About Plymouth State University
Plymouth State University serves 3,298 students in New Hampshire's White Mountains. The university has built a reputation for outdoor education and adventure sports programs that take advantage of its mountain location. Students often choose Plymouth for its proximity to skiing, hiking, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The 97.55% acceptance rate makes it accessible to most applicants seeking a small-town college experience.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $19,685 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $57,304 ten years after graduation. However, the 4-year graduation rate sits at just 49.16%, meaning many students take longer to complete their degrees. Those who borrow graduate with a median debt of $26,000 and monthly loan payments of $276.
The Panthers compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports with 553 total athletes participating. The student body draws roughly equal numbers from in-state and out-of-state, with 46.60% being New Hampshire residents. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides opportunities for personal attention, though the 71.30% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life in this remote mountain setting.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $19,685 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $57,304 ten years after graduation. However, the 4-year graduation rate sits at just 49.16%, meaning many students take longer to complete their degrees. Those who borrow graduate with a median debt of $26,000 and monthly loan payments of $276.
The Panthers compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports with 553 total athletes participating. The student body draws roughly equal numbers from in-state and out-of-state, with 46.60% being New Hampshire residents. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides opportunities for personal attention, though the 71.30% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life in this remote mountain setting.
Academics & Faculty
Plymouth State University operates as a full public university with a teaching-focused mission rather than research emphasis. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors in smaller classroom settings. However, only 49% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing academics with work or financial pressures. The university is particularly known for its education programs, which have trained teachers for New Hampshire schools for over 150 years. Business, criminal justice, and outdoor recreation programs also draw students who want practical, career-oriented degrees. The relatively low graduation rate of 47% over six years suggests students may struggle with academic preparation or financial constraints despite the supportive class sizes.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 53.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.4%
- Retention Rate
- 71.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,304
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $73,949 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,324 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,771 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $57,995 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $53,358 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $51,273 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $47,729 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $47,260 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $45,919 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,170 |
Campus Life
Plymouth State sits in New Hampshire's White Mountains, about 90 minutes north of Boston. The campus houses 2,364 students in residence halls, with most undergraduates living on campus during their first few years. Winter here means serious snow and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from December through March. Students bundle up in heavy coats and boots for the trek between classes.
The town of Plymouth feels genuinely small, with about 6,000 year-round residents beyond the 3,298 students. Weekends often revolve around outdoor activities like skiing at nearby Waterville Valley or hiking the surrounding trails. The campus maintains a tight-knit feel with its 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students gather at the campus pub or attend Panthers athletic events, though Division III sports draw modest crowds. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Many students head home or to larger cities on weekends, especially since 46.60% come from in-state. The rural setting creates a genuine college bubble experience where everyone knows each other.
The town of Plymouth feels genuinely small, with about 6,000 year-round residents beyond the 3,298 students. Weekends often revolve around outdoor activities like skiing at nearby Waterville Valley or hiking the surrounding trails. The campus maintains a tight-knit feel with its 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students gather at the campus pub or attend Panthers athletic events, though Division III sports draw modest crowds. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Many students head home or to larger cities on weekends, especially since 46.60% come from in-state. The rural setting creates a genuine college bubble experience where everyone knows each other.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 2,364 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1871
Campus Safety (2023)
30 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 5°–27°F
- July Avg
- 53°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 69.7"
Student Demographics
Plymouth State draws students who value small-town New Hampshire living and accessible education. The student body splits almost evenly between in-state and out-of-state students, reflecting both strong local ties and the appeal of New England college life. One in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to serving working-class families. The slight male majority connects to Plymouth State's strong programs in business, outdoor recreation, and adventure education. Students here tend to be hands-on learners who want practical skills alongside their degrees.
- Men
- 52.2%
- Women
- 47.8%
- White
- 78.8%
- Black
- 1.9%
- Hispanic
- 5.3%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 46.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.6%
Location
Plymouth State University sits in Plymouth, New Hampshire, roughly 100 miles north of Boston. The campus occupies a small college town in the heart of the White Mountains region. About 47% of students come from in-state, drawn to the outdoor recreation opportunities that surround this mountain community. The town feels remote despite housing 3,298 students, with hiking trails, ski slopes, and lakes defining the local landscape more than urban amenities. Winter sports dominate campus culture during New Hampshire's long cold season. The setting attracts students who want a traditional college experience away from city distractions. Students considering colleges in New Hampshire may also compare Plymouth State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Plymouth, New Hampshire 03264-1595
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,304
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,500
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 68.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Plymouth State University?
Plymouth State accepts 97.55% of applicants, making it one of New Hampshire's most accessible public universities. The school focuses on providing opportunities for students from diverse academic backgrounds rather than maintaining highly selective admissions.
How much does Plymouth State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,685 annually after aid. In-state students benefit from lower tuition at $14,558, while the total cost including room and board reaches $28,072 for those living on campus.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Plymouth State University?
Plymouth State maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,298 total students. The university is known for its hands-on learning approach and strong programs in education, business, and meteorology.
What are the graduation rates at Plymouth State University?
The university has a 49.16% four-year graduation rate and 47.40% six-year rate. Students who graduate earn a median of $57,304 ten years after starting college, with strong employment prospects in New England.
Where is Plymouth State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Plymouth, New Hampshire, a small town in the White Mountains region. With housing for 2,364 students and 553 student-athletes competing in 21 Division III sports, the Panthers create a tight-knit mountain community.
Does Plymouth State University have a strong meteorology program?
Plymouth State houses one of the most respected undergraduate meteorology programs in the Northeast. The university's location in New Hampshire provides ideal conditions for studying weather patterns, and graduates often pursue careers with the National Weather Service and private forecasting companies.
Similar Schools
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Keene State College
Keene, New Hampshire
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania