Rankings / By State (Affordable)

Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 19 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$54,941

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

50%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$21,415

Avg. Net Price

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In New Hampshire, affordability in higher education is a pressing concern for many families. With average student debt levels climbing and the financial landscape shifting, students are increasingly seeking colleges that provide a quality education without breaking the bank. Our list highlights 19 schools in the state with the lowest net prices, giving you a clear view of your options.

These institutions stand out not just for their pricing but also for their outcomes. The data reveals that graduates from these schools earn an average of $54,941 annually, with around 50% completing their degrees. This balance of affordability and potential earnings is crucial for anyone considering their college choices. As you review the list, pay attention to factors like graduation rates, average debt, and post-graduation earnings to understand what you might expect from each school.

Take, for example, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester and Lakes Region Community College. While both offer attractive net prices, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester has a higher graduation rate of 56% compared to Lakes Region's 44%. However, Lakes Region features lower debt levels at $18,525 compared to UNH Manchester's $26,814. These differences can impact a student’s financial future significantly, providing a reason to dive deeper into the specifics of each school listed below.

Key Findings

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester has a $9,992 net price with $66,479 average earnings.

Lakes Region Community College has a net price of $13,124 and a graduation rate of 44%.

Graduates from these colleges earn an average of $54,941 annually.

The average debt for graduates across these schools is $26,814.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 19

Avg. earnings at 10yr $54,941

Avg. graduation rate 50%

Avg. net price $21,415

Avg. median debt $21,317

How We Ranked

Ranked by lowest net price in New Hampshire

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

University of New Hampshire at Manchester

Manchester, NH

Graduation56%

Earnings$66,479

Net Price$9,992

View full profile →

University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online

Manchester, NH

Graduation22%

Earnings$66,479

Net Price$10,864

View full profile →

Lakes Region Community College

Laconia, NH

Graduation44%

Earnings$51,182

Net Price$13,124

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

University of New Hampshire at Manchester

Manchester, NH · 443 students · Public

Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, this public university serves a tight-knit community of 443 students. With a graduation rate of 56%, it's a place where students can receive personalized attention and support as they pursue their degrees.

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

This online program serves a growing number of students, totaling 1,157, and is designed for those balancing work and education. While the graduation rate is lower at 22%, the flexibility of online learning allows students from various life stages to pursue their degrees at their own pace.

22% graduate $66,479 earnings

University's full profile

Lakes Region Community College

Laconia, NH · 482 students · Public

In Laconia, Lakes Region Community College serves a community of 482 students, offering a strong focus on hands-on learning and career readiness. With a graduation rate of 44%, it’s a great starting point for students looking to build a solid foundation before transferring to a four-year school or entering the workforce directly.

44% graduate $51,182 earnings

Manchester Community College

Manchester, NH · 1,587 students · Public

Manchester Community College is home to 1,587 students and emphasizes accessible education in a vibrant urban setting. With a graduation rate of 39%, this institution caters to a diverse student body, including those who may be returning to education or pursuing their degrees part-time.

39% graduate $49,063 earnings

Manchester's full profile

River Valley Community College

Claremont, NH · 608 students · Public

With a tight-knit community of 608 students, River Valley Community College emphasizes accessibility and support. Located in Claremont, NH, it appeals to those seeking a personalized educational experience in a friendly environment.

27% graduate $44,700 earnings

White Mountains Community College

Berlin, NH · 450 students · Public

White Mountains Community College, situated in Berlin, NH, has a strong graduation rate of 61%, making it an attractive option for students aiming to complete their degrees. The college serves 450 students and fosters a supportive environment that encourages academic achievement and community engagement.

61% graduate $35,037 earnings

Keene State College

Keene, NH · 2,699 students · Public

Keene State College, located in Keene, NH, is home to nearly 2,700 students and features a welcoming campus with a 59% graduation rate. This public institution is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to student success, making it an appealing choice for those eager to engage both academically and socially.

90% accepted 59% graduate $54,368 earnings

Great Bay Community College

Portsmouth, NH · 1,259 students · Public

Great Bay Community College, located in Portsmouth, NH, serves a larger student body of 1,259, fostering a diverse learning environment. The college has a graduation rate of 32%, providing a space for students who may thrive in a more flexible academic setting where support systems are in place to guide them on their educational journeys.

32% graduate $42,397 earnings

NHTI-Concord's Community College

Concord, NH · 2,154 students · Public

With a close-knit community of 2,154 students, NHTI-Concord's Community College in Concord, NH, presents a unique opportunity for those seeking an engaging learning environment. The college focuses on practical education, which is reflected in its median earnings of $48,943 a decade after graduation. This practical approach can be particularly appealing for students who prefer smaller class sizes and personalized attention from instructors.

