About Keene State College
Keene State College has built a reputation as a creative center in the Monadnock region, drawing 2,680 students to its campus in southwestern New Hampshire. The school excels in education and arts programs, with many graduates becoming teachers, artists, and performers throughout New England. Students appreciate the intimate town setting that feels removed from urban distractions yet connected to New Hampshire's cultural scene.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for families seeking affordable education. Students pay an average net price of $19,164, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $11,111 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $54,368 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $25,749. The monthly loan payment of $273 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential.
Nearly half the student body comes from out of state, creating a diverse mix despite the 84.78% white enrollment. The Owls compete in 18 Division III sports with 400 student-athletes, fostering school spirit without the pressure of athletic scholarships. The 78.47% retention rate suggests students find their footing, though the 58.40% six-year graduation rate indicates some struggle to finish. Employment prospects look strong with a 97.8% employment rate for graduates.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for families seeking affordable education. Students pay an average net price of $19,164, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $11,111 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $54,368 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $25,749. The monthly loan payment of $273 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential.
Nearly half the student body comes from out of state, creating a diverse mix despite the 84.78% white enrollment. The Owls compete in 18 Division III sports with 400 student-athletes, fostering school spirit without the pressure of athletic scholarships. The 78.47% retention rate suggests students find their footing, though the 58.40% six-year graduation rate indicates some struggle to finish. Employment prospects look strong with a 97.8% employment rate for graduates.
Academics & Faculty
This public liberal arts college built its reputation around education and arts programs that prepare students for creative and teaching careers. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors know students by name and can provide individualized attention. Keene State's education program has long been a pipeline for New Hampshire teachers, while its arts offerings include strong theater, music, and visual arts departments. The 58.4% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing academic demands with financial pressures. Liberal arts students here get broad exposure across disciplines rather than narrow specialization, developing critical thinking and communication skills that employers value across industries.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 46.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.4%
- Retention Rate
- 78.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,368
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,839 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $55,693 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $49,980 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $44,542 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $43,575 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $41,789 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $40,461 |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Bachelor | $40,368 |
Campus Life
Keene sits in southwestern New Hampshire, about two hours from Boston and an hour from the Vermont ski slopes. You'll need that winter coat - snow typically blankets the campus from December through March. The 168-acre campus houses 1,999 students, meaning roughly 75% of undergraduates live on campus in residence halls that range from traditional dorms to apartment-style housing.
With 2,680 total students, Keene feels like a close-knit community where professors know your name. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes and personal attention. Weekends often center around outdoor activities like hiking Mount Monadnock or heading to nearby ski resorts. The Redfern Arts Center draws students to theater productions and concerts, while the college's strong music and education programs create a campus culture that values creativity and service. Division III athletics field 18 varsity teams with 400 student-athletes competing as the Owls. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Students often gather in downtown Keene, a classic New England college town with local cafes and shops within walking distance.
With 2,680 total students, Keene feels like a close-knit community where professors know your name. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes and personal attention. Weekends often center around outdoor activities like hiking Mount Monadnock or heading to nearby ski resorts. The Redfern Arts Center draws students to theater productions and concerts, while the college's strong music and education programs create a campus culture that values creativity and service. Division III athletics field 18 varsity teams with 400 student-athletes competing as the Owls. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Students often gather in downtown Keene, a classic New England college town with local cafes and shops within walking distance.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,999 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1909
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–30°F
- July Avg
- 56°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 59.8"
Student Demographics
Students at this public liberal arts college split nearly evenly between in-state and out-of-state enrollment, drawing about half its 2,680 students from New Hampshire and half from across New England. The student body skews slightly female, reflecting the college's strong reputation in education and social work programs that traditionally attract more women. With nearly a quarter of students receiving Pell Grants, Keene State serves many first-generation college students from working-class families. The predominantly white student population mirrors rural New Hampshire demographics, though the college has been working to increase diversity in recent years.
- Men
- 47.0%
- Women
- 53.0%
- White
- 84.8%
- Black
- 1.9%
- Hispanic
- 4.9%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 47.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.7%
Location
Keene State College sits in Keene, New Hampshire, about 90 miles northwest of Boston. The college draws roughly equal numbers of in-state and out-of-state students, with 47% coming from New Hampshire. Keene is a classic New England college town nestled in the Monadnock Region, surrounded by rolling hills and within easy reach of both the White Mountains and Green Mountains. The town blends historic charm with outdoor recreation opportunities. Students enjoy a small-town atmosphere where the college serves as a cultural center. The campus houses 1,999 students in residence halls. Students considering colleges in New Hampshire may also compare Keene State College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Keene, New Hampshire 03435-1506
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,368
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,325
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 73.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $273/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,749
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Keene State College?
Keene State College accepts 89.53% of applicants, making it highly accessible for most students. The college draws students who value its strong liberal arts focus and education programs in New Hampshire's scenic Monadnock region.
How much does Keene State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,164 after aid, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,111 on average, while the college keeps debt manageable with a median of $25,749 for graduates.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Keene State College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 16:1 among the college's 2,680 students. Keene State built its reputation on personalized attention in education and arts programs, helping students develop close mentoring relationships with professors.
Does Keene State College have good job outcomes for graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $54,368 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 97.8% employment rate. The college's strong teacher preparation programs and liberal arts foundation help students launch careers across New Hampshire and New England.
Where do students live at Keene State College?
The campus houses up to 1,999 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. Keene's small town setting provides a classic New England college experience just two hours from Boston.
What athletic opportunities exist at Keene State College?
The Owls compete in 18 varsity sports at the NCAA Division III level with 400 total student-athletes. As a Division III school, Keene State offers no athletic scholarships but emphasizes the scholar-athlete ideal within the Little East Conference.
