What Students Want to Know
• New Hampshire colleges range from moderately selective to highly selective.
• University of New Hampshire (UNH) acceptance rate: approx. 87%.
• Plymouth State University (PSU) acceptance rate: approx. 89%.
• Dartmouth College acceptance rate: approx. 6%.
• Typical test scores: UNH ~1220 SAT / 25 ACT; PSU ~1100 SAT / 22 ACT; Dartmouth ~1500 SAT / 34 ACT.
• Application fees: UNH $50, PSU $50, Dartmouth $80.

• New Hampshire public in-state tuition: approx. $14,000–$18,000 (among the highest in the U.S.).
• UNH in-state tuition: ~$18,000; out-of-state ~$38,000.
• PSU in-state tuition: ~$14,500; out-of-state ~$24,000.
• Dartmouth tuition (private): ~$65,000.
• New Hampshire offers state aid including the NH Scholars Program and Governor’s Scholarship Program.
• Cost of living varies: Durham (moderate), Plymouth (low/moderate), Hanover (high).

• UNH is known for marine biology, engineering, business, environmental science, and health sciences.
• PSU excels in education, business, meteorology, and the arts.
• Dartmouth is strong in liberal arts, engineering, business (Tuck), and medicine (Geisel).
• All major New Hampshire colleges are accredited by NECHE (New England Commission of Higher Education).
• Engineering programs at UNH and Dartmouth hold ABET accreditation.

• UNH: classic New England college-town environment in Durham with strong athletics and research culture.
• PSU: scenic mountain‑town campus in Plymouth with a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere.
• Dartmouth: Ivy League campus in Hanover with a tight-knit academic community and strong outdoor culture.
• Housing availability varies; Hanover has significantly higher housing costs.

• New Hampshire offers opportunities in healthcare, engineering, education, business, tech, and environmental science.
• UNH median alumni salary: ~$55,000 early career.
• PSU median alumni salary: ~$48,000 early career.
• Dartmouth median alumni salary: ~$75,000 early career.

• All major New Hampshire colleges offer year-round campus tours and virtual visits.
• Program-specific tours, student panels, and recruiter meetings are widely available.

University of New Hampshire (UNH)
Plymouth State University (PSU)
Dartmouth College

New Hampshire’s top colleges offer strong academics, excellent research opportunities, and diverse campus environments across the state.

New Hampshire offers a supportive, career‑focused college experience with strong community colleges and technical programs aligned with the state’s major industries. Students benefit from small class sizes, hands‑on training, and clear transfer pathways into New Hampshire’s public and private universities. The state’s mix of small towns, suburban communities, and scenic rural regions provides a welcoming environment for learners of all backgrounds.

• Academic strengths: nursing, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, business administration, HVAC, information technology
• Campus environments: small towns, suburban hubs, and rural communities
• Student profile: recent graduates, adult learners, working professionals, and career changers

New Hampshire’s cost of living varies by region. Southern areas near Massachusetts tend to be more expensive, while northern and rural regions offer more affordable housing and daily expenses. Community colleges help keep overall education costs manageable through flexible scheduling and accessible tuition.

• Most affordable college areas: Berlin, Claremont, Laconia
• Higher‑cost areas: Nashua, Portsmouth, Concord
• Typical student housing range: $850–$1,700 per month for shared apartments
• Transportation: limited public transit; most students rely on cars

Students should budget for housing, transportation, food, and winter‑related utilities due to long, cold seasons.

New Hampshire offers several financial aid programs designed to support students pursuing community college, technical training, and workforce‑ready programs.

• New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Scholarships: a major source of aid for students across the state.
• Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) Scholarships: merit‑based and program‑specific awards.
• Workforce Development Grants: supports students entering high‑demand fields such as healthcare, IT, and manufacturing.
• General requirements: FAFSA completion, New Hampshire residency, and meeting academic or program‑specific criteria.

New Hampshire’s economy is driven by healthcare, advanced manufacturing, technology, education, and business services. Community colleges maintain strong partnerships with employers, offering direct pipelines into high‑demand careers.

• Major industries: healthcare, manufacturing, IT, education, hospitality
• Common entry‑level roles: medical assistant, LPN, CNC machinist, IT support specialist, administrative assistant, HVAC technician
• Best cities for internships and training: Manchester (healthcare and business), Nashua (tech and manufacturing), Portsmouth (hospitality and trade), Concord (public service and education)

Students comparing New Hampshire colleges should consider program strengths, transfer opportunities, and regional job markets.

1. Identify your goals: workforce training, certificate programs, or transfer pathways
2. Compare program strengths: healthcare, trades, IT, business, manufacturing, or education
3. Check employer partnerships: many colleges offer apprenticeships, clinicals, and industry‑aligned training
4. Review transfer pathways: New Hampshire community colleges offer clear transfer agreements with state universities
5. Visit campuses: explore labs, training facilities, and student support services

Students often consider these factors when deciding whether New Hampshire is the right place for their college education.

• Pros: strong workforce programs, safe communities, excellent outdoor recreation, supportive learning environments, growing job markets
• Cons: higher housing costs in southern regions, limited public transit, long winters