30% graduate $48,943 earnings

NHTI-Concord's's full profile

#10

Plymouth State University

Plymouth, NH · 3,153 students · Public

Plymouth State University, located in the picturesque town of Plymouth, NH, is a solid choice for students looking for a balance of academic rigor and community feel. With a graduation rate of 50% and a median earning potential of $57,304 ten years post-graduation, students can expect to gain both knowledge and skills that translate into viable career paths. The university's 88% acceptance rate means it’s accessible for a wide range of students, making it a welcoming option for those seeking higher education.

88% accepted 50% graduate $57,304 earnings

Plymouth's full profile

#11

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 with over 11,000 students and a graduation rate of 76%. This strong completion rate, coupled with a median earning potential of $66,479 ten years after graduation, indicates that students are well-prepared for the job market. The vibrant campus life and extensive resources available can enhance the college experience, making it a compelling choice for many prospective students.

88% accepted 76% graduate $66,479 earnings

University's full profile

#12

Nashua Community College

Nashua, NH · 1,135 students · Public

Nashua Community College, with its smaller student population of 1,135, offers an intimate learning atmosphere for those pursuing their education in Nashua, NH. The college has a graduation rate of 34% and a median earning potential of $46,164 ten years after finishing their studies. This environment can be ideal for students who thrive in smaller classes and value close interaction with faculty members.

34% graduate $46,164 earnings

Nashua's full profile

#13

Franklin Pierce University

Rindge, NH · 992 students · Private nonprofit

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 93%, Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH, offers a community-oriented environment for students seeking a personal touch in their education. The school has a strong emphasis on experiential learning, providing opportunities for hands-on experiences that can enhance your understanding of various disciplines and prepare you for the workforce.

93% accepted 50% graduate $53,353 earnings

Franklin's full profile

#14

New England College

Henniker, NH · 1,022 students · Private nonprofit

New England College in Henniker, NH, presents a unique blend of academic rigor and a vibrant campus life, making it appealing for those who thrive in a smaller, close-knit environment. With around 1,022 students, the college emphasizes personal growth alongside education, offering a variety of programs designed to foster student engagement and creativity.

92% accepted 33% graduate $42,092 earnings

Colby-Sawyer College

New London, NH · 771 students · Private nonprofit

Located in New London, NH, Colby-Sawyer College presents a strong graduation rate of 60%, which speaks to the supportive environment it cultivates for students. With a focus on health sciences and liberal arts, the college encourages interdisciplinary studies, preparing students for a variety of career paths while fostering critical thinking and collaboration skills.

80% accepted 60% graduate $46,474 earnings

Colby-Sawyer's full profile

#16

Rivier University

Nashua, NH · 1,231 students · Private nonprofit

Rivier University in Nashua, NH, is known for its commitment to student success, featuring a graduation rate of 55% that reflects its support systems designed to help students thrive. It's a place where community values meet academic rigor, offering programs that prepare students for real-world challenges in various fields, particularly in health and education.

83% accepted 55% graduate $52,248 earnings

Rivier's full profile

#17

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH · 4,541 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 96%, Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, exemplifies academic excellence and student commitment. The small student body of 4,541 allows for a tight-knit community, fostering close relationships between students and faculty that enhance the educational experience. This supportive environment can be pivotal for students looking to thrive in their studies and beyond.

5% accepted 96% graduate $97,434 earnings

Dartmouth's full profile

#18

Saint Anselm College

Manchester, NH · 2,087 students · Private nonprofit

Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH, presents an inviting option for students who thrive in a supportive and engaging environment. With an acceptance rate of 78%, this college welcomes a diverse group of students, creating a vibrant campus atmosphere. The 82% graduation rate speaks to the commitment both students and faculty have toward academic success and personal development.

78% accepted 82% graduate $73,371 earnings

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH · 163,164 students · Private nonprofit

Southern New Hampshire University, with a staggering enrollment of 163,164 students, is a choice for individuals seeking flexibility and access to higher education. This university's open-door policy is reflected in its 100% acceptance rate, making it accessible for students from all walks of life. However, the 44% graduation rate raises important questions about student support and engagement in their academic journey.

100% accepted 44% graduate $50,318 earnings

Southern's full profile

When comparing the University of New Hampshire at Manchester with Manchester Community College, a notable difference emerges. UNH Manchester has an impressive graduation rate of 56% alongside higher average earnings of $66,479. In contrast, Manchester Community College offers a slightly higher net price of $14,143 and a lower graduation rate of 39%, making the value proposition different for potential students.

As you sift through the 19 schools listed, consider your individual priorities. Are you seeking a specific program, campus culture, or proximity to home? Weigh the net price against the potential earnings and your financial situation. A school with a higher debt load might be offset by better job prospects, so think critically about what matters most to you.

Ultimately, the path from college to stable employment is clearer for many graduates from these affordable institutions. Choosing the right college can set the foundation for financial stability and career success, impacting not just the graduate but their entire family. It's a significant decision that warrants careful consideration of all these factors.

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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