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New Hampshire Community College System anchors the state's most affordable higher education options, with programs averaging under $4,000 annually for residents. Manchester Community College leads with 23 degree pathways, while Great Bay Community College offers specialized marine technology training that connects directly to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard opportunities. The state's two-year institutions serve 12,000 students across seven campuses, providing direct career preparation for New Hampshire's growing healthcare sector, which employs over 85,000 residents. River Valley Community College partners with local manufacturers in the Connecticut River Valley, where precision manufacturing companies like Hypertherm maintain headquarters. These colleges maintain transfer agreements with the University of New Hampshire system, allowing students to complete associate degrees affordably before pursuing bachelor's programs. Nashua Community College supports the state's technology corridor, where companies like Dyn and Oracle have established operations. White Mountains Community College serves the North Country's tourism and forestry industries, essential to a region where outdoor recreation contributes $2.5 billion annually to the state economy.

Programs in New Hampshire

Programs by affordability
Program Most Affordable School Net Price
Accounting and Related Services University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
Area Studies Keene State College $19,164
Biology, General University of New Hampshire at Manchester $13,302
Business Administration, Management and Operations University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
Chemistry Keene State College $19,164
Communication and Media Studies University of New Hampshire at Manchester $13,302
Computer and Information Sciences, General University of New Hampshire at Manchester $13,302
Criminal Justice and Corrections University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
Design and Applied Arts Keene State College $19,164
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Keene State College $19,164
Economics Keene State College $19,164
Education, General Keene State College $19,164
English Language and Literature, General University of New Hampshire at Manchester $13,302
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Keene State College $19,164
Finance and Financial Management Services Plymouth State University $19,685
Fine and Studio Arts Keene State College $19,164
Health and Medical Administrative Services University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
Health and Physical Education/Fitness Keene State College $19,164
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
History University of New Hampshire at Manchester $13,302
Hospitality Administration/Management University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
Human Services, General University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities University of New Hampshire at Manchester $13,302
Marketing University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
Mathematics Keene State College $19,164
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
Music Keene State College $19,164
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Keene State College $19,164
Neurobiology and Neurosciences University of New Hampshire at Manchester $13,302
Philosophy Plymouth State University $19,685
Political Science and Government University of New Hampshire at Manchester $13,302
Psychology, General University of New Hampshire at Manchester $13,302
Public Health Keene State College $19,164
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Keene State College $19,164
Social Sciences, General University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
Sociology Keene State College $19,164
Special Education and Teaching University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online $14,106

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes New Hampshire community colleges particularly affordable?

In-state tuition averages $3,600 per year across the seven-campus system. Students save approximately $8,000 annually compared to four-year public universities. The state provides additional need-based aid through the New Hampshire Incentive Program, reducing costs further for qualifying residents.

How do these programs connect to New Hampshire's job market?

Over 75% of graduates find employment within six months in fields directly related to their studies. Healthcare programs feed into New Hampshire's 26 hospitals, while business programs serve the state's 4,200 manufacturing establishments. Many programs include internships with local employers.

Does completing an associate degree guarantee transfer to four-year schools?

The Running Start program guarantees transfer of credits to University of New Hampshire campuses for students maintaining a 2.0 GPA. Plymouth State and Keene State also accept community college credits seamlessly. Transfer students typically save $15,000 on their bachelor's degree.

Where can students find the most specialized affordable programs?

Great Bay Community College offers unique marine technology and aquaculture programs serving Portsmouth's maritime industry. White Mountains Community College provides forest technology training for the state's $1.4 billion forest products sector. Lakes Region Community College specializes in automotive technology.

What financial aid options specifically help New Hampshire residents?

The New Hampshire Scholarship Program provides up to $1,000 annually based on academic merit. Work-study positions average 15 hours weekly at $12 per hour. The Granite State Grant covers up to 50% of remaining costs for students from families earning under $60,000.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships. See our methodology.