Rankings / By State

Best Bachelor's Programs in New Hampshire

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 12 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$60,533

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

57%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$24,367

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing a bachelor's program is a big decision, especially in New Hampshire, where institutions offer unique strengths and challenges. With an average earnings figure of $60,533 across these programs, students and families are evaluating their options based on potential financial outcomes and overall value.

The schools on this list stand out for their strong graduation rates, earnings potential, and manageable student debt levels. These factors are crucial when considering the return on investment of a college education. The rankings below reflect how well each institution performs in these key areas, helping you identify which programs can best support your future goals.

For instance, Dartmouth College leads the pack with impressive earnings of $97,434 and a graduation rate of 96%. In contrast, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester has earnings of $66,479 but a significantly lower graduation rate of 56%. This difference highlights the value of program completion and its impact on future earnings potential.

Key Findings

Dartmouth College graduates earn an average of $97,434, the highest in the state.

The graduation rate at Dartmouth is an impressive 96%, compared to just 56% at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester.

Keene State College has the lowest average earnings at $54,368, but it has a lower net price of $17,887.

The average debt for graduates across these programs is $26,814, which can impact long-term financial health.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 12

Avg. earnings at 10yr $60,533

Avg. graduation rate 57%

Avg. net price $24,367

Avg. median debt $25,394

How We Ranked

Bachelor's programs in New Hampshire ranked by outcomes and mobility

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH

Graduation96%

Earnings$97,434

Net Price$29,519

View full profile →

Keene State College

Keene, NH

Graduation59%

Earnings$54,368

Net Price$17,887

View full profile →

Saint Anselm College

Manchester, NH

Graduation82%

Earnings$73,371

Net Price$34,779

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH · 4,541 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 96%, Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, is known for its strong academic community. The small student body of 4,541 allows for close connections between students and faculty, fostering a supportive learning environment that many find appealing. Graduates enjoy impressive median earnings of $97,434 a decade after graduation, suggesting that a degree from Dartmouth can lead to significant financial success.

5% accepted 96% graduate $97,434 earnings

Dartmouth's full profile

Keene State College

Keene, NH · 2,699 students · Public

With a welcoming community of nearly 2,700 students, Keene State College is a great choice for those looking for a supportive environment. The college's 90% acceptance rate means it’s accessible for many prospective students, while the median earnings of $54,368 a decade after graduation reflect a solid return on investment for graduates pursuing various fields.

90% accepted 59% graduate $54,368 earnings

Saint Anselm College

Manchester, NH · 2,087 students · Private nonprofit

Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH, offers a liberal arts education with a commitment to community and service. With an 82% graduation rate, students here benefit from a supportive environment that encourages academic and personal growth. Graduates enjoy a median earning of $73,371 ten years after graduation, showing good return on investment for their education.

78% accepted 82% graduate $73,371 earnings

Franklin Pierce University

Rindge, NH · 992 students · Private nonprofit

Franklin Pierce University, located in the picturesque town of Rindge, hosts around 992 students in a close-knit community. The university's 93% acceptance rate signals that it welcomes a diverse range of students, while its median earnings of $53,353 after ten years indicate that a degree from Franklin Pierce can lead to solid job opportunities for graduates across various fields.

93% accepted 50% graduate $53,353 earnings

Franklin's full profile

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH · 163,164 students · Private nonprofit

With an impressive enrollment of over 163,000 students, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has become one of the largest private nonprofit institutions in the country. Its open-door policy, reflected in a 100% acceptance rate, makes it accessible for many, particularly those who may be non-traditional or looking for flexible learning options among its diverse student body, including nearly half who receive Pell Grants.

100% accepted 44% graduate $50,318 earnings

Southern's full profile

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

Durham, NH · 11,261 students · Public

The University of New Hampshire-Main Campus in Durham, NH, serves a larger population of 11,261 students, creating vibrant campus life. With a graduation rate of 76%, it strikes a balance between accessibility and academic rigor. Graduates earn a median income of $66,479 ten years after completing their degree, indicating strong career prospects for students who invest their time here.

88% accepted 76% graduate $66,479 earnings

University's full profile

Colby-Sawyer College

New London, NH · 771 students · Private nonprofit

Located in the picturesque town of New London, New Hampshire, Colby-Sawyer College has a close-knit community with just 771 students, allowing for strong connections between peers and faculty. With an acceptance rate of 80%, it welcomes a diverse range of students, including 23% who receive Pell Grants, highlighting its commitment to accessibility and support for those from lower-income backgrounds.

80% accepted 60% graduate $46,474 earnings

Colby-Sawyer's full profile

University of New Hampshire at Manchester

Manchester, NH · 443 students · Public

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester caters to a smaller community of just 443 students, offering a more personalized educational experience. With a graduation rate of 56%, this public university provides a unique atmosphere for those who prefer a close-knit environment. Graduates can expect median earnings of $66,479 ten years post-graduation, which reflects the value of the education received here.

81% accepted 56% graduate $66,479 earnings

University's full profile

University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online

Manchester, NH · 1,157 students · Public

The University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online offers flexibility for students who need to balance education with other commitments. With a focus on online learning, it caters particularly well to non-traditional students, and the median earnings of $66,479 at ten years post-graduation highlight the potential for strong financial outcomes in the workforce.

22% graduate $66,479 earnings

University's full profile

#10

Plymouth State University

Plymouth, NH · 3,153 students · Public

Plymouth State University is home to over 3,150 students, offering a vibrant campus life nestled in the heart of New Hampshire. With a 50% graduation rate and median earnings of $57,304 a decade after graduation, it’s clear that students can find rewarding careers after their time at Plymouth. The 88% acceptance rate further illustrates its openness to a variety of students looking to pursue higher education in a supportive environment.

88% accepted 50% graduate $57,304 earnings

Plymouth's full profile

#11

New England College

Henniker, NH · 1,022 students · Private nonprofit

New England College, located in Henniker, New Hampshire, has a unique character with a student population of 1,022. With a 92% acceptance rate, it opens its doors to a variety of students, including 36% who receive Pell Grants, emphasizing its commitment to making higher education accessible to all. The college's community vibe fosters collaboration and engagement among students and faculty alike.

92% accepted 33% graduate $42,092 earnings

Rivier University

Nashua, NH · 1,231 students · Private nonprofit

Rivier University, nestled in Nashua, New Hampshire, is known for its welcoming atmosphere and personalized education, with a student body of 1,231. The university maintains an 83% acceptance rate, which includes a significant portion of Pell Grant recipients, making it a viable option for students from various backgrounds looking for a supportive and engaging community.

83% accepted 55% graduate $52,248 earnings

Rivier's full profile

The data shows a clear distinction between Dartmouth College and the University of New Hampshire at Manchester. While both schools have similar earnings figures, Dartmouth's higher graduation rate of 96% suggests that its students are more likely to complete their degrees, leading to better long-term financial outcomes. This completion rate is crucial when considering the potential return on educational investment.

Now that you've seen the rankings, think about what matters most to you and your family. Are you prioritizing financial outcomes, or is campus culture more important? Weigh these metrics against personal preferences like location and program fit to find the best match for your goals. The choice isn't just about numbers; it’s about aligning your educational experience with your aspirations.

The journey from college to a stable life can be complex, and the decisions families make today will have lasting implications. One family's choice of Dartmouth College could lead to higher earnings and less financial strain, while another might opt for a more affordable program at Keene State College. Ultimately, understanding these outcomes helps families make informed decisions that shape their futures.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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