Great Bay Community College: $7,200 Tuition

$7,200Tuition

1,262Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,397Earnings

#15 in New HampshirePublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Great Bay Community College

Great Bay Community College serves as New Hampshire's coastal gateway to affordable higher education. The school enrolls 1,262 students in a small suburban setting that combines accessibility with the charm of the Seacoast region. Known for strong career-focused programs in healthcare, business, and trades, Great Bay emphasizes hands-on learning that connects directly to local job markets. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in classrooms designed around practical skills.

Students pay an average net price of $18,587, which remains consistent across most income levels. Graduates earn a median of $42,397 ten years after starting, while carrying manageable debt loads of $13,828. The employment rate hits 93.2%, reflecting the college's focus on job-ready training. Monthly loan payments average just $147, making this education financially sustainable for most graduates.

The student body is 92.11% in-state, creating a tight-knit community feel. Women make up 58.24% of enrollment, typical for community colleges. Only 26.36% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many working adults and part-time learners choose Great Bay for career advancement. Six varsity sports programs serve 45 student athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships.

Academics & Faculty

Great Bay Community College serves as New Hampshire's coastal gateway to healthcare and technical careers. The college's nursing program consistently produces graduates who fill critical shortages at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and other Seacoast medical facilities. Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables hands-on learning in labs and clinical settings. The 29.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer after completing prerequisites or earn certificates in high-demand fields like automotive technology and culinary arts. The college's location near Portsmouth Naval Shipyard creates strong pathways into marine trades and defense contracting. Most students complete associate degrees in health sciences, business, or liberal arts before transferring to four-year universities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 23.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,397

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$59,011
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$43,426
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$43,426
Materials Engineering	Certificate	$32,563
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$28,816
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$28,598

View all 48 programs →

Campus Life

Great Bay's compact campus sits just outside Portsmouth, putting you 15 minutes from New Hampshire's historic seaport and an hour from Boston. With 1,262 students spread across a suburban setting, you'll recognize faces quickly on this tight-knit campus. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, not just your student ID number.

New Hampshire winters demand serious outerwear from December through March, with snow boots being as essential as textbooks. Since Great Bay doesn't offer housing, the 92% of students from New Hampshire typically commute from home or nearby apartments. This creates a different weekend vibe than traditional colleges. Students often head to Portsmouth's downtown for restaurants and shops, or take advantage of being 20 minutes from the Atlantic coast. The small athletic program fields just 6 varsity teams with 45 total athletes, so school spirit centers more around academic programs than game day traditions. Most students balance classes with part-time jobs, preparing for careers or transfer to four-year schools.

Setting: Suburb-Small
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 16°–32°F
July Avg: 60°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.7"
Annual Snowfall: 65.0"

Student Demographics

Great Bay draws overwhelmingly from New Hampshire communities, with 92% of students staying close to home for affordable career training. The student body skews female at 58%, reflecting strong programs in healthcare and human services that traditionally attract women. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking practical skills without crushing debt. The school has built a solid reputation as the Seacoast region's go-to option for hands-on programs like nursing, automotive technology, and culinary arts that lead directly to local employment.

Men: 41.8%
Women: 58.2%
White: 75.4%
Black: 2.5%
Hispanic: 8.0%
Asian: 4.4%
In-State Students: 92.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.4%

Location

Great Bay Community College sits in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, about 60 miles north of Boston. The Seacoast region blends small-town charm with access to both mountains and ocean. Portsmouth itself is a historic port city known for its colonial architecture and thriving arts scene. Students here are 15 minutes from New Hampshire's short but scenic coastline and about an hour from the White Mountains. The 92.11% in-state enrollment reflects the school's strong ties to local communities. With 1,262 students on a suburban campus, Great Bay offers the intimacy of small-town learning while staying connected to New England's job markets. Students considering colleges in New Hampshire may also compare Great Bay Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801-2879

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,397
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,245
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 52.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $147/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,828

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process like at Great Bay Community College?

Great Bay Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college serves 1,262 students with 92.11% coming from New Hampshire. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students beginning their higher education journey or seeking career training.

How much does Great Bay Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $18,587 annually, though only 26.36% receive financial aid. In-state tuition stands at $7,200 while out-of-state students pay $15,450. The college offers limited institutional grants, with just 5.39% of students receiving an average of $5,529.

What are class sizes like at Great Bay Community College?

The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. This intimate learning environment helps students build relationships with instructors. The college operates on a semester calendar system to structure the academic year.

What career outcomes can students expect from Great Bay Community College?

Graduates earn a median salary of $42,397 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 93.2% employment rate. The 29.60% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education. Students typically graduate with $13,828 in debt and monthly loan payments of $147.

Where is Great Bay Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a small suburban setting that offers both coastal charm and easy access to larger cities. With 58.24% women and 41.76% men, the student body is predominantly female. The campus offers six varsity sports programs with 45 total athletes competing without athletic scholarships.

What makes Great Bay Community College unique among New Hampshire colleges?

The college serves as a crucial pathway for New Hampshire residents, with over 90% of students coming from in-state. Its location in Portsmouth provides access to both maritime industries and the broader Seacoast economy. The 75.44% white student population reflects the regional demographics, while growing diversity includes 8% Hispanic and 4.44% Asian students.