10 Cheapest and Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire

Key Takeaways

• New Hampshire offers competitive tuition for the region and generous financial aid.
• Strong job markets in tech, manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, and finance help you land work after graduation.
• Proximity to Boston expands internships and starting salaries while you keep New Hampshire’s lifestyle.
• Close-knit campuses and student services support you from enrollment to graduation.
• Our list ranks schools by in-state cost and overall value, not just the sticker price.

Why Get a Degree in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers real value in the heart of New England. It offers competitive tuition, strong financial aid, and practical programs set against mountain towns, a lively seacoast, and growing cities. You can find quality without sacrificing outcomes if you are searching for the most affordable colleges in New Hampshire.

You study close to major employers and thriving sectors. Advanced manufacturing, tech, healthcare, tourism, and financial services drive steady hiring. Companies like BAE Systems, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual anchor the job market, while startups add fresh opportunities across the state.

You also get a student experience that feels personal. Campuses are close-knit, support systems are strong, and you are never far from mountains, lakes, or the coast. The location gives you easy access to Boston’s internships and jobs while keeping New Hampshire’s quality of life.

This guide highlights the 10 cheapest and most affordable colleges in New Hampshire, chosen by in-state tuition, typical fees, program value, graduation and employment outcomes, student support, and alignment with key state industries. The takeaway is simple: affordable does not mean lower quality.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s higher education system offers strong value for New England. Below are the 10 cheapest and most affordable colleges in New Hampshire, listed roughly from lowest to higher in-state cost.

University of New Hampshire – College of Professional Studies

University of New Hampshire – College of Professional Studies is part of the UNH system and is designed for working adults, non-traditional students, and transfer students looking to complete their degrees. It offers flexible scheduling, online and hybrid options, and programs aligned with in-demand fields.

Main Courses

Business management, accounting, communications, psychology, criminal justice, applied sciences, professional studies, public service and nonprofit management, project management, and healthcare administration

Pros

• Lowest in-state tuition in the UNH system
• Flexible schedules, including accelerated and fully online formats
• Credit for prior learning and generous transfer policies
• Advising and career services tailored to adult learners

Cons

• Limited traditional campus experience
• Fewer on-site research opportunities
• Less name recognition than UNH’s flagship campus

Average Annual In-State Tuition

It costs about $7,400, making it the most affordable option within New Hampshire’s public university system.

Colby-Sawyer College

Located in the scenic Lakes Region, Colby-Sawyer College is a small private liberal arts college known for close faculty-student relationships and strong professional programs. The school blends a liberal arts foundation with career preparation, particularly in health-related fields.

Main Courses

Nursing, health science, business administration, sport management, education, environmental studies, graphic design, studio art, biology

Pros

• Small class sizes and personalized learning
• Strong outcomes in nursing and allied health
• Beautiful New London campus with mountain and lake views
• Internship and clinical placement opportunities across the region

Cons

• Limited program variety outside core areas
• Small enrollment may reduce extracurricular variety
• Private tuition is still higher than public options without substantial aid

Average Annual In-State Tuition

About $7,500, offering individualized attention and strong liberal arts-professional program integration.

Granite State College

Granite State College, now merged into the UNH College of Professional Studies, has long served adult learners and working professionals across the state. It focuses on affordable, accessible degree completion for those balancing education with work or family obligations.

Main Courses

Business management, healthcare administration, education and teacher certification, psychology, human services, technology management, liberal arts, project management

Pros

• Flexible online and hybrid learning options
• Affordable tuition rates with transfer-friendly policies
• Programs built around workforce needs
• Advising services tailored to adult students

Cons

• Minimal residential campus life
• Smaller program catalog
• Limited lab-based or hands-on research

Average Annual In-State Tuition

About $9,400, keeping higher education accessible for non-traditional and working students.

Keene State College

Keene State College is a comprehensive public college with a strong tradition in teacher preparation and liberal arts. Its Monadnock Region setting offers a close-knit campus environment with active student involvement in academics, arts, and athletics.

Main Courses

Education, English, history, business management, environmental studies, safety and occupational health, applied sciences, communication, film studies, music

Pros

• Respected teacher education pathways with licensure
• Vibrant student life, including arts and athletics
• Attractive, walkable campus with modern facilities
• Strong community engagement and service-learning

Cons

• Competitive admissions for some education programs
• Smaller research infrastructure compared to flagship universities
• Costs are higher than those of some other regional public institutions

Average Annual In-State Tuition

About $11,150, offering a comprehensive liberal arts education focusing on applied learning.

Plymouth State University

Plymouth State University in the White Mountains combines a liberal arts foundation with professional programs. Its “cluster learning” model encourages interdisciplinary, project-based work, preparing students for collaborative, real-world problem solving.

