Rankings / By State
Best Business Colleges in New Hampshire
- 17
- Schools
- $53,613
- Avg. Earnings
- 47%
- Avg. Graduation
- $21,288
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,148
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 17 schools run from $42,092 to $73,371, a 1.7× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of New Hampshire at Manchester delivers the most for the money: roughly $66,479 in median earnings against $9,992 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, University of New Hampshire at Manchester ($9,992 net price), still posts $66,479 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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Saint Anselm College graduates 82% of its students, versus a 47% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Nashua Community College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.24× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Southern New Hampshire University ($50,318 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Saint Anselm College ($73,371), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester costs $9,992 a year and Southern New Hampshire University costs $36,708. Yet their graduates earn $66,479 and $50,318, nowhere near the $26,716 price gap.
- On value, University of New Hampshire at Manchester beats Saint Anselm College: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with University of New Hampshire at Manchester and Saint Anselm College. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $51K within a decade, and management analyst roles are projected to grow 10%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Southern New Hampshire University #1 overall | $50,318 ▼ -6% vs avg | $36,708 | 44% | 78 |
| 2 Saint Anselm College #2 overall | $73,371 ▲ +37% vs avg | $34,779 | 82% | 77 |
| 3 Franklin Pierce University #3 overall | $53,353 ▲ +0% vs avg | $27,154 | 50% | 76 |
| $54,368 ▲ +1% vs avg | $17,887 | 59% | 71 | |
| $46,164 ▼ -14% vs avg | $23,154 | 34% | 70 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Business Colleges in New Hampshire
This analysis ranks 17 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $53,613 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 47% and an average net price of $21,288.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of New Hampshire at Manchester — Net Price: $9,992 | Graduation Rate: 56%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Saint Anselm College — 82% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Saint Anselm College — Median alumni earnings: $73,371
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Management Education Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about leadership and management education?
$51,182
Median earnings (10yr)
44%
Median graduation rate
$19,216
Median net price
1.0%
Avg. mobility rate
Business and MBA programs sell acceleration: faster paths into management, bigger networks, and a salary step-change. The return is famously dispersed, though. A handful of programs deliver enormous ROI through placement and alumni networks, while many barely clear the cost of attendance. Management education is less a single product than a wide spectrum of outcomes.
Across the 17 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $51,182 ten years after they first enrolled, about $3,182 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 44%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $19,216 a year, with about $26,000 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 28% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.0%.
What we’re seeing: value concentrates where networks and employer pipelines are strongest, and ROI varies more here than in almost any other field. Median earnings reach $51,182 ten years after enrollment, with Southern New Hampshire University at the top of the list. The spread between the best programs and the median is the real story of an MBA.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Southern New Hampshire University lands at #1 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $50,318 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $36,708 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Saint Anselm College lands at #2 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $73,371 a decade after enrolling, 37% above this list's average, and net price runs $34,779 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Franklin Pierce University lands at #3 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $53,353 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,154 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Keene State College lands at #4 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $54,368 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,887 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Nashua Community College lands at #5 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $46,164 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,154 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Lakes Region Community College lands at #6 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $51,182 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,124 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus lands at #7 with a 68/100 composite, led by academic quality (73/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $66,479 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,805 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Plymouth State University lands at #8 with a 66/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $57,304 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,216 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Manchester, NH · $10,864 net
Why it ranks #9
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online lands at #9 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (37/100). Graduates earn a median $66,479 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,864 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
River Valley Community College lands at #10 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (35/100). Graduates earn a median $44,700 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,804 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
New England College lands at #11 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $42,092 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,972 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Colby-Sawyer College lands at #12 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $46,474 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,431 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Manchester, NH · 81% accepted · $9,992 net
Why it ranks #13
University of New Hampshire at Manchester lands at #13 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by social mobility (34/100). Graduates earn a median $66,479 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,992 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Great Bay Community College lands at #14 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (68/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,397 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,768 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Rivier University lands at #15 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $52,248 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,082 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
NHTI-Concord's Community College lands at #16 with a 58/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $48,943 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,011 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Manchester Community College lands at #17 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (44/100). Graduates earn a median $49,063 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,143 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 17 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Management Analysts and related roles — a field with $99,410 median pay and 10% projected growth.
See the Management Analyst career guide →Choosing the right business college can be a pivotal decision for aspiring professionals. In New Hampshire, several institutions are making a mark with strong programs that lead to solid job outcomes. The average earnings for graduates from these schools stand at $53,613, reflecting their potential to achieve financial stability after completing their education.
The schools on this list are evaluated based on critical outcomes that can significantly affect students' futures, including graduation rates, earnings potential, net price, and student debt. For instance, institutions with higher graduation rates and earnings tend to indicate better support systems and career preparation, while lower net prices and debt levels can ease financial burdens for students and their families. The rankings below provide a snapshot of how these factors play out across New Hampshire's business colleges.
Take the University of New Hampshire-Main Campus and Saint Anselm College, for example. Both schools show impressive earnings potential, but their graduation rates differ significantly: 76% for UNH-Main Campus versus 82% for Saint Anselm College. This contrast highlights the tradeoff between financial investments and educational outcomes, offering valuable insight for prospective students as they weigh their options.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 10 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Nashua Community College leads the group at 1.6%, with Southern New Hampshire University (1.4%) and Franklin Pierce University (1.3%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 6.1% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. River Valley Community College enrolls the most, at 9.5%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 18.5% across the list, peaking at 41.6% at Saint Anselm College.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.51, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Saint Anselm College is highest at 1.80.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
While many schools in New Hampshire offer business programs, significant disparities exist in their outcomes. For instance, Saint Anselm College not only has the highest earnings at $73,371 but also a graduation rate of 82%. In contrast, the University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, while also offering competitive earnings of $66,479, has a lower graduation rate of 76%. These differences can impact a student's return on investment and should be a key consideration when choosing a school.
As you sift through the rankings, it's important to align your priorities with the data. Consider how factors such as location, campus culture, and financial commitment resonate with your personal and career goals. For example, if affordability is a priority, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester may be a strong fit with its low net price of $9,992. Weigh these aspects against the data to find the best match for you.
Ultimately, the pathway from college to a stable life is shaped by the choices we make now. For families, selecting the right business program can lead to better job prospects and long-term financial security. One decision today can set the stage for a more secure future tomorrow.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Business Colleges in New Hampshire: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Business Colleges in New Hampshire ranking? +
Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Business Colleges in New Hampshire ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $50,318 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 44% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Saint Anselm College posts the highest median earnings on this list: $73,371 ten years after enrollment, well above the $53,613 average across the 17 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of New Hampshire at Manchester leads: graduates earn a median $66,479 against net price of about $9,992 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Saint Anselm College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 82%, compared with a 47% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $21,288 a year across the 17 ranked schools with cost data. University of New Hampshire at Manchester is among the most affordable at roughly $9,992. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Business Colleges in New Hampshire ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 17 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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