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99.9%Acceptance
$41,578Tuition
980Students
31%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$42,092Earnings
#21 in New HampshirePrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About New England College

New England College accepts nearly every applicant with a 99.94% acceptance rate, making it one of the most accessible four-year colleges in the country. This small liberal arts college in rural New Hampshire enrolls just 980 students and emphasizes hands-on experiential learning. The college has built its reputation around strong education and business programs that prepare students for practical careers. Students get personal attention with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio in the quiet town of Henniker.

The financial picture tells a complex story. Students pay an average net price of $30,299 after aid, which is substantial given that graduates earn a median of $42,092 ten years after graduation. Most students take on debt, with 73.44% using federal loans and graduating with a median debt of $26,000. The monthly loan payment of $276 represents a significant portion of early career earnings. Only 44.79% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.

Student success rates reveal challenges that prospective students should consider carefully. Just 31% of students graduate within six years, and only 60% return for their second year. The college fields 21 varsity sports teams with 336 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division III, creating a strong athletic culture despite academic retention struggles.

Academics & Faculty

New England College operates as a liberal arts institution where students explore broad academic disciplines while developing critical thinking skills across multiple fields. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom environment where professors know students personally and can provide individualized attention. However, only 31% of students graduate within six years, suggesting many struggle to complete their degrees despite the small class sizes. The college has built a reputation for strong education and business programs, preparing future teachers and entrepreneurs through hands-on learning experiences. Students benefit from experiential learning opportunities that connect classroom theory to real-world applications, though academic persistence remains a challenge for many.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
8:1
Full-Time Faculty
11.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
31.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
31.1%
Retention Rate
60.0%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,092
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Master $109,763
Educational Administration and Supervision. Doctoral $91,744
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $66,171
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Bachelor $65,332
Accounting and Related Services. Master $58,673
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $54,035
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $41,565
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $39,369
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management. Bachelor $32,382
Psychology, General. Bachelor $31,314

View all 105 programs →

Campus Life

New Hampshire winters mean heavy snow boots and thick coats are essential gear. Henniker sits about an hour from Manchester and two hours from Boston, giving students access to city life without the urban chaos. With housing capacity for 815 students and total enrollment of 980, most undergraduates live on campus in a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other.

The 8:1 student-faculty ratio creates classroom discussions that feel more like coffee shop conversations. Students gather around the campus green between classes, and the rural setting means weekend activities often involve hiking, skiing, or trips to nearby lakes. The Pilgrims compete in 21 varsity sports with 336 total athletes, so games draw decent crowds despite the small size. Many students head to Boston for weekend adventures, though the campus stays active with residence hall programming and outdoor recreation. The experiential learning focus means students spend time off-campus for internships and field work, but the close community always draws them back to their small-town college home.
Setting
Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity
815 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
12°–32°F
July Avg
58°–82°F
Annual Precipitation
48.0"
Annual Snowfall
68.0"

Student Demographics

New England College draws students who need a second chance or alternative path to their degree. The 99.94% acceptance rate means almost everyone gets admitted, making this a safety school for students who struggled academically. Women make up 58% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strength in education programs that traditionally attract more female students. About 42% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and lower-income families. Two-thirds come from out of state, suggesting students are looking for small college opportunities they can't find closer to home.
Men
41.9%
Women
58.1%
White
54.6%
Black
9.1%
Hispanic
10.8%
Asian
1.9%
In-State Students
34.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
41.9%

Location

New England College sits in Henniker, New Hampshire, a rural town about 20 miles west of Concord and roughly 90 minutes from Boston. The campus serves 980 students in New Hampshire's scenic Lakes Region, surrounded by rolling hills and forests typical of central New Hampshire. Henniker remains a classic New England college town where the campus forms the community's heart. The rural-distant setting means students experience true small-town life with outdoor recreation opportunities but limited urban amenities nearby. Winter sports and hiking trails define much of campus culture. Students considering colleges in New Hampshire may also compare New England College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Henniker, New Hampshire 03242
Lyoncenter
Lyoncenter

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$42,092
Median Earnings (5 years)
$47,799
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,700
Loan Repayment Rate
44.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at New England College?

New England College accepts 99.94% of applicants, making it one of the most accessible colleges in New Hampshire. The school focuses on providing opportunities for students who may not have traditional academic profiles but are ready to engage in hands-on learning.

How much does New England College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $30,299 after aid, less than the full tuition of $41,578. About 42% of students receive financial aid, and the college provides institutional grants averaging $29,272 to help make education affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at New England College?

New England College maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with just 980 students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention and supports the college's emphasis on experiential learning and close mentoring relationships.

What are the graduation rates at New England College?

New England College has a 31% six-year graduation rate and 60% retention rate. Graduates who complete their degrees earn a median salary of $42,092 ten years after graduation, with strong employment outcomes in education and business fields.

Where is New England College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in rural Henniker, New Hampshire, with housing capacity for 815 students on campus. Students can participate in 21 varsity sports as the Pilgrims, competing in NCAA Division III with 336 total athletes across all sports programs.

Does New England College offer athletic scholarships?

New England College offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution, where financial aid is based on need and merit rather than athletic performance. The Pilgrims compete in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference and emphasize the student-athlete experience over recruitment incentives.