Online Colleges in New Hampshire

The increase in online colleges in New Hampshire demonstrates that the small state is putting a big emphasis on higher education.

The state’s top-notch colleges and universities provide access to a wide variety of online learning opportunities, as well as a host of grants and scholarships to help ease financial burdens.

New Hampshire has a lot to offer when it comes to postsecondary education and online learning.

Online Colleges in New Hampshire

Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or have taken years off and now have a career and family to work around, online learning can be a convenient and flexible way to earn a degree for many.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that a staggering 74% of undergraduates in New Hampshire are enrolled in degree programs at accredited online colleges. That’s far more than any other state in the country. Approximately another 6% are enrolled in a hybrid of online and on-campus courses.

Some private schools offer over 200 online degree programs in fields such as accounting, business, education, engineering, technology, and many more. Those attending the state’s community colleges may have access to more than 200 online degree and certificate programs.

High school students can also access the online courses via eStart, a dual credit program that allows students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously.

Common Online Degrees in New Hampshire

Programs vary from school to school, but there are some you are likely to see often. These are some common majors that are often available from New Hampshire colleges online and what they typically entail:

• Business Administration: Common topics of study in a business administration program are human resources, finance, and office technology. The degree is typically taken in preparation for careers in business organizations.
• Communication: With classes in journalism and public speaking, this useful degree program could help prepare you for a job in public relations or the media.
• Computer Science: Getting an online degree in this field could help you get ready to work in New Hampshire’s tech industry, perhaps as a software developer.
• Criminal Justice: Earning a degree in criminal justice can help you prepare for a career in law or public safety. Common topics of study in this field are policing, courts, and corrections.
• Psychology: Whether you want to start a career in sales or seek further education for a counseling career, you may find it helpful to study psychology.

While these degrees are common, they aren’t the only programs available for online New Hampshire students. With the wide variety of online degrees offered in this state, you may be able to find one that fits your career goals.

Overview of Higher Education in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, there are 24 degree-granting institutions, according to the NCES. Of these, 13 are public and 11 are non-profit private schools. There are no for-profit private schools in the state.

The NCES reports that the average cost of tuition and fees to attend one of the state’s 4 year public institutions for in-state students is 16,749, one of the highest in-state tuition rates in the nation. Out-of-state students pay on average $31,256 for the same schools, which is well above the national average.

Residents whose chosen majors are not offered at a New Hampshire school may be able to enroll in public schools in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Vermont at significantly reduced tuition rates. This is thanks to the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) and its Regional Student Program (RSP).

Employment Outlook for College Graduates in New Hampshire

The unemployment rate in New Hampshire hovers around 2.7%, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is lower than the nationwide rate, which hovers around 3.6%.

Over 750,000 people are employed in the state, and nearly 700,000 of them are employed in nonfarm roles. Trade, transportation, utilities, education, healthcare, and professional and business services are some of the sectors employing the largest number of people in the state.

Professional and business services and leisure and hospitality sectors have some of the largest employment growth rates in the state.

Careers & Salaries in New Hampshire

Many people in New Hampshire work in the business sector. Some of the business jobs that employ the most people are related to finance, technology, accounting, and project management.

The jobs range from entry-level to management. The positions in management include both general and department-specific roles. New Hampshire has technology companies that rely on computing professionals. You may want to consider a tech-focused career, such as software developer, as well.

Sales is another field that hires many New Hampshire residents. In particular, sales personnel for wholesale and manufacturing companies are needed. Service-based companies look for sales reps too.

People throughout the country depend on teachers and healthcare professionals, and that’s true in New Hampshire too. Many residents work as K-12 schoolteachers or registered nurses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary in New Hampshire is $47,920. The following list shows careers that employ many state residents and pay, on average, more than the state’s median salary.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides the median hourly pay for these careers. The hourly rates were multiplied by 2,080, the full-time hours for one year of work, to calculate these annual figures.

Specific job availability and salaries are dependent on a variety of factors, including work experience, education, and location.

How to Know If an Online Degree Is Right for Me

The following considerations may help you decide whether to pursue an education from a New Hampshire online university.

