A study conducted by the government revealed a boost in New Hampshire’s state of higher education. In 2014, the state’s fall student enrollment per capita skyrocketed with almost 17,000 more students joining the local colleges and universities in 2015. Distance learners can select a variety of online academic institutions in New Hampshire that provide post-secondary and technical training programs. Several students can benefit from a wide range of degrees and specializations offered at online colleges and universities in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire has eight academic institutions that are members of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, an association of schools that guarantee quality standards for online learning, allowing state residents to trust that the degree obtained online will be regionally and nationally recognized. Also, high school students can get ahead on college by enrolling in a Running Start program, which offers online courses that count towards their post-secondary degree program.
Also known as the “Granite State” due to its granite bedrock formations, New Hampshire has a solid educational core of more than 30 higher education institutions. Even if prospective students do not reside in the beautiful state, they can still receive an excellent education in the comforts of their own homes. Students who live in a member state of the New England Regional Student Program can take advantage of the benefits, allowing students in neighboring states to enroll in degree programs at a lower tuition rate.
The flexibility and convenience of online education brings the most common reason why this learning format is a suitable option for working adults and busy people. They can balance coursework with personal and professional obligations without compromising their distance learning journey.
METHODOLOGY
While the state has a wealth of options for prospective students seeking to enroll in online degree programs, not all of the institutions are created equal! To help you make a sound decision on your online college education, the researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com have compiled the 5 Top Online Schools in New Hampshire. These online colleges take pride in the quality of education they offer, as they embrace these top features:
- An exceptional virtual learning platform for easy navigation of the coursework and access to support and resources,
- Highly renowned faculty that are top contributors to their industry,
- A healthy student-teacher ratio that fosters better and more focused learning and instruction,
- Accreditation from top organizations overseeing the delivery of high quality of college education.
Visit our Methodology Page for more details on our ranking process.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire is a non-profit private educational institution that was founded in 1932. It caters to more than 90,000 online students; therefore, it has one of the most extensive online programs in the country. SNHU has 239 online degree programs ranging from 17 certificates, 8 associate, 113 bachelor’s, and 101 master’s degree programs from a variety of areas of study including accounting & finance, arts & design, business, criminal justice, education, engineering, health, liberal arts, math & science, psychology & counseling, social science, and technology.
All online students, regardless of residency status, pay a flat-rate tuition fee depending on the level of their chosen program. Tuition expense can be reduced if students have previous credits. SNHU has several online resources to assist students in their distance learning journeys, such as 24/7 tutoring center, academic advising, writing center, online library, career counselors, and 24/7 technical support.
SNHU is one of the universities in the country that do not require test scores such as SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT for admission. They have different online program options that accommodate all GPAs. Also, no application fees required upon enrolling in certain programs.
Program requirements and length differ per program. One of the unique programs includes a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Photography, providing strong technical skills of digital camera operation, and post-production modifications of images, as well as developing a professional portfolio for personal and career aspirations. There are minimum photography equipment and software requirements in the enrollment of the program. Students take core courses such as lighting for photography, digital photography portfolio, digital photography, digital narratives and documentary, and introduction to digital imaging, among other unique courses. Students must have 120-credit hours to earn this unique creative degree.
Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Transcript Release Form
- Electronic Attestation Form, indicating completion of High School or GED Requirements
Accreditation:
- The New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire is considered one of the biggest and reputable schools in the state. Despite its size, the university offers several high-quality online degrees of the same quality as its traditional on-campus programs. UNH’s online degree programs include five graduate certificates, eight master’s degree, and one doctorate program. The university has integrated ClockWork, a complete virtual scheduling and data management system designed to meet the personalized needs of Student Accessibility Services. It allows both UNH faculty and students to access a variety of online student services, such as scheduling an exam, access to course notes, scheduling or viewing upcoming appointments, and requests for an accommodation letter. Also, UNH’s learning management system is hosted through the myCourses powered by Canvas platform.
