At $13,302/yr net price, University of New Hampshire at Manchester graduates earn $66,479/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $32,479/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,302 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,208 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,479/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,479/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,814 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,812/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,490/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,022/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,191/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,744/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $70,112 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $41,317 | $25,990 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $39,849 | $26,250 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,000 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | Bachelor | $35,240 | $23,250 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,711 | $26,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $31,670 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $30,926 | $22,750 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $29,503 | $24,250 |
The Risk Factor
65.1% of students at University of New Hampshire at Manchester graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of New Hampshire at Manchester delivers solid financial returns for a regional public college, with graduates earning above-average salaries relative to the low cost of attendance. The computer science program stands out as the clear winner, producing graduates who earn $70,112 annually with manageable debt loads.
Your choice of major matters significantly at this campus. Computer science majors see strong returns that justify their investment, while biology and neuroscience graduates face concerning earning potential given their debt levels. Communication studies falls somewhere in between but still lags behind computer science by nearly $30,000 in annual earnings.
The school's 65% graduation rate presents real completion risk. You face a one-in-three chance of not finishing your degree, which would leave you with debt but no credential. The 68% retention rate signals that many students struggle to adjust or find the programs they need.
This campus works best for New Hampshire residents pursuing technical fields who want university credentials without the debt load of a four-year residential experience. If you can complete the computer science program, the financial payoff is strong. However, if you're interested in biology or neuroscience, you should consider whether other schools might offer better career preparation for those fields.
The relatively low percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests limited need-based assistance, making this school particularly attractive for middle-income families who might not qualify for aid elsewhere but still need affordable options. The modest debt levels across all programs indicate reasonable cost management for those who complete their degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of New Hampshire at Manchester worth the cost?
UNH Manchester offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $13,302 per year and graduates earning $66,479 after 10 years. The 65% graduation rate is concerning, but manageable debt levels around $26,814 make it a reasonable choice for most students.
What are the best paying majors at University of New Hampshire at Manchester?
Computer and Information Sciences graduates earn the highest at $70,112 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI. Other programs like Communication ($41,317) and Biology ($39,849) offer much lower returns despite similar costs.
How much debt do University of New Hampshire at Manchester graduates have?
Typical graduates leave with $26,814 in debt, which is manageable given the $66,479 average earnings. However, avoid lower-paying programs like Neurobiology ($35,240) where debt payments could strain your budget.
What are the downsides of attending University of New Hampshire at Manchester?
The 65% graduation rate means one in three students don't finish, wasting time and money. Many programs outside of computer science offer poor earning potential relative to the investment required.