Best Colleges in New Hampshire of 2024

This Ivy League university offers a wide selection of courses from more than 40 academic departments. As a member of the Association of American Universities, Dartmouth is among the nation's top research institutions, allowing graduate students access to unique opportunities for gaining firsthand experience in their chosen fields. Dartmouth's idyllic campus provides students with a beautiful and peaceful environment in which to further their education. With their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and energy usage on campus, Dartmouth stands out as one of the most environmentally friendly colleges in the country as well.

Spread across three campuses, the University of New Hampshire offers hundreds of degree programs at their 11 schools and colleges. The average class size of 35 is relatively small, and the student-to-faculty ratio is just 19:1. Students can join a variety of off-campus programs, including study abroad, volunteer, intern, and research opportunities. Over 200 on-campus organizations and clubs are also available. Designated as one of the R1: Doctoral Universities with very high research activity, UNH is best known for their space science program - indeed, over 20 NASA satellites have been launched with UNH-designed instruments on board.

Saint Anselm College is home to a group of Benedictine monks who help teach courses and serve in administrative and ministerial roles. In keeping with the college's humanitarian ethos, many students participate in community engagement activities, volunteer projects, and mission trips. Regarding academics, the college offers 45 majors in a wide range of subject areas. This school has proven that they can set their students up for success, as the vast majority of undergraduates are either employed in their chosen field or undertaking further studies within six months of completing their degree program.

This school is especially suited for international students, thanks to its Global Education Office, which provides tailored support to all overseas students. They have also established exchange partnerships with institutions in the Americas, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Other useful services they offer students include writing support, counseling, and wellness resources. Overall, they offer more than 40 areas of study for students to choose from, including architecture, film, theatre, computer science, public health, and the country's first Bachelor of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies program.

Rivier University is a great option for anyone who is trying to plan college around a busy schedule. More than 50% of the student population consists of adult learners - many of their degree programs are offered in a part-time format. Additionally, there are 20 programs that can be completed entirely online. If you're a parent and you'd like to attend classes in-person, the on-site KinderCare daycare center will make it easier for you to do so. Although this is a Catholic institution, Rivier welcomes students from all backgrounds.

Plymouth State University is most notable for their customizable degree options, which allow you to create a program that perfectly matches your personal interests and professional ambitions. Their Integrated Clusters learning model lets you work with a cross-section of students from various disciplines, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses while tackling real-world problems and developing vital communication and problem-solving skills.

Southern New Hampshire University provides particularly strong support for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and military families. Scholarships and tuition assistance programs are available for students affiliated with the military, including funding from the Yellow Ribbon Program. It's also worth noting that students can obtain course credits for military service, which allows them to save money and earn their degree more quickly.

Colby-Sawyer College's average class size of 19 provides students with highly personalized attention and support. Every student must complete at least one internship to gain experience in their field - the school's Harrington Center for Experiential Learning has been able to consistently place student interns at industry-leading organizations, such as Dow Jones and the San Francisco 49ers. In addition to providing you with valuable experience, this internship program can directly help you advance your career, as the internship sites of over a third of Colby-Sawyer students offer the students positions within five years of graduating.

Franklin Pierce University's mix of adult learners, veterans, international students, and traditional college students creates a dynamic community on campus. The university aims to make learning accessible for everyone (Franklin Pierce has an admission rate of 85%), and in support of that aim, they provide comprehensive support services. Dedicated staff members help students navigate financial aid resources, including loans, grants, scholarships, and student employment. In addition to financial aid support, Franklin Pierce's services for students include health care, counseling, career prep tools, and a writing center.