Main Courses

Education, business administration, health and human performance, adventure education, psychology, meteorology, environmental science, criminal justice, fine arts

Pros

• Mountain location with abundant outdoor recreation
• Interdisciplinary cluster programs link academics to real-world projects
• Active campus life with athletics, clubs, and events
• Strong alumni connections across the region

Cons

• Higher tuition than some nearby regional universities
• Competitive admissions for select programs
• A rural setting offers fewer large-scale internship options

Average Annual In-State Tuition

About $14,500, pairing academic breadth with a distinctive outdoor-oriented campus culture.

Great Bay Community College

Great Bay Community College offers low-cost associate degrees and certificates with standout pipelines into biotech, veterinary technology, advanced manufacturing, and transfer pathways to four-year schools. With campuses in Portsmouth and Rochester, GBCC ties programs closely to regional employers.

Main Courses

Biotechnology, veterinary technology, nursing pathways, engineering/advanced manufacturing (CNC, nondestructive testing, welding), business, computer science, software development.

Pros

• Among the lowest in-state tuition options in NH community colleges
• Strong industry links, including a biomanufacturing apprenticeship with Lonza in Portsmouth
• Multiple campuses and labs, with hands-on training and externships
• Clear transfer routes to UNH and other four-year institutions

Cons

• Primarily two-year programs, so you will need to transfer to a bachelor’s degree
• Limited “big campus” residential experience
• Some technical programs include additional lab or clinical fees

Average Annual In-State Tuition

About $6,900 in tuition before program-specific fees. 

University of New Hampshire at Manchester

UNH Manchester is the urban campus of the University of New Hampshire, offering career-focused degrees in the state’s largest city. It’s known for connecting students with local employers through internships and experiential learning.

Main Courses

Business analytics, biological sciences, biotechnology, communication arts, computer information systems, engineering technology, homeland security, public service

Pros

• Urban location with access to southern New Hampshire’s job market
• Strong internship opportunities with local businesses and organizations
• Modern classrooms, labs, and facilities
• Small-campus feel within the larger UNH system

Cons

• More commuter-oriented than residential
• Limited on-site research opportunities compared to the Durham campus
• Higher tuition than community college options

Average Annual In-State Tuition

About $15,100, offering city-based education with strong professional connections.

University of New Hampshire (Durham)

The University of New Hampshire is the state’s flagship research university, known for its comprehensive academic offerings and high-impact research. Its coastal New England location offers both small-town charm and access to major markets.

Main Courses

Engineering, business and economics, life sciences and agriculture, liberal arts, marine biology, environmental science, health and human services

Pros

• Extensive research opportunities across disciplines
• Broad selection of majors and minors
• Beautiful, traditional campus setting
• Strong alumni network with regional and national reach

Cons

• Competitive admission for some programs
• Higher public tuition is typical of New England states
• Financial aid may not cover as much as at some private colleges

Average Annual In-State Tuition

About $15,200, combining flagship-level academics with research and networking opportunities.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private nonprofit institution with a large online presence and a growing on-campus community in Manchester. It’s widely recognized for its business and online degree programs.

Main Courses

Business administration, marketing, accounting, psychology, education, computer science, liberal arts, and online degree completion programs

Pros

• National leader in online education with flexible pacing
• Career-oriented programs with employer partnerships
• Modern campus facilities and technology integration
• Wide range of online and in-person offerings

Cons

• Private tuition can be higher without strong aid
• Large enrollment may reduce individual attention in some classes
• Campus experience is different from smaller liberal arts colleges

Average Annual In-State Tuition

About $15,400, offering flexible formats and a broad range of degree pathways.

NHTI – Concord’s Community College

NHTI – Concord’s Community College offers 80+ associate degrees and certificates with standout healthcare and engineering tech programs. It’s part of the Community College System of New Hampshire.

Main Courses

Dental hygiene (the only program of its kind in NH), nursing (RN), radiologic technology, radiation therapy, computer engineering technology, information technology, business administration, criminal justice, and general/liberal arts.

Pros

• Among the lowest in-state tuition options in NH
• Unique clinical programs and modern labs, including dental hygiene and radiation therapy
• Flexible schedules with evening, hybrid, and online offerings
• Strong transfer pathways into the University System of New Hampshire

Cons

• Primarily a two-year campus, so bachelor’s completion requires transfer
• Limited residential “big campus” experience compared to four-year universities
• Some programs add lab or clinical fees that vary by course

Average Annual In-State Tuition

It costs about $6,900 plus a $25/credit comprehensive fee and any program-specific lab fees. 

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Most Affordable New Hampshire Colleges

Before taking advantage of New Hampshire’s most affordable colleges, you must meet certain admission and financial aid requirements:

Complete Application Form

You can apply through the University System of New Hampshire’s shared portal or each college’s application. Make sure you complete every section, including personal statements and activities, since these can influence both admission decisions and scholarship opportunities. Submitting early can also help you meet priority aid deadlines.