Program length and requirements vary per degree program. The majority of their master’s degree programs require 30- to 32-credit hours for completion. The university’s Master of Education in Educational Studies is a suitable program for teachers and other professionals working in educational sectors who plan to improve their educational practice and increase their earning potential. This 32-credit hour program includes core courses in introduction to research methods, issues in education, and analysis of teaching and learning. On the other hand, the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management features industry experts and full-time instructors who help integrate strategy and policy with preparedness, resilience, incident response, and mitigation. Students earn their degree in only 12 months. This 30-credit hour program has core courses in cybersecurity risk management; cybersecurity metrics and evaluation; security measures; foundations of cybersecurity policy; and organizations, change management and leadership to name a few.
In-state and out-of-state students have different tuition rates depending on their selected program. UNH offers several financial aid opportunities for students to finance their cost of education and tuition expenses.
Location: Durham, New Hampshire
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Transcript of Records
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- $65 Application Fee
Accreditation: The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
New England College
New England College was established in 1946. The school is home to over 2,000 enrolled students and offers a variety of degree programs. They are one of the top schools in the state that offers numerous online degree programs across fields of study such as accounting, business administration, communication, criminal justice, cybersecurity, humanities, liberal studies, professional studies, social sciences, and education.
Students pay a flat-rate tuition fee, allowing in-state and out-of-state students to pay the same amount of tuition depending on their chosen degree program. Tuition on a per-credit basis varies per degree program across NEC’s graduate programs. The school provides personalized attention with billing and financial aid opportunities. Also, NEC has integrated a Tuition Protection Plan initiative in helping students overcome financial losses that arise from unforeseen circumstances, forcing them to withdraw from a semester due to an eligible reason.
One of the popular undergraduate online degree programs of NEC is the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, providing students the opportunity to gain experience in developing strategies, boosting efficiency, analyzing data, and managing cross-functional organizations. The business program has 12 available concentrations for students who want to have the option of gaining specialized expertise and knowledge. This 120-credit hour program has mandatory courses in principles of marketing, financial accounting, strategic management, management accounting, and information systems in organizations, among other featured courses.
NEC has a unique 3+2 Human Resource Management Degree Program that allows students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and one of two graduate tracks namely Master of Science in Human Resource Management or MBA- Human Resource Management within five years. Undergraduate students earn 12 MS/MBA credit hours while continuing a BS in Human Resource Management. These credit hours will be counted as required hours for both the BS and MS/MBA degree.
Location: Henniker, New Hampshire
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records
Accreditation: The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
Franklin Pierce University
Franklin Pierce University is a private academic institution that was established in 1962 and was named after the 14th president of the country. The curriculum of the set of coursework has a liberal arts foundation blended with professional programs. The university offers two certificates, four associate degrees, and nine bachelor’s degrees, designed to provide distance learners the opportunity to earn degrees with flexibility and convenience. The university aligns the coursework to connect distance learners from their degree programs to careers. Small class sizes due to the student-to-instructor ratio of 12:1 foster a more in-depth learning initiative. Undergraduate students pay flat-rate tuition for all programs except the BSN program.
Program length and duration differ per program. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is one of Franklin Pierce’s popular degrees. This 120-credit hour program is suitable for nursing students who have earned an associate degree at another academic institution and transfer to Franklin Pierce, as well as students who generally enroll in the BSN program at Franklin Pierce. Distance Learners take up nursing major requirements including community health nursing, clinical decision making, leadership in professional nursing practice, health policy and the role of the professional nurse, in addition to, health promotion across the lifespan, among other unique courses. On the other hand, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice builds upon students’ expertise and explores the interdisciplinary study of crime, together with the function of the criminal justice system. This criminal justice degree requires 120-credit hours for completion. Students take courses in criminology, police work, race and ethnic relations, courts and criminal procedures, and social science research methods.
The majority of the graduate programs integrate online learning with part or full-time study in on-campus locations and four academic terms.
Location: Rindge, New Hampshire
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- High School Diploma or GED
- Official Transcript of Records
Accreditation: The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
Rivier University
Rivier University is a Catholic university established in 1933. It gets its name from its founder, Anne Rivier of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. Formerly an all-female academic institution, the university became a co-ed institution in 1991. Rivier teaches more than 2,500 students, providing 60+ degree programs. It offers seven undergraduate degrees and 11 graduate degree programs. Students access through Canvas to take their courses and other online learning resources. Rivier University Online provides several assistance channels on any IT-related issues, including the Canvas Tech Support, Rivier IT Support, Canvas Student Guide, and Canvas Help Guides.
