Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2023

Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2023
By James Barham
Published:
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.

10 Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2022

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

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

New Hampshire's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Small Colleges in New Hampshire 2022

  3. #3

    New England College

    Henniker , NH
    #4 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #6 Best 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
  5. #5

    Franklin Pierce University

    Rindge , NH
    #5 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023 #8 Best 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
  9. #8

    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 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2023

    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 Small College 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. 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

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