# Best Master's Programs in New Hampshire

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 12 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-new-hampshire

## Methodology

Master's programs in New Hampshire ranked by graduate outcomes

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Dartmouth College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dartmouth-college) | Hanover, NH | 96% | $97,434 | $29,519 | $17,500 | 0.18x |
| 2 | [Keene State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/keene-state-college) | Keene, NH | 59% | $54,368 | $17,887 | $25,749 | 0.47x |
| 3 | [Saint Anselm College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-anselm-college) | Manchester, NH | 82% | $73,371 | $34,779 | $27,000 | 0.37x |
| 4 | [Franklin Pierce University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/franklin-pierce-university) | Rindge, NH | 50% | $53,353 | $27,154 | $27,000 | 0.51x |
| 5 | [Southern New Hampshire University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-new-hampshire-university) | Manchester, NH | 44% | $50,318 | $36,708 | $21,082 | 0.42x |
| 6 | [University of New Hampshire-Main Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-new-hampshire-main-campus) | Durham, NH | 76% | $66,479 | $23,805 | $26,814 | 0.4x |
| 7 | [Colby-Sawyer College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/colby-sawyer-college) | New London, NH | 60% | $46,474 | $27,431 | $27,000 | 0.58x |
| 8 | [University of New Hampshire at Manchester](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-new-hampshire-at-manchester) | Manchester, NH | 56% | $66,479 | $9,992 | $26,814 | 0.4x |
| 9 | [University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-new-hampshire-college-of-professional-studies-online) | Manchester, NH | 22% | $66,479 | $10,864 | $26,814 | 0.4x |
| 10 | [Plymouth State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/plymouth-state-university) | Plymouth, NH | 50% | $57,304 | $19,216 | $26,000 | 0.45x |
| 11 | [New England College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/new-england-college) | Henniker, NH | 33% | $42,092 | $26,972 | $26,000 | 0.62x |
| 12 | [Rivier University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rivier-university) | Nashua, NH | 55% | $52,248 | $28,082 | $26,956 | 0.52x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Master's Programs in New Hampshire." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-new-hampshire

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.