Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2025

Badge for BEST IN NEW HAMPSHIRE GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • New Hampshire’s top graduate schools provide cutting-edge research opportunities in various fields, including medicine, engineering, and the sciences. These schools emphasize interdisciplinary research and often offer state-of-the-art facilities, giving students the chance to work on innovative projects that can make a significant impact.
  • Many graduate programs in New Hampshire are known for their small class sizes and strong faculty mentorship. This close student-faculty interaction fosters personalized learning experiences and helps students develop their academic and professional skills.
  • New Hampshire’s graduate schools, particularly those offering online and hybrid programs, provide flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals and part-time students. This flexibility ensures that students can balance their studies with other life responsibilities while still receiving a high-quality education.

Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire in 2025

  1. Dartmouth College
  2. University of New Hampshire
  3. Southern New Hampshire University
  4. Plymouth State University
  5. Antioch University New England
  6. Rivier University

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

There are no changes to our ranking of the best graduate schools in New Hampshire for 2025. This was a result of all the schools in the ranking making similar improvements to their curriculum, internship opportunities, and other program features.

Colleges and Universities in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is also home to 6 public and private grad schools, including the Ivy League school Dartmouth. Dartmouth has a 97% graduation rate, a student population of about 6,000, and a tuition rate of $63,000. Students can major in fields like English, creative writing, engineering, physics, and neuroscience.

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With a student body of almost 16,000, and a tuition rate of $19,000, UNH offers degrees in areas such as economics, biology, and social work. 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.


What are New Hampshire’s Colleges & Universities?

New Hampshire’s Best Overall


There are 6 doctorate-granting graduate schools in New Hampshire. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the New Hampshire is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire

  1. #1

    Dartmouth College

    Hanover , NH
    #18 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #20 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #21 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #24 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Dartmouth College

    Cost of Degree: $65,511
    Expenses: $22,054
    Starting Salary: $110,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Dartmouth College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Dartmouth College emphasizes its liberal arts education. They take part in advanced research and innovation initiatives that address current and modern world challenges. You can choose from their numerous list of graduate academic programs.

    What we love about Dartmouth College:

    Dartmouth College aims to produce graduates who will be proactive leaders in different industries. You will flourish and will have plenty of opportunities to work alongside experienced professors during research and projects.

    Dartmouth College is ideal for students who:

    Want to participate in research initiatives.

    Dartmouth College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Might find the tuition fee to be higher than average.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of New Hampshire

    Durham , NH
    #1 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of New Hampshire

    Cost of Degree: $19,112
    Expenses: $16,964
    Starting Salary: $57,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of New Hampshire known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of New Hampshire is composed of several colleges and schools that offer several graduate programs to help you advance your career. Aside from their scenic campus, you’d get access to academic excellence and cutting-edge facilities.

    What we love about the University of New Hampshire:

    The University of New Hampshire easily stands out from other universities in the region because of its commitment to research that focuses on the greater good.

    The University of New Hampshire is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend a top-tier public research university.

    The University of New Hampshire might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to attend a smaller school.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #11 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $16,450
    Expenses: $24,000
    Starting Salary: $50,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern New Hampshire University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Known for its online education, Southern New Hampshire University offers more than 100 diverse graduate programs if you’re looking to level up skills or shift to different careers. They offer lower tuition fees than most schools, making graduate education more accessible.

    What we love about Southern New Hampshire University:

    Professors bring forth real-world experiences and valuable strategies to the classroom.

    Southern New Hampshire University is ideal for students who:

    Want to enroll in a flexible online program.

    Southern New Hampshire University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Might find the tuition fee to be higher than average.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Plymouth State University

    Plymouth , NH
    #3 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Plymouth State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,558
    Expenses: $16,296
    Starting Salary: $45,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Plymouth State University known for?

    Plymouth State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Study at Plymouth State University and start making connections with their hands-on professors and supportive students. They offer numerous areas of study in graduate education, ranging from arts and communication to interdisciplinary studies and social science.

    What we love about Plymouth State University:

    The Graduate Admissions Team at Plymouth State University is very approachable and supportive to students every step of the way. You will have opportunities to collaborate with mentors and staff.

    Plymouth State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to attend an interactive community of learners.

    Plymouth State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a bigger college.

    Compare school
    6. college students meeting together in the college library
  6. #5

    Antioch University New England

    Keene , NH
    #6 Best Online MBA Programs in New Hampshire #7 Best Online Master's Programs in New Hampshire 2025 #17 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2025

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Antioch University New England

    Starting Salary: $41,800
    What is Antioch University New England known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Become a part of a community of creative thinkers and innovators when you enroll at Antioch University New England. Their culture and values are rooted in environmental, social, and economic efforts to make the state and nation better and more progressive.

    What we love about Antioch University New England:

    You can maximize their academic advising as they support you in completing all your graduate coursework. They also accept life-experience credits.

    Antioch University New England is ideal for students who:

    Seek a college with plenty of student services and resources.

    Antioch University New England might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a school with more formal research opportunities.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Rivier University

    Nashua , NH
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rivier University

    Cost of Degree: $37,791
    Expenses: $18,715
    Starting Salary: $49,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rivier University known for?

    Rivier University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    All of the graduate programs at Rivier University are geared towards economic and social efforts for the region. You can build on your professional network as soon as you join this community of proactive contributors.

    What we love about Rivier University:

    You’ll have the privilege to work alongside industry experts as they are your professors. As soon as you graduate, you can expect to have gained actual and real-world career experience.

    Rivier University is ideal for students who:

    Want holistic education.

    Rivier University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a bigger school.

    Compare school
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New Hampshire’s Best Grad School for 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

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2023 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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. University of New Hampshire
  3. Southern New Hampshire University
  4. Rivier University
  5. Plymouth State University
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