Official High School Transcripts

Colleges require official transcripts sent directly from your high school or GED provider. These records confirm your academic history and can impact eligibility for merit-based scholarships or honors programs.

New Hampshire Residency Status

Documenting your residency with a state driver’s license, voter registration, or tax records ensures you qualify for in-state tuition and New Hampshire–specific aid. Submit proof before each college’s deadline to secure your rate.

SAT or ACT Score Submission

While some schools are test-optional, others still require standardized admission or merit aid scores. Always check the requirements for your intended program before deciding whether to send your results.

FAFSA Financial Aid Application

Filing the FAFSA by the priority deadline is essential for accessing federal, state, and institutional aid. Include every New Hampshire college you’re considering so each one can prepare your full aid package.

How Do New Hampshire College Costs Compare to National Averages

Public college tuition in New Hampshire is generally 5–10 percent higher than the national average. In-state students at public universities often pay around $11,500–$12,500 a year, compared to the national public average of about $10,700.

While the base tuition can be higher, several factors help offset the difference. The state has no income tax on wages, so graduates often take home more pay. Many colleges offer robust merit scholarships and financial aid, and housing costs can be lower than in nearby Massachusetts or Connecticut. Proximity to Boston also creates access to well-paying internships and jobs, which can help cover expenses while you study.

If you compare net costs after aid, New Hampshire’s value often comes from this combination of competitive support, strong employment outcomes, and its location within the New England job market.

What Are the Tuition Fees for International Students at Affordable New Hampshire Colleges

International students can expect tuition at New Hampshire’s public colleges to be roughly 2.5 to 3 times higher than the in-state rate. This usually means paying between $26,000 and $38,000 a year in tuition alone, compared to $11,500–$13,500 for residents. While these amounts reflect the state’s location within New England, they still give you access to high-quality education and close proximity to Boston’s job market.

Beyond tuition, international students should plan for additional costs. Health insurance in New Hampshire typically ranges from $2,400 to $3,200 annually, with mandatory SEVIS and visa processing fees. Housing and meals can vary depending on whether you live near the Massachusetts border, where costs are higher, or in a more rural campus area. Despite these expenses, many students find value in New Hampshire’s programs, especially those in business, engineering, healthcare, and outdoor recreation management, combined with opportunities for part-time work during breaks or after graduation.

How Does University of the People Compare with Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire

University of the People (UoPeople) is tuition-free and accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, with approval from the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Instead of tuition, you pay assessment fees of $160 per undergraduate course, $450 for MBA and MSIT, $400 for M.Ed., $250 for certificates, and $150 for ESL. Over a full degree, about $6400, the total ends up well below even the lowest-cost public options in New Hampshire.

The trade-off is format. UoPeople is fully online and asynchronous, so you study from anywhere and fit school around work and family. New Hampshire colleges offer campus and hybrid learning, in-person labs and services, outdoor opportunities in the White Mountains and Lakes Region, and local employer networks. Your choice is between maximum flexibility and cost savings online, or a campus experience with on-the-ground internships and community.

Ready to Choose the Most Affordable College?

Selecting the right affordable college in New Hampshire means looking beyond tuition alone. You should consider the full cost of attendance, which includes housing, meals, transportation, and any additional fees. Financial aid packages, scholarship opportunities, and work-study programs can make a big difference, so compare these carefully across schools.

Program quality and accreditation are also important, especially if you plan to work in a regulated field or continue your education later. Reviewing graduation rates, job placement data, and alumni outcomes in your chosen area can help you predict your own career path.

Before deciding, visit campuses if possible, speak with financial aid advisors, and connect with current students to learn about their real costs and experiences. A little research now can help you find a school that matches your goals, supports your success, and keeps your education affordable.

FAQs

What is the average tuition at New Hampshire’s most affordable colleges?

In-state tuition at the most affordable New Hampshire colleges typically ranges from about $7,400 to $12,500 per year, depending on the institution and program.

Which New Hampshire college has the lowest in-state tuition rates?

The University of New Hampshire – College of Professional Studies offers the lowest in-state tuition, around $7,400 annually.

What financial aid programs are available at New Hampshire colleges?

Students can access federal aid, New Hampshire–specific state grants, institutional scholarships, and private scholarships. Many colleges also offer work-study programs to help cover costs.

Which New Hampshire college has the highest graduation rate?

Graduation rates vary by program, but the University of New Hampshire in Durham generally reports some of the highest rates among public institutions in the state.

Do New Hampshire colleges offer work-study programs for students?

Yes. Most public and private colleges in New Hampshire participate in the Federal Work-Study Program, which allows you to earn money toward expenses while gaining work experience.

Which New Hampshire college has the best job placement rates?

Colleges with strong ties to regional industries, such as the University of New Hampshire and Keene State College, often report higher job placement rates for graduates, particularly in fields like education, engineering, and healthcare.