Top Online Schools and Colleges in New Hampshire
Accredited Degree Programs, Scholarships and Resources for Top Schools
Though the state may be small, New Hampshire has a big presence in the online college landscape. Nearly 14,000 students in the Granite State are enrolled in online undergraduate programs, including more than 9,000 who are enrolled exclusively online. Online schools in New Hampshire range from Southern New Hampshire University, which boasts more than 100 online bachelor’s degrees, to Colby-Sawyer University, which offers one online bachelor’s.
Ready to begin your search for an online college in New Hampshire? Read on to find out everything you need to know about finding your perfect school.
Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire
Though New Hampshire is among the nation’s least populous states, the Granite State has some of the highest online enrollment figures in the country. More than 68,000 college students — over 50% of all students — enrolled in at least one online class in 2015, according to the Distance Education State Almanac. Online enrollment in New Hampshire increased more than 50% between 2012 and 2015.
This guide provides information for students considering online schools and colleges in New Hampshire. The following sections explore details about the best schools in the state, funding opportunities, and resources for distance learners.
Top Online Bachelor Colleges in New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Durham, NH- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,520
- Out-of-state$32,050
- In-State$14,170
- Out-of-state$27,810
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled14,788
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
Franklin Pierce University
- Rindge, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$35,900
- Out-of-state$35,900
- In-State$16,000
- Out-of-state$16,000
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled2,114
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
Rivier University
- Nashua, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,440
- Out-of-state$32,440
- In-State$11,340
- Out-of-state$11,340
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled2,332
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
New England College
- Henniker, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,555
- Out-of-state$24,555
- In-State$14,088
- Out-of-state$14,088
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled3,527
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Granite State College
- Concord, NH
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,536
- Out-of-state$8,760
- In-State$8,610
- Out-of-state$9,690
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,005
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I’m Looking for in New Hampshire?
With the variety of online schools and colleges in New Hampshire, choosing a program can feel overwhelming. Prospective learners can use tools such as the New Hampshire College and University Council website to research institutions in the state. You can also click the icon below to learn more about online schools and colleges in New Hampshire.
How Much More Do College Grads in New Hampshire Make?
Earning a degree can increase a professional’s earning power. Nationwide and in New Hampshire, higher levels of educational attainment tend to correlate with higher salaries. According to Statistical Atlas, bachelor’s degree-holders in New Hampshire earn a median salary of more than $51,000 per year. Professionals with only a high school diploma earn a median salary of about $33,000 per year. The table below illustrates the correlation between educational attainment and earning potential for professionals throughout the nation.
| LESS THAN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE |
|---|---|---|
| $28,756 | $37,960 | $44,824 |
| BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
|---|---|---|
| $62,296 | $74,568 | $94,900 |
Paying for Online College in New Hampshire: Tuition and Financial Aid
The average cost of tuition and fees in New Hampshire is higher than the national average. The Granite State does not subsidize education in favor of lower taxes, resulting in higher tuition rates at public schools. The average cost of in-state tuition and fees at public institutions in New Hampshire is nearly $7,000 higher than the national average.
Out-of-state learners in the state and those at private institutions pay averages of about $2,500 more than the national averages. The tables below compare the average cost of tuition and fees at New Hampshire schools to the national average. Students attending online schools and colleges in New Hampshire should also consider additional fees and expenses related to distance education.
| IN-STATE TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|---|---|---|
| $15,949 | $28,130 | $9,037 (In-State)$25,657 (Out-of-State) |
| TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | NATIONAL AVERAGE |
|---|---|---|
| $33,332 | N/A | $30,731 |
Cost Considerations for Online Students in New Hampshire
While online programs are often more affordable than on-campus options, many schools charge additional fees to online learners. Prospective students should include all education-related expenses in their calculations when budgeting for school. Below are some common costs for learners attending online schools and colleges in New Hampshire.
