Rankings / By State

Best Master'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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In New Hampshire, a select group of master's programs stands out for their strong graduate outcomes. These schools not only prepare students academically but also position them for financial success after graduation. Consider that the average earnings for graduates from these programs is $60,533, a figure that speaks volumes about the potential return on investment for students.

The top programs differentiate themselves through key metrics such as earnings, graduation rates, and student debt levels. For instance, Dartmouth College leads the pack with impressive graduate earnings of $97,434 and a graduation rate of 96%. Understanding these numbers can help prospective students assess which program aligns best with their career goals and financial situations.

Take Dartmouth College and Keene State College as examples. While Dartmouth graduates earn $97,434, Keene State graduates earn $54,368. The tradeoff is significant: Dartmouth has a much higher graduation rate at 96% compared to Keene State's 59%. This contrast illustrates the range of outcomes students can expect, making it crucial to weigh these factors carefully as you explore your options.

Key Findings

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

The graduation rate at Dartmouth is 96%, significantly above the average of 57%.

Keene State College graduates earn $54,368, the lowest among the top five programs.

Students at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester face an average debt of $26,814.

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

Master's programs in New Hampshire ranked by graduate outcomes

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

Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, is a small, private institution where an impressive 96% of students graduate. The college's intimate size means students can engage closely with faculty and develop a strong sense of community, which can enhance their academic experience and personal growth. The median earnings for graduates at 10 years post-graduation reach $97,434, reflecting a strong return on their education investment.

5% accepted 96% graduate $97,434 earnings

Dartmouth's full profile

Keene State College

Keene, NH · 2,699 students · Public

With a 90% acceptance rate, Keene State College in New Hampshire makes higher education accessible for many prospective students. The college offers a tight-knit community of 2,699 students, fostering a supportive environment that can help students thrive academically and socially.

90% accepted 59% graduate $54,368 earnings

Saint Anselm College

Manchester, NH · 2,087 students · Private nonprofit

Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH, embodies a blend of rigorous academics and a strong community atmosphere. With an 82% graduation rate, students are likely to find both support and challenge in their studies. Graduates earn a median salary of $73,371 a decade after leaving, which underscores the value of a Saint Anselm education in the job market.

78% accepted 82% graduate $73,371 earnings

Franklin Pierce University

Rindge, NH · 992 students · Private nonprofit

Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH, is an inviting option for those looking for a private nonprofit experience. With a 93% acceptance rate, this smaller school of 992 students offers a personalized educational atmosphere that can be beneficial for students seeking close faculty interaction and community engagement.

93% accepted 50% graduate $53,353 earnings

Franklin's full profile

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH · 163,164 students · Private nonprofit

Southern New Hampshire University, located in Manchester, is home to a massive student body of 163,164. This expansive environment fosters diversity and inclusivity, making it an appealing choice for many. Although the graduation rate is 44%, the average earnings 10 years after graduation stand at $50,318, indicating that many graduates find rewarding careers.

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 is a larger public university that blends a vibrant campus life with strong academic programs. With over 11,000 students and a graduation rate of 76%, this university provides ample opportunities for networking and engagement. Graduates can expect to earn a median income of $66,479 a decade after graduation, reflecting the institution's commitment to student success and workforce readiness.

88% accepted 76% graduate $66,479 earnings

University's full profile

Colby-Sawyer College

New London, NH · 771 students · Private nonprofit

With a welcoming environment in New London, New Hampshire, Colby-Sawyer College caters to a close-knit student body of 771 individuals. The college's 60% graduation rate signals a commitment to supporting students through their academic journey, and the median earnings of $46,474 a decade after graduation highlight the potential for a solid return on investment.

80% accepted 60% graduate $46,474 earnings

Colby-Sawyer's full profile

University of New Hampshire at Manchester

Manchester, NH · 443 students · Public

At the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, students can expect a supportive environment tailored to smaller class sizes. With 443 students, the campus fosters a personalized educational experience, which can be particularly beneficial for those who thrive in close-knit settings. The graduation rate stands at 56%, and graduates can anticipate a median earning of $66,479 after 10 years, indicating solid career prospects for students willing to engage with their studies.

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

For those considering online education, the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online in Manchester is worth a look. With a focus on flexibility, this institution caters to non-traditional students, allowing them to balance work and education effectively.

22% graduate $66,479 earnings

University's full profile

#10

Plymouth State University

Plymouth, NH · 3,153 students · Public

Plymouth State University stands out for its commitment to student success in the beautiful setting of Plymouth, NH. With a student body of 3,153 and a welcoming community, the university creates an environment where students can flourish both academically and personally.

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, has a student enrollment of 1,022. It might not have the highest graduation rate at 33%, but the college is committed to providing opportunities for personal growth and academic exploration. Graduates earn a median of $42,092 a decade after leaving, which indicates that there's room for growth in terms of career advancement.

92% accepted 33% graduate $42,092 earnings

Rivier University

Nashua, NH · 1,231 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in Nashua, Rivier University has a student population of 1,231 and a graduation rate of 55%. The university emphasizes personalized attention, which can enhance the learning experience and help students stay on track. With median earnings of $52,248 after 10 years, graduates can expect a solid financial return, reflecting the value of a Rivier education.

83% accepted 55% graduate $52,248 earnings

Rivier's full profile

Looking closely at the data reveals a striking difference between Dartmouth College and University of New Hampshire-Main Campus. While both schools provide solid educational foundations, Dartmouth's graduates see earnings of $97,434 compared to $66,479 for those from UNH, showcasing the financial benefits of choosing a program with a higher graduation rate and post-graduation success.

For students navigating these options, it's essential to consider more than just the numbers. Think about location, program fit, and campus culture alongside financial outcomes. If you prioritize a strong network and high post-graduation earnings, schools like Dartmouth may be worth the investment. Conversely, if affordability is your main concern, institutions like the University of New Hampshire at Manchester could be appealing despite lower earnings.

Ultimately, the path from college to a stable life hinges on these choices. For one family, selecting a program based on the right combination of factors could mean the difference between financial stability and ongoing debt. The decision is personal, but informed choices based on data can illuminate the way forward.

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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