• Cost: It’s often cheaper to go to college online than on campus since you can continue to live at home instead of paying for room and board.
• Determination: Online studies may require you to be self-motivated and organized since you won’t be meeting face-to-face with your professors each week. Being committed to success can help you put in the time and effort that’s required.
• Hands-on Requirements: Some degree programs require more in-person learning activities than others. There are ways to do labs and other practical exercises from home, but you might want to factor in that consideration before settling on an online degree program.
• Location: If you want to earn a degree from a specific NH school that isn’t close to your home, an online program may be the solution.

Online college is a great choice for many NH students.

New Hampshire Online Colleges Admissions Requirements

Online colleges in NH require application processes, but some are more involved than others. Depending on where you apply, you might be required to submit:

• Letters of recommendation from teachers, bosses, or other leaders
• Samples of your writing skills
• A resume that shows extracurricular involvement, work experience, or volunteer experience
• Test scores — ACT or SAT (not part of the application process at all colleges)

In addition, there’s usually a basic application form to fill out with your name, birth date, and other information.

NH Online Colleges Accreditation

Online schools in New Hampshire are eligible for accreditation just like campus-based institutions are. The traditional regional accreditor for NH schools is the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Regional accreditation is a testament to the good work that a school does. Perhaps most importantly, it demonstrates that the college provides an education that meets quality standards. Employers often appreciate resumes that list regionally accredited college studies. Some licensure boards insist on accredited degrees.

Regional accreditation can also be useful for those who are transferring credits from one school to another or applying to graduate programs.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

If you’re interested in attending New Hampshire colleges online, it is a good idea to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This can help you get access to federal, state, and some forms of private financial aid.

The information you provide via the FAFSA is used to determine the types and amount of financial aid you qualify for. In addition to federal financial aid, New Hampshire residents may be eligible for the following grant and scholarship programs:

• UNIQUE Annual Allocation Program (UAAP): This is for those who have an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $0. The awards are $800 for qualifying full-time students and a prorated amount for part-time students.
• UNIQUE Endowment Allocation Program (UEAP): UEAP is for those who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant. The awards are a minimum of $1,000 but do not exceed the full cost of education.
• Scholarships for Orphans of Veterans: This scholarship is for students whose parent(s) died while on active duty or died as a result of a service-related injury. The student must be between the ages of 16 and 25 to qualify. The award is $2,500.

There are also many private scholarship opportunities for New Hampshire residents. The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation (NHCF) is the largest provider of publicly available scholarships in the state. The NHCF awards more than $47 million each year.

The American Legion Department of New Hampshire also administers a number of scholarships for residents, including the following:

• Department of New Hampshire Scholarship: $2,000
• The John A. High Child Welfare Scholarship: $2,000
• The Raymond K. Conley Memorial Scholarship: $2,000
• Vocational Education Scholarship: $2,000

You may also want to check with the financial aid office at the college you have chosen because they can tell you about any programs that are exclusive to the school and its admitted students.

New Hampshire Online Education Resources

These websites offer valuable resources for current enrollees as well as New Hampshire residents looking to go back to school.

• Campus Compact for New Hampshire: If you would like to connect to your community and your world while in college, then you may want to check out the programs and resources that Campus Compact has to offer.
• New Hampshire College & University Council (NHCUC): This organization coordinates a variety of partnerships and programs to support students and educational institutions.
• University System of New Hampshire (USNH): The website of USNH offers information on the state’s community colleges and 4 year public universities.

These online resources can help simplify your college experience.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to a New Hampshire College Online?

The National Center for Education Statistics offers data on the cost of attending college in New Hampshire. The average cost of tuition and fees for in-state students to attend a 4 year public university in New Hampshire is $16,749.

Out-of-state residents pay on average $31,256 for the same schools.

At 2 year public colleges, the average tuition for in-state students is $7,123. Out-of-state students spend $15,343 on average. For those attending private colleges in New Hampshire, the average tuition is $14,934.

These figures do not include room and board charges, which are typically less of a concern for those attending New Hampshire online schools.

Tuition Breaks for Out-of-State Students

The New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) runs a program called Tuition Break for residents of New Hampshire and five nearby states. It allows qualifying residents of member states to receive reduced tuition rates at some out-of-state colleges.

In other words, if you live in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Vermont, you may qualify for some tuition savings in New Hampshire. If eligible, your tuition may be 175% or less of the in-state rate.

While this deal applies to community colleges and public universities, there are limitations. For example, not all majors at those schools may qualify for the savings.

What Jobs Are in High Demand in New Hampshire?

