Manchester Community College: $7,090 Tuition

$7,090Tuition

1,610Students

37%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$49,063Earnings

#8 in New HampshirePublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Manchester Community College

Manchester Community College serves as New Hampshire's largest two-year institution, educating 1,610 students in the Queen City's downtown core. The college has built a reputation for practical career training since 1945, with strong programs in healthcare, business, and skilled trades that connect directly to Manchester's growing job market. Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention typically harder to find at larger institutions.

The financial picture makes sense for working students and career changers. Average net price sits at $13,846, while in-state tuition costs just $7,090 annually. Graduates earn a median of $49,063 ten years after enrollment, creating a solid return on the typical $15,060 in debt. Monthly loan payments average just $160, making repayment manageable for most graduates. The college attracts primarily local students, with 88.74% coming from New Hampshire.

Employment outcomes tell the real story of value. The college posts a 93.3% employment rate, reflecting strong employer connections throughout the Manchester area. Students split nearly evenly between men and women, while the diverse student body includes significant Hispanic representation at 13.48%. The semester calendar accommodates working adults juggling education with family and job responsibilities.

Academics & Faculty

Manchester Community College serves as New Hampshire's gateway to affordable higher education and workforce training. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that many students need to succeed in their academic journey. However, the 36.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and school commitments. The college focuses heavily on career preparation and transfer pathways to four-year universities. Strong programs include nursing, business, and liberal arts transfer options that prepare students for New Hampshire's state university system. Many students use MCC as a cost-effective way to complete general education requirements before transferring to complete their bachelor's degrees.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 22.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,063

Campus Life

Manchester Community College sits in New Hampshire's largest city, about an hour north of Boston. The 1,610 students split nearly evenly between men and women at 49.5% and 50.5%. Winter coats are essential here - Manchester sees snow from December through March, with January temperatures often dropping below 20 degrees. The campus doesn't offer housing, so students commute from across the region, though 88.7% come from within New Hampshire.

The small student body creates a close-knit feel with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio allowing for personal attention. Students often gather in the student center between classes or study in small groups at the library. Weekends typically mean heading home or exploring Manchester's Millyard District, where old textile mills now house restaurants and shops. Many students work part-time jobs around the city - the 93.3% employment rate reflects the strong local job market. Popular programs include nursing and business, preparing students for careers in Manchester's growing healthcare and financial services sectors.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1945

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–31°F
July Avg: 60°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.5"
Annual Snowfall: 52.8"

Student Demographics

Manchester Community College draws students from across New Hampshire, with nearly 9 in 10 coming from in-state. The school serves a diverse working-class population, with about 1 in 4 students receiving Pell Grants for financial assistance. Students split almost evenly between men and women, reflecting the college's broad range of career-focused programs. The student body is primarily white but includes significant Hispanic and Black representation. Most students are seeking practical job training or preparing to transfer to four-year universities while staying close to home.

Men: 49.5%
Women: 50.5%
White: 66.4%
Black: 5.6%
Hispanic: 13.5%
Asian: 4.4%
In-State Students: 88.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.3%

Location

Manchester Community College sits in New Hampshire's largest city, about 50 miles north of Boston. The campus serves 1,610 students in Manchester's urban core, where old mill buildings mix with modern businesses. Nearly 89% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational center. Manchester offers the amenities of a midsize city without overwhelming college-town crowds. The Merrimack River runs through downtown, and students can reach New Hampshire's White Mountains within an hour for hiking and skiing. The city's proximity to Boston provides internship and job opportunities while keeping living costs manageable. Students considering colleges in New Hampshire may also compare Manchester Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Manchester, New Hampshire 03102-8518

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $49,063
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 50.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $160/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $15,060

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Manchester Community College?

Manchester Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, accepting nearly all applicants who apply. The school serves 1,610 students and maintains a 11:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. Founded in 1945, it has become New Hampshire's largest community college and focuses on workforce development and transfer preparation.

How much does Manchester Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,846 annually at Manchester Community College. In-state tuition runs $7,090 while out-of-state students pay $15,340. The school keeps costs manageable with 25.3% of students receiving Pell Grants and graduates leaving with a median debt of just $15,060.

What academic programs is Manchester Community College known for?

Manchester Community College offers career-focused programs with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures close mentoring. The school operates on a semester system and emphasizes hands-on learning in fields like healthcare, technology, and business. Students benefit from small class sizes and faculty with industry experience who prepare them for immediate employment or transfer to four-year schools.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Manchester Community College?

Manchester Community College graduates achieve a 93.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market demand for their skills. Alumni earn a median salary of $49,063 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of career-focused training. The school's 36.8% six-year graduation rate includes many students who transfer to four-year institutions before completing their associate degrees.

Where is Manchester Community College located and what is campus life like?

Manchester Community College sits in New Hampshire's largest city, serving a student body that is 88.7% in-state residents. The urban setting provides internship and job opportunities while maintaining an evenly split gender ratio of 49.5% men and 50.5% women. Students commute to campus rather than living in dorms, creating a practical, career-focused atmosphere.

Does Manchester Community College offer good financial aid for working students?

Manchester Community College keeps education affordable with graduates making monthly loan payments of just $160 on average. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $11,386, while those from higher-income families pay around $17,069. The school's loan repayment rate of 50.3% reflects the practical, job-ready education that helps graduates manage their debt successfully.