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New Hampshire's urban colleges show remarkable affordability despite the state's high cost of living, with net prices ranging from just $13,302 to $27,692. The University of New Hampshire at Manchester stands out with a 65.1% graduation rate and $66,479 median earnings, reflecting strong connections to the state's defense and healthcare sectors. Manchester Community College serves 1,610 students at $13,846 annually, while specialized programs like St Joseph School of Nursing train just 89 students for the state's growing healthcare industry. These six institutions cluster primarily in Manchester and Nashua, positioning graduates near New Hampshire's major employers in technology and medical fields. The acceptance rates hover around 85%, making these schools accessible to most applicants seeking career preparation in a state with no income or sales tax.
6
Schools
$16,794
Avg. Net Price
$56,087
Avg. Earnings
41.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in New Hampshire

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Midsize 486 $13,302 65.1%
2 City-Midsize 1,610 $13,846 36.8%
3 City-Midsize 1,019 $14,106 14.3%
4 City-Small 1,039 $15,026 30.2%
5 City-Small 1,312 $27,692 58.7%
6 City-Small 89

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of New Hampshire at Manchester different from other urban options?

UNH Manchester achieves a 65.1% graduation rate with only 486 students, creating small class environments. Graduates earn $66,479 median salary, the highest among urban New Hampshire colleges, reflecting strong industry connections in the Manchester area's tech and healthcare sectors.

How do community college costs compare to four-year options in New Hampshire cities?

Manchester Community College costs $13,846 annually compared to Rivier University's $27,692, nearly doubling the price difference. However, community college graduation rates of 30-37% trail significantly behind four-year institutions, which achieve 58-65% completion rates.

Does the online University of New Hampshire program offer good value?

The online program costs just $14,106 but shows a concerning 14.3% graduation rate among its 1,019 students. Despite the low completion rate, graduates still earn $66,479, matching the traditional Manchester campus outcomes for those who finish.

Where do most urban college students in New Hampshire attend school?

Manchester hosts three institutions serving 3,115 combined students, while Nashua accommodates 2,440 students across three schools. Manchester Community College enrolls the most students at 1,610, followed by Rivier University with 1,312 students in Nashua.

Is nursing education accessible in New Hampshire's urban areas?

St Joseph School of Nursing in Nashua serves just 89 students, creating an intimate learning environment for healthcare careers. This specialized focus addresses New Hampshire's healthcare industry needs, though specific graduation and earnings data isn't available for this program.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.