Skip to main content
$7,140Tuition
1,039Students
30%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$46,164Earnings
#13 in New HampshirePublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Nashua Community College

Nashua Community College serves as southern New Hampshire's primary gateway to affordable higher education and career training. The college enrolls 1,039 students in a small city setting, offering both transfer pathways to four-year universities and direct-entry career programs. Students benefit from an 8:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention. The college has built its reputation around practical, workforce-focused education that meets regional employment demands.

Students pay an average net price of $15,026, though those from lower-income families pay less at $12,770. Graduates earn a median of $46,164 ten years after starting college, making the typical debt load of $11,000 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $117, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping education affordable. The investment pays off with a 94.6% employment rate for graduates.

The student body reflects New Hampshire's changing demographics, with 23.20% Hispanic students and 53.03% women. Nearly all students are New Hampshire residents at 95.25%, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. However, the 30.20% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared to focus on their studies and take advantage of the strong faculty support available.

Academics & Faculty

Nashua Community College focuses on career training and transfer programs that serve southern New Hampshire's workforce needs. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where instructors know students personally and can provide hands-on guidance. The college offers pathways in nursing, business, liberal arts, and technical fields like automotive technology and computer information systems. About 30% of students complete their programs within six years, which reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working. The school's strength lies in affordable workforce preparation rather than traditional four-year academics. Students often transfer credits to four-year institutions or enter careers directly after completing certificate and associate degree programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
8:1
Full-Time Faculty
17.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
30.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,164

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $47,952
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $38,289
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $33,993
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $25,774

View all 49 programs →

Campus Life

Nashua Community College sits in New Hampshire's second-largest city, about 45 minutes north of Boston. With 1,039 students spread across a commuter campus, this isn't a place where you'll find dorms or weekend football games. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where instructors know your name, but you'll head home each evening rather than hanging out in a quad.

Winter coats are essential from December through March when snow blankets southern New Hampshire. The 95% in-state student body reflects the school's role as a local workforce pipeline. Students often work part-time jobs while taking classes, fitting their education around family and career obligations. The Jaguars compete in some sports, though athletics take a back seat to practical training programs. Weekends typically mean catching up on coursework, working shifts, or spending time with family rather than campus parties. The employment rate of 94.6% suggests most graduates quickly transition into jobs rather than transferring to four-year schools, making this a distinctly career-focused environment.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1970

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 1
Dating Violence 0 0 0 1
Rape 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
13°–34°F
July Avg
61°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
48.2"
Annual Snowfall
52.9"

Student Demographics

Nashua Community College draws from New Hampshire's diverse southern region, with 95% of students staying close to home for affordable career training. The student body reflects the area's changing demographics, with nearly a quarter identifying as Hispanic and strong representation across racial groups. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges that emphasize healthcare and human services programs. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking practical skills without massive debt. The Jaguars build a regional workforce through accessible education.
Men
47.0%
Women
53.0%
White
59.3%
Black
5.8%
Hispanic
23.2%
Asian
4.0%
In-State Students
95.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
25.1%

Location

Nashua Community College sits in New Hampshire's second-largest city, about 45 miles north of Boston. Nashua has a population of roughly 90,000 and serves as a regional center for southern New Hampshire. The city blends suburban neighborhoods with light industry and technology companies along the Massachusetts border. Students benefit from proximity to both New England's job markets and outdoor recreation in the White Mountains region. Nearly 95% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role serving local residents. The campus draws from Nashua's diverse community, with 23% Hispanic enrollment reflecting the city's growing Latino population. Students considering colleges in New Hampshire may also compare Nashua Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Nashua, New Hampshire 03063-1026

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,164
Median Earnings (5 years)
$48,843
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$33,000
Loan Repayment Rate
52.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Nashua Community College?

Nashua Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college serves 1,039 students and draws 95.25% of its enrollment from New Hampshire residents. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students beginning their college journey or changing careers.

How much does Nashua Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,026 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,770 after aid, while higher-income families pay around $18,752. Only 25.14% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mix of traditional and non-traditional learners.

What is the class size like at Nashua Community College?

The student-faculty ratio is 8:1, providing relatively small classes and personal attention from instructors. This intimate learning environment supports students who may need extra help transitioning to college-level work. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on hands-on career training alongside traditional academic courses.

What are employment outcomes like for Nashua Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 94.6% employment rate, reflecting the college's emphasis on career-focused programs. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $46,164, while typical monthly loan payments are just $117. The relatively low debt burden of $11,000 makes this an affordable path to middle-class careers in southern New Hampshire.

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

The college sits in Nashua, a small city in southern New Hampshire near the Massachusetts border. With just over 1,000 students, campus life centers around academics rather than traditional college activities. The Jaguars athletic teams provide some school spirit, but most students commute and balance studies with work or family responsibilities.

Does Nashua Community College have good transfer opportunities?

The college excels at preparing students for transfer to four-year universities, with a graduation rate of 30.20% that's typical for community colleges nationwide. Founded in 1970, it has established strong transfer agreements with New Hampshire's public universities. Many students use the affordable tuition of $7,140 for in-state residents to complete general education requirements before transferring.