed And General Special Ed
    • General Special Ed
    • Mathematics Middle Level
    • Mathematics Middle Level And General Special Ed
    • Mathematics Upper Level
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Studies Teacher Certification
    Degree Concentrations
    • Elementary Education And General Special Ed
    • General Special Ed
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Studies- Education And Training
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English Language Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Individualized Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Individualized Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Service Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health And Wellness
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Allied Health Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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New Hampshire’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Dartmouth College
  2. Saint Anselm College
  3. University of New Hampshire at Manchester
  4. University of New Hampshire
  5. Colby–Sawyer College
  6. Rivier University
  7. Keene State College
  8. Plymouth State University
  9. Southern New Hampshire University
  10. Thomas More College of Liberal Arts

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