Colleges and Universities in New Hampshire: An Overview

New Hampshire, with its motto "Live Free or Die," boasts a rich history as one of the original 13 colonies. The state offers a blend of academic excellence and scenic natural beauty, attracting students to its various colleges and universities. Characterized by warm, humid summers and long, cold, snowy winters (with milder weather in the southeastern region due to the Atlantic Ocean), New Hampshire's higher education landscape is as diverse as its climate. From the Ivy League's Dartmouth College to a network of community colleges, the Granite State provides a range of options for students seeking postsecondary education.

Higher Education Landscape

The University System of New Hampshire is the largest provider of postsecondary education in the state. For the purposes of this overview, colleges and universities are defined as accredited, degree-granting, postsecondary institutions. Currently, there are several universities and a law school, as well as a number of undergraduate associates and baccalaureate colleges, operating in the state. The state's three public universities are administered by the University System of New Hampshire. New Hampshire is also served by a network of seven public community colleges. The oldest school in the state is Dartmouth College, a member of the Ivy League and the only New Hampshire institution founded before the American Revolution.

Most colleges and universities in New Hampshire are located in the more populated southern half of the state and in cities such as Manchester, Nashua and the state capital of Concord. Four-year, degree-granting institutions in New Hampshire include midsize universities and small liberal arts colleges. The public universities in New Hampshire operate within the University System of New Hampshire.

Public Higher Education

The public universities in New Hampshire operate within the University System of New Hampshire. The University System of New Hampshire is the largest provider of postsecondary education in the Granite State. The state's three public universities are administered by the University System of New Hampshire. New Hampshire is also served by a network of seven public community colleges. New Hampshire has seven community colleges that offer opportunities for full-time, part-time and lifelong students.

Residents of New Hampshire can attend select public colleges in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut and Maine through the New England Regional Student Program and pay no more than 175% of the in-state tuition rate, provided they are enrolled in an approved degree program.

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Spotlight on Institutions

Colleges in New Hampshire are scattered throughout the state, with Dartmouth College as the oldest and most selective. Located in the center of America’s Northeast education corridor, the Granite State is home to top-ranked institutions for higher education. On the other side of the state, Dartmouth College is home to the country’s fourth oldest medical school.

Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College stands as the oldest institution in New Hampshire and a member of the prestigious Ivy League. Founded before the American Revolution, Dartmouth has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence.Dartmouth College is home to the country’s fourth oldest medical school.Sixty years ago, the Hopkins Center for the Arts brought the arts under one roof welcoming a world of culture and fostering community connections. Now we’ve expanded that vision to be more open and more inspiring. The new Hop will enrich learning and creative exploration, strengthen community and foster well-being, and drive innovation and impact. Celebrate the grand opening of the reimagined Hopkins Center for the Arts and the dedication of the Roth Wing with a weekend of creativity, connection, and unforgettable performances.

Other Notable Institutions

Keene State College:
Plymouth State University:
University of New Hampshire (Main Campus): A Land-, Sea- and Space-Grant Institution.
University of New Hampshire at Manchester: The University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies is the formal name for the Manchester campus and its online program.
University of New Hampshire - School of Law:
Southern New Hampshire University:

Community Colleges

Great Bay Community College:
Lakes Region Community College:
Manchester Community College:
Nashua Community College:
NHTI - Concord's Community College:
River Valley Community College:
White Mountains Community College:

Additional Colleges and Universities

Antioch University - New England
Colby-Sawyer College
Franklin Pierce University
Hellenic American University
New England College
Rivier University
Saint Anselm College
St. Joseph School of Nursing
Thomas More College of Liberal Arts

Resources for Students

Granite Edvance’s mission is to support New Hampshire students and families in navigating their education and career pathways. Granite Edvance (formerly the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation, or the NHHEAF Network) has been helping New Hampshire families plan and pay for higher education for over 60 years. They are a capable and trusted provider of student loan products. And they provide students, families, and schools with expertise and support on all parts of college and career planning. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, their earnings are reinvested in New Hampshire.Private, nonprofit organization assisting NH residents with educational expenses. General guide to scholarships/financial aid distributed by the Foundation. Non-profit consortium of NH public and private institutions of higher education.

New Hampshire's Appeal

New Hampshire provides students with a blend of academic excellence, historic charm, and scenic natural beauty. College towns like Hanover and Durham are welcoming and full of character, featuring local shops, cafes, and community events. New Hampshire’s natural landscape, from the White Mountains to the Lakes Region, offers students endless opportunities for year-round outdoor activities, making it ideal for those who appreciate nature and adventure. The state’s small-town feel fosters close-knit campus communities and personalized learning experiences, while its proximity to larger cities like Boston provides access to internships, cultural experiences, and career networking.

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