About University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
The University of New Hampshire draws 11,230 students to its Durham campus for strong engineering and business programs backed by serious research initiatives. The town-fringe setting creates a classic college atmosphere where academics take center stage. Notable graduates include comedians Adam Sandler and Sarah Silverman, proving the Wildcats produce talent beyond the lab and lecture hall. With an 87% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1220, UNH welcomes motivated students without being impossibly selective.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for public education value. Students pay an average net price of $23,261, while graduates earn a median of $66,479 ten years after graduation. That income easily covers the typical monthly loan payment of $284. Out-of-state students face steeper costs at $38,882 in tuition, but strong career outcomes help justify the investment. Only 18% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting families generally have resources to handle college costs.
UNH fields 16 varsity sports as a Division I program, with 490 student-athletes competing as Wildcats. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures reasonable class sizes for a research university. With 86% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, students clearly find what they're looking for in Durham.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for public education value. Students pay an average net price of $23,261, while graduates earn a median of $66,479 ten years after graduation. That income easily covers the typical monthly loan payment of $284. Out-of-state students face steeper costs at $38,882 in tuition, but strong career outcomes help justify the investment. Only 18% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting families generally have resources to handle college costs.
UNH fields 16 varsity sports as a Division I program, with 490 student-athletes competing as Wildcats. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures reasonable class sizes for a research university. With 86% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, students clearly find what they're looking for in Durham.
Academics & Faculty
UNH operates as a public research university where students can dive into substantial undergraduate research opportunities alongside faculty. The engineering and business programs draw students from across New England, with the engineering school particularly known for its hands-on approach and industry connections. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors despite the research focus. The 77% four-year graduation rate reflects solid academic support, though some students take longer due to co-op programs and research projects. The university's research emphasis means undergraduates often work directly with faculty on published studies, especially in marine science and engineering disciplines.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 77.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 76.4%
- Retention Rate
- 86.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,479
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $85,391 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $81,588 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $75,706 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $75,204 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $70,112 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,897 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,079 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $66,653 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $62,890 |
Campus Life
The University of New Hampshire sits in Durham, a classic New England college town about an hour north of Boston. With housing for 6,523 students and total enrollment of 11,230, roughly 58% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community feel. New Hampshire winters are serious business - expect snow from December through March and invest in a good coat.
The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know professors in your major, especially in UNH's well-regarded engineering and business programs. Weekends revolve around Wildcats athletics, with 16 Division I teams drawing crowds to games. The campus buzzes with research activity, and many students land internships or research positions that boost those solid post-graduation earnings of $66,479 after ten years. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Students often head to the coast or mountains for outdoor adventures, taking advantage of New Hampshire's proximity to both ocean and ski slopes. The 86% retention rate suggests most students find their groove here quickly.
The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know professors in your major, especially in UNH's well-regarded engineering and business programs. Weekends revolve around Wildcats athletics, with 16 Division I teams drawing crowds to games. The campus buzzes with research activity, and many students land internships or research positions that boost those solid post-graduation earnings of $66,479 after ten years. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Students often head to the coast or mountains for outdoor adventures, taking advantage of New Hampshire's proximity to both ocean and ski slopes. The 86% retention rate suggests most students find their groove here quickly.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 6,523 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
153 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 31 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 11 | 11 | 4 | 0 |
| Rape | 13 | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 7 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 12°–32°F
- July Avg
- 57°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 94.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 44.7"
Student Demographics
UNH draws students from across New England, with slightly more coming from out-of-state than staying local. The 56% female majority reflects strong programs in health sciences, liberal arts, and education that tend to attract more women. The student body is predominantly white, typical for rural New Hampshire but less diverse than many flagship universities. About one in six students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families seeking quality education at a reasonable price. The mix creates a close-knit community where students often stay connected to the region after graduation.
- Men
- 43.6%
- Women
- 56.4%
- White
- 85.7%
- Black
- 0.8%
- Hispanic
- 4.1%
- Asian
- 2.6%
- In-State Students
- 44.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.7%
Location
Durham sits in New Hampshire's seacoast region, about 60 miles north of Boston. The town revolves around the university, creating a classic New England college atmosphere with brick buildings and tree-lined paths. Students can reach the Atlantic Ocean in just 15 minutes, making weekend beach trips common during warmer months. The campus spans 2,400 acres of rolling hills and forests typical of southern New Hampshire. With 56% of students coming from out of state, the town swells during the academic year as thousands of students fill local coffee shops and restaurants. Students considering colleges in New Hampshire may also compare University of New Hampshire with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Durham, New Hampshire 03824-3547
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $66,479
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,239
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 81.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $284/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,814
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus?
UNH accepts 87% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1120-1320 on the SAT. This public research university draws students primarily interested in engineering and business programs.
How much does University of New Hampshire-Main Campus cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $23,261 annually for all students. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,393 after aid, while those earning over $110,000 pay $27,767. About 58% of students take federal loans with typical monthly payments of $284 after graduation.
What are the strongest academic programs at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus?
UNH is known for strong engineering and business programs within its research university framework. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for meaningful interaction with professors. The university's research focus provides undergraduates with opportunities typically found at larger institutions.
What do graduates of University of New Hampshire-Main Campus earn after college?
UNH graduates earn a median of $66,479 ten years after graduation with a 97% employment rate. The 76% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's solid academic support. Alumni include notable figures like comedians Adam Sandler and Sarah Silverman.
Where do students live at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus?
The Durham campus houses 6,523 students in residence halls and apartments. Room and board costs $13,314 annually in this town-fringe setting. The campus serves 11,230 total students with 44% coming from in-state.
Does University of New Hampshire-Main Campus compete in Division I athletics?
The Wildcats field 16 varsity sports in NCAA Division I with 490 total athletes. The university awards over $11 million in athletic scholarships annually. Their main rival is the University of Maine, creating spirited competition in multiple sports.