Qualifying for In-State Tuition in New Hampshire
New Hampshire maintains strict residency requirements for college students. To qualify for in-state status, learners must have lived in New Hampshire for at least 12 months prior to enrolling. Students must have lived in the state for a reason other than attending college. Learners must submit documentation to prove their residency status, such as state or federal tax returns, a New Hampshire driver’s license, or their vehicle registration.
Some schools charge all online learners in-state tuition rates, regardless of residency. Students should contact their institution to learn about specific requirements to qualify for in-state tuition rates.
Paying for College in New Hampshire: Scholarships and Financial Aid
With the rising cost of education, many students need assistance paying for college. Online learning can be more affordable than on-campus programs, and learners can apply for funding from foundations and corporations in New Hampshire. Awards may be based on need or merit. Below are some scholarships and grants available to learners attending online schools and colleges in New Hampshire.
Scholarships for New Hampshire College Students
Grants for New Hampshire College Students
The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in New Hampshire
Accreditation demonstrates that a school or program has achieved and maintained certain academic standards. Many employers and graduate schools only recognize degrees from accredited institutions. Additionally, students must attend an accredited school to qualify for federal financial aid. Learners considering online colleges and schools in New Hampshire should verify each prospective school’s accreditation status.
Regional and National Accreditation
Most online colleges in New Hampshire hold regional accreditation, which is the most prestigious type of institutional accreditation. The New England Commission of Higher Education awards regional accreditation to New Hampshire schools. National accrediting agencies typically evaluate trade and technical institutions. Credits and degrees earned from nationally accredited schools do not typically transfer to regionally accredited institutions.
Subject-Specific Accreditation
Subject-specific accrediting agencies evaluate individual programs in certain majors and disciplines. For example, the online programs at Granite State College’s School of Education hold accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Franklin Pierce University’s online business program boasts accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Field-specific accreditation indicates that the program prepares learners to succeed in the industry.
How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited
Accredited schools typically feature their accreditation status on their website. Institutions that do not clearly display their accreditation status may not be reputable. To identify or verify a school or program’s accreditation, you can search databases from the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Online College and Adult Education in New Hampshire
Adult learners in New Hampshire often pursue online programs to qualify for higher-paying careers. State residents can access literacy programs for non-native English speakers. State-sponsored initiatives create routes for adult learners to obtain a high school diploma and college degree. The sections below cover adult education opportunities in New Hampshire.
By the Numbers: Adult Education in New Hampshire
In 2017, more than 30% of participants in the New Hampshire adult education program obtained measurable skill gains.
In 2017, participants in the state’s adult education program had an employment rate of more than 70%.
The New Hampshire adult education program’s cost per participant was less than $450 in 2017.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Adult Education Programs for New Hampshire Students
- New Hampshire Bureau of Adult Education: This state-run organization provides information about adult education in the Granite State. Website visitors can locate learning centers, career information, and online resources.
- Adult High SChool Diploma Program: This statewide initiative connects adult learners with the courses they need to complete their secondary education. Most evening classes meet once per week for 15 weeks.
- English for Speakers of Other Languages: This program delivers basic English language education, along with information about American customs. The class is free and available at locations throughout New Hampshire.
Online College Resources for New Hampshire Students
Learners planning to attend online schools and colleges in New Hampshire can access online resources to aid in their college search. The resources below provide information about topics including financing, program options, and reciprocity agreements.
- New Hampshire College and University Council: This consortium of public and private schools in the Granite State provides resources to help learners locate funding, research schools and programs, and learn about athletics.
- New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation: This foundation provides information related to all phases of college planning. Learners can receive assistance researching schools, completing applications, finding financial aid, and preparing for a career.
- Campus Compact for New Hampshire: This association of 22 New Hampshire campuses helps schools connect with their communities. The organization encourages volunteerism among college students and helps learners develop career skills.
- New England Board of Higher Education: NEBHE serves as a hub for educational resources throughout the six New England states. Online students can access a tuition break program and information about reciprocity agreements.
- University System of New Hampshire Online Enrollment Center: A service of the University System of New Hampshire, this center connects students with program information. Learners can receive assistance finding courses, applying to college, and enrolling at their chosen school.
