Best Community Colleges in New Hampshire of 2023

White Mountains Community College has the highest graduation rate of all the schools on this list, but that’s not the only thing that earns it the Intelligent Pick. There’s no cost to apply to WMCC, and their retention rate is one of the highest in the area. They offer a variety of associate degrees to choose from, including programs in Environmental Science, Nursing, and Special Education. Although there isn’t on-campus housing, a multitude of housing exists on the periphery of their three campuses, so students should have little issue finding the right place to unwind after a long day in the classroom. At their Littleton location, WMCC broke ground on a state-of-the-art technology hub that features a welding lab and flexible learning spaces to meet the high demand of advanced technologies. The space will be home to the growing Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology program, which will be the only nationally accredited program of its kind in the northeast.

There are over 70 academic programs available at Manchester Community College. This school is most notable for their associate in Advanced Manufacturing Technology program, which offers three concentration options: Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or Robotics. At MCC’s Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Lab, students will be able to get first-hand experience using 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC equipment, and material-handling robots. It’s also worth noting that internship opportunities are available with industry leaders such as GE Aviation and Velcro USA.

If you want to go to college but are unsure of what to study, Nashua Community College has you covered with their exploratory Liberal Arts program. This program is unique because it allows students to successfully work toward a certificate or associate degree without a determined major. In as little as four full-time semesters, students will be closer to their desired career paths without the stress of switching majors or wondering if the credits will transfer. NCC’s Exploratory Liberal Arts program guides students through the rigors of choosing a major, keeping their interests and aptitudes in mind. Students will also benefit from an online career coach who can help them narrow their academic focus so they can define their professional goals on their own terms.

Great Bay Community College holds altruism as being one of the primary reasons their graduates are successful. With GBCC’s Student Leadership and Development program, students develop their leadership capabilities through workshops, seminars, and retreats. This program is open to all GBCC students because GBCC recognizes that there are many different approaches to leadership. Since its introduction in 2009, GBCC’s retreat weekend has been held at Camp Mi-Te-Na in Alton, New Hampshire, with over 200 students earning leadership certificates. Students who complete more than 100 hours of community service are recognized at a Student Leadership Banquet and their names added to a plaque displayed in their Student Life center.

Lakes Region Community College has a small-town feel with all the amenities of a larger city, so you’re never far from what you need. LRCC also offers fully furnished apartments less than a mile from campus, so you can sleep in to the last possible moment before booking it to class. Recently, LRCC bolstered their Fire Science program by welcoming Todd Ribonson, an associate professor and EMS service provider, to address the growing demand for certified paramedic professionals. Students have the option of two pathways to becoming a firefighter through LRCC’s certificate or associate program. Graduates can then join the workforce immediately or continue their education at a four-year institution.

New Hampshire Technical Institute – Concord’s Community College is situated on the Merrimack River and 240 acres to deliver a robust campus experience. But travelers won't have to venture far to find adventures elsewhere, as NHTI is close to downtown Boston, the White Mountains, and New England’s coastline. No matter if students stay on campus or wander beyond campus, the vastness of the campus creates space for every kind of student. Additionally NHTI has a vigorous variety of student services, including a 16,000-square-foot student center outfitted with a fireplace, games area, and conference rooms in which students can lounge and study in style.