At $23,261/yr net price, University of New Hampshire-Main Campus 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) | $23,261 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,044 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,479/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$32,479/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 76.4% |
| 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 | $15,393/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,981/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,283/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,182/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,767/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $85,391 | $35,610 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $81,588 | $32,458 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $21,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $75,706 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $75,204 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $70,112 | $27,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,897 | $26,546 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,079 | $27,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $66,653 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $62,890 | $20,500 |
The Risk Factor
76.4% of students at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 24% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of New Hampshire delivers solid financial returns with median earnings of $66,479 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for public universities. Your $23,261 annual net price creates reasonable debt loads relative to earning potential.
Business and nursing programs generate the strongest returns, with business graduates earning $85,391 and nurses $81,588. Engineering majors also perform well, particularly computer engineering at $76,460 with notably low debt of $21,500. These technical programs benefit from New Hampshire's proximity to Boston's job market and the state's growing tech sector.
The financial risk lies in UNH's limited financial aid reach. Only 17.73% of students receive need-based aid, meaning most families pay close to full price. If your family income falls just above aid thresholds, you could face significant out-of-pocket costs without merit scholarships to bridge the gap.
You should consider UNH if you plan to study business, nursing, or engineering and can handle the upfront costs. New Hampshire residents get the best deal, while out-of-state students should carefully weigh the premium against their career goals. The 86.4% retention rate suggests students generally find value once enrolled.
Merit scholarships at UNH tend to be competitive but can meaningfully reduce costs for high-achieving students. Apply early and maintain strong grades to maximize scholarship opportunities. Skip UNH if you need substantial financial aid or plan to study lower-earning majors where the debt-to-income ratio becomes problematic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of New Hampshire-Main Campus worth the cost?
UNH's net price of $23,261 annually leads to median debt of $26,814, with graduates earning $66,479 after 10 years. The return is reasonable for engineering and nursing programs but weaker for liberal arts majors.
What are the best paying majors at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus?
Business graduates earn $85,391 annually, while nursing ($81,588) and computer engineering ($76,460) also provide strong returns. These programs justify the cost better than UNH's lower-paying liberal arts degrees.
How much debt do University of New Hampshire-Main Campus graduates have?
UNH graduates leave with median debt of $26,814, which is manageable given the average starting salary of $66,479. The debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment realistic for most graduates.
Does University of New Hampshire-Main Campus have good job placement?
With a 76% graduation rate and average post-graduation earnings of $66,479, UNH provides decent job prospects. The 87% acceptance rate means less selectivity, but career outcomes remain solid for technical majors.