You may want to launch your career in a field with a growing number of jobs. New Hampshire Employment Security offers data that can help. The agency predicts that the following jobs may have some of the fastest NH growth rates over the next decade.

• Occupational therapy assistants: 38.1% growth
• Information security analysts: 37.7% growth
• Logisticians: 33.5% growth
• Medical and health services managers: 32% growth
• Data scientists: 31.4% growth

The entry-level education requirement for each of these careers is typically an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.

What Are the High Paying Jobs in New Hampshire?

You may be interested in bringing home a hefty paycheck each week. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists some of the state’s highest-paying jobs, which you might want to check out.

Materials science is one potential career to consider. Based on multiplying the median hourly salary by 2,080 hours, the average annual salary for materials scientists in NH is $155,670.

Another career track you may want to look into is architectural and engineering management. It has an average annual salary of $167,400.

Air traffic controllers can earn, on average, $166,570 annually. Sales managers and chief executives have higher than average salaries as well, with average salaries of $145,700 and $136,950, respectively

List of Online Colleges in New Hampshire

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Antioch University—New England aims to offer students a progressive and innovative education. The school offers fully online and low-residency degree programs designed for students who have multiple commitments.

It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through the school’s online program. Areas of study offered include healthcare administration, environmental studies, sustainability and sciences, and human development.

Antioch University – New England is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Colby-Sawyer College offers a private education at a public school price. Students who need a flexible schedule may seek their degrees online. Many of these programs are fully online, but some have hybrid options available.

The school offers an Associate in Science, a Bachelor’s in Nursing, a Bachelor’s in Respiratory Therapy, and a Master’s in Nursing that can be earned online.

Colby-Sawyer College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Dartmouth College offers two low-residency programs with mostly online components, one for a Master of Health Care Delivery Science and one for a Master of Public Health. The programs can potentially be completed in 12 to 24 months. Courses follow a traditional semester schedule.

Dartmouth also offers several blended programs.

Dartmouth College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

GradReports named Franklin Pierce University one of the Best Colleges in New Hampshire. The school offers associate and bachelor’s degrees that can be earned online. The programs can be completed fully online, but some courses may be taken on campus.

There are multiple start dates offered throughout the year. Fields of study offered include human services, marketing, and nursing.

Franklin Pierce University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

U.S. News & World Report named Granite State College among the Best Colleges in the country. Granite State offers students in select states a limited number of bachelor’s and master’s degrees that can be earned online.

Online courses may be synchronous or asynchronous. Some of them have on-campus components. Areas of study offered include nursing and teacher certification.

Granite State College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Keene State College’s online programs are designed for busy students who need flexible course schedules. Keene State currently offers several of its master’s programs online. Courses in these programs are fully online and follow a regular semester schedule.

Areas of study offered include safety and occupational health applied sciences and history and archives.

Keene State College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

New England College offers online degree programs designed for students who have job, family, and other commitments. The school offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees that can be earned online.

Many of the programs are offered in an accelerated format with courses that are 7 weeks long. Most courses are fully online. Fields of study offered include accounting, business administration, and clinical mental health counseling.

New England College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Rivier University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through its online learning program. Most programs are available fully online. Courses are offered in a 7 week, accelerated format, and new classes start every seven weeks.

Rivier allows students to transfer in up to 90 qualifying credits. Fields of study offered include nursing and human services.

Rivier University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.

Southern New Hampshire University is committed to providing students with an affordable online education. SNHU offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees that can be earned online.

Most programs are entirely online, but a few are offered in a hybrid, low-residency format. Most courses are asynchronous and have weekly deadlines for assignments. Areas of study offered include criminal justice and art.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The University of New Hampshire’s online degree programs have received several national rankings. The school offers master’s and doctoral degrees and graduate certificates that can be earned online.

Classes are offered in an 8 week, accelerated format, and there are several start dates offered throughout the year. The school offers a cybersecurity policy and risk management degree and a family nurse practitioner degree that can be earned online.

The University of New Hampshire is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Getting Your Online Degree in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is packed with superb schools, most of which offer online learning opportunities. The state also offers access to generous grant and scholarship programs to help make it more affordable.

New Hampshire has made higher education a priority, which makes it an excellent place to earn a degree for many. You can start your higher education journey by researching some accredited online schools in New Hampshire that offer your chosen degree program.

You can also view our Online Colleges in Nevada and Online Colleges in New Jersey guides for more options.