Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
Small colleges in New Hampshire are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
10 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
- Saint Anselm College
- Keene State College
- New England College
- Plymouth State University
- Franklin Pierce University
- Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester
- Granite State College
- Rivier University
- Colby–Sawyer College
- Saint Anselm College
- New England College
- Plymouth State University
- Keene State College
- Franklin Pierce University
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester
- Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
- Rivier University
- Granite State College
- Colby–Sawyer College
- New England College 100%
- Plymouth State University 98%
- Franklin Pierce University 93%
- Keene State College 90%
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester 85%
- Rivier University 84%
- Saint Anselm College 82%
- Colby–Sawyer College 78%
- Plymouth State University 17 to 1
- Keene State College 15 to 1
- Rivier University 15 to 1
- Granite State College 14 to 1
- Franklin Pierce University 12 to 1
- Saint Anselm College 11 to 1
- Colby–Sawyer College 10 to 1
- Thomas More College of Liberal Arts 9 to 1
- New England College 7 to 1
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester 7 to 1
- Colby–Sawyer College $47,164
- Saint Anselm College $45,340
- Franklin Pierce University $43,155
- New England College $41,518
- Rivier University $36,610
- Thomas More College of Liberal Arts $28,000
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester $15,150
- Plymouth State University $11,870
- Keene State College $11,754
- Granite State College $7,536
- Franklin Pierce University $37,200
- Saint Anselm College $25,000
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester $14,170
- Colby–Sawyer College $13,800
- New England College $13,678
- Plymouth State University $12,109
- Rivier University $11,080
- Granite State College $9,810
- Keene State College $9,756
- Colby–Sawyer College
- Rivier University
- Granite State College
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester
- Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
- Franklin Pierce University
- Plymouth State University
- New England College
- Keene State College
- Saint Anselm College
- Colby–Sawyer College
- Granite State College
- Rivier University
- Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester
- Franklin Pierce University
- Keene State College
- Plymouth State University
- New England College
- Saint Anselm College
- Colby–Sawyer College 78%
- Saint Anselm College 82%
- Rivier University 84%
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester 85%
- Keene State College 90%
- Franklin Pierce University 93%
- Plymouth State University 98%
- New England College 100%
- New England College 7 to 1
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester 7 to 1
- Thomas More College of Liberal Arts 9 to 1
- Colby–Sawyer College 10 to 1
- Saint Anselm College 11 to 1
- Franklin Pierce University 12 to 1
- Granite State College 14 to 1
- Keene State College 15 to 1
- Rivier University 15 to 1
- Plymouth State University 17 to 1
- Granite State College $7,536
- Keene State College $11,754
- Plymouth State University $11,870
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester $15,150
- Thomas More College of Liberal Arts $28,000
- Rivier University $36,610
- New England College $41,518
- Franklin Pierce University $43,155
- Saint Anselm College $45,340
- Colby–Sawyer College $47,164
- Keene State College $9,756
- Granite State College $9,810
- Rivier University $11,080
- Plymouth State University $12,109
- New England College $13,678
- Colby–Sawyer College $13,800
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester $14,170
- Saint Anselm College $25,000
- Franklin Pierce University $37,200
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?
- 2 Research Universities
- 11 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 6 Graduate Schools
- 5 Public Colleges & Universities
- 8 Private Colleges & Universities
- 3 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 10 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 6 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 5 Community Colleges
- 4 Online Colleges
New Hampshire’s Best Overall
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in New Hampshire is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 10 small colleges in New Hampshire. The list below of the best small colleges in New Hampshire. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2023
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
85%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1205/28
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Anselm College
Cost of Degree: $45,340Expenses: $20,280Starting Salary: $63,200Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Anselm College known for?
Saint Anselm College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Earth Sciences
- Law
- Sociology
- Economics
- Nursing
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #7 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
59%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Keene State College
Cost of Degree: $14,638Expenses: $16,034Starting Salary: $45,800Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Keene State College known for?
Keene State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Communications
- Anthropology
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Education
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #5 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Hampshire 2025
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in New Hampshire
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in New Hampshire
- #3 Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
- #3 Best Online Associate in Sociology
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in New Hampshire 2025
- #7 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
- #8 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #10 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
- #13 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #13 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #13 Best Online Associate in Psychology
- #15 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management
- #15 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #17 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
- #20 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #21 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #22 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #23 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #23 Best Online Associate in Human Services
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
31%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at New England College
Cost of Degree: $27,054Expenses: $19,802Starting Salary: $44,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is New England College known for?
New England College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Education
- Business
- Economics
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Political Science
- History
- Psychology
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
- #3 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2024 #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: $14,492Expenses: $15,720Starting Salary: $45,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Plymouth State University known for?
Plymouth State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Medical
- Literature
- Political Science
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #8 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #1 Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Hampshire 2025
- #5 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in New Hampshire
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in New Hampshire 2025
- #11 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #17 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #20 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #23 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #23 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
52%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/20
Career Outlook for degree at Franklin Pierce University
Cost of Degree: $43,155Expenses: $18,800Starting Salary: $45,000Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Franklin Pierce University known for?
Franklin Pierce University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Communications
- Literature
- Medical
- Business
- History
- Computer Science
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
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$28K
Graduation
70%
Student body
<1K
What is Thomas More College of Liberal Arts known for?
- #4 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #9 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
63%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of New Hampshire at Manchester
Cost of Degree: $15,804Expenses: $20,468Starting Salary: $57,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of New Hampshire at Manchester known for?
University of New Hampshire at Manchester’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #11 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Hampshire 2025
- #4 Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
- #5 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship
- #6 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management
- #6 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #7 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #8 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #8 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #10 Best Online Master's Programs in New Hampshire 2025
- #11 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #14 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #19 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management
- #23 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
15%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Granite State College
Cost of Degree: $7,806Starting Salary: $39,300What 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
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #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: $36,610Expenses: $17,892Starting Salary: $49,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Rivier University known for?
Rivier University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
60%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Colby–Sawyer College
Cost of Degree: $47,164Expenses: $19,368Starting Salary: $47,700Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colby–Sawyer College known for?
Colby–Sawyer College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
New Hampshire’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest
2021 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.
Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in West Virginia and Iowa.