Similar to the other schools around New Hampshire, the university offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, providing a strong foundation in business principles, enhancing the skills and knowledge to advance your company or organizational goals. It is a 120-credit hour program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Students can finish this business administration degree in two to four years. They take core courses, including organizational behavior, a business writing seminar, applied statistics, administrative finance, and international business. Also, distance learners who earn this degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher may pursue a Rivier MBA Program that can be completed in as quick as one additional year through the 4+1 option.
One of the unique graduate programs includes Master of Science in Nursing: Leadership in Health Management Systems Management that helps prepare students for leadership roles in administration for all practice environments such as care coordinators, health information managers, nursing administrators, and other managerial positions. Students can earn this degree in two years, with course length duration of 7 and 14 weeks. This 36-credit hour program has core nursing requirements, including healthcare information systems, advanced health policy, healthcare finance, quality healthcare improvement, and biostatistics for the health science, among many other courses.
Tuition Fees for undergraduate and graduate programs differ per level of study. Out-of-state and in-state students pay the same tuition regardless of residency status. Rivier University provides financial aid programs for students who need assistance in their cost of education and expenses.
Location: Nashua, New Hampshire
Admission Requirements:
- Application for Admission
- Transcript of Records
- High School Transcript or GED
- GPA of 2.0 or higher
Accreditation: The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
New Hampshire may be considered one of the smallest states in the country, but its educational system is rising to be one of the most robust in the nation. Whether the goal is to enroll in a distance education program at a technical institute or a nationally-recognized institution, prospective students should start planning their budget to finance their education.
To enhance access to education, ensure top-rated instructions, and emphasize affordability, associations such as the New Hampshire College and University Council and the NHHEAF Network have developed a series of programs to support higher education students.
Earning a college degree is an excellent investment. Before making final decisions, prospective distance learners should learn about how much it costs to attend colleges or universities in New Hampshire and the amount and type of financial aid programs available.
METHODOLOGY
The 5 Best Value Online Schools in New Hampshire are known for offering an array of courses and degrees that are affordable and high-quality. These online schools also offer financial aid options for qualified online students who seek financial assistance to cover the costs of acquiring their degree.
Granite State College
Granite State College is one of the academic institutions that make up the University System of New Hampshire. Founded in 1972, Granite State College serves as the University of System of New Hampshire’s statewide college for adults. The school has five associate, 33 bachelor’s, and six master’s degree programs in different areas of interest such as business management & finance, communications & media, education, human services & public safety, healthcare & nursing, liberal arts, and technology. Distance learners can access a wide variety of resources that help them in their academic journey such as 24/7 technical support, an online library with librarians available through email or phone, online job board, online tutoring, and discounted software at the computer store.
Program requirements and duration differ per program. Every bachelor’s program of Granite has final courses that provide a smooth transition to the next step in a student’s career. Each online degree program has an Integrative Capstone course, immersing students to take on research, internships, or projects that emphasize a topic related to their academic fields. One of the unique programs offered by Granite includes Bachelor of Science in Digital Media in which students learn how to convey messages effectively, manage information appropriately, and employ strategic marketing methodologies in a digital setting through combined technical marketing capabilities and creativity.
Tuition and Fees vary per level of study. Resident students pay $314 per credit hour for undergraduate studies, $314 per credit hour for post-baccalaureate studies, and $538 per credit hour for graduate studies. Non-resident students pay $355 per credit hour for undergraduate studies, $355 per credit hour for post-baccalaureate studies, and $575 per credit hour for graduate studies. Granite State College offers several benefits, discounts, and waivers for eligible students who require tuition assistance. Also, they have a wide variety of financial aid programs through federal and state grants, student loans, federal work-study, scholarships & grants.
Location: Concord, New Hampshire
Admission Requirements:
- Application for Admission
- Transcript of Records
- High School Diploma or GED Requirement
Accreditation: The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
Plymouth State University
Plymouth State University has more than 6,500 enrolled students and 19 academic departments offering a wide range of study areas. “The Mending Wall” and “The Road Not Taken” author Robert Frost once taught at PSU in 1911. Online degree programs offered by the university are aimed for graduate students. Furthermore, the university maintains its teach/training school’s roots with the master’s degree in Education, offered with five specializations available. Online students have access to resources that aid in their academic journeys, such as live