Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2026

Badge for BEST IN NEW HAMPSHIRE SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

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.

Key Takeaways

  • The best small colleges in New Hampshire provide a close-knit academic environment with small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention from professors and meaningful interactions among peers.
  • The colleges in our ranking emphasize a well-rounded liberal arts education, often integrating experiential learning opportunities such as internships, research projects, and community engagement that appeal to students seeking practical experience alongside their studies.
  • Nestled in picturesque New England settings, the best small colleges in New Hampshire offer beautiful campuses and access to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and kayaking, attracting students who enjoy a balanced college experience with both academic and recreational opportunities.

10 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire in 2026

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

Prospective students and families searching for the best small colleges in New Hampshire want a clear, comparable view of close-knit campuses that still offer academic depth. This guide highlights 10 accredited four‑year institutions in the state with enrollments under 5,000, focusing on factors that matter most to applicants: program strength, faculty access, experiential learning, campus culture, affordability, and geographic setting. For a concise roster, see our list of 10 small colleges in New Hampshire.

Below we summarize what distinguishes each school and how to weigh tradeoffs—academic fit versus social life, rural versus urban access, and the return you can expect on tuition—so you can quickly narrow your choices and plan next steps.

Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire

  1. #1

    Saint Anselm College

    Manchester , NH
    #1 Best Christian Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #3 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1194/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Anselm College

    Cost of Degree: $46,810
    Expenses: $21,080
    Starting Salary: $83,058
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Anselm College known for?

    Saint Anselm College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    New England College

    Henniker , NH
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #5 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Hampshire 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at New England College

    Cost of Degree: $27,114
    Expenses: $20,014
    Starting Salary: $47,863
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Computer Information Systems
    • Human Resource Management
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Homeland Security And Emergency Preparedness
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Human Services
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Humanities
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in International Relations And Diplomacy
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Social Sciences
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Sociology
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of New Hampshire at Manchester

    Manchester , NH
    #2 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #6 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of New Hampshire at Manchester

    Cost of Degree: $15,820
    Starting Salary: $71,477
    What is University of New Hampshire at Manchester known for?

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

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Keene State College

    Keene , NH
    #3 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #7 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Keene State College

    Cost of Degree: $14,710
    Expenses: $16,360
    Starting Salary: $62,326
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Keene State College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Plymouth State University

    Plymouth , NH
    #4 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2026 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Plymouth State University

    Cost of Degree: $14,558
    Expenses: $16,296
    Starting Salary: $61,199
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Franklin Pierce University

    Rindge , NH
    #5 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #9 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Hampshire 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Franklin Pierce University

    Cost of Degree: $44,963
    Expenses: $19,222
    Starting Salary: $64,588
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Sports And Recreation Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Integrated Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Custom
    • General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Integrated Studies- Social Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Emergency Medical Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Emergency Medical Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Thomas More College of Liberal Arts

    Merrimack , NH
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #6 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts

    Cost of Degree: $29,300
    Expenses: $13,400
    Starting Salary: $41,534
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Thomas More College of Liberal Arts known for?
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Rivier University

    Nashua , NH
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #6 Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Rivier University

    Cost of Degree: $37,791
    Expenses: $18,715
    Starting Salary: $72,105
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rivier University known for?

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

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Granite State College

    Manchester , NH
    #18 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2026 #5 Best Public Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Granite State College

    Cost of Degree: $7,812
    Starting Salary: $71,477
    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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Accounting And Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Human Resource Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Applied Studies- Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Fire Service Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Teacher Certification
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully 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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully 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: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Social Studies Teacher Certification
    Degree Concentrations
    • Elementary Education And General Special Ed
    • General Special Ed
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Applied Studies- Education And Training
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in English Language Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Individualized Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Individualized Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Professional Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Social Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Public Service Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health And Wellness
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Allied Health Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Math Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Colby–Sawyer College

    New London , NH
    #8 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Colby–Sawyer College

    Cost of Degree: $18,400
    Expenses: $20,308
    Starting Salary: $61,214
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colby–Sawyer College known for?

    Colby–Sawyer College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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New Hampshire’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

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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.

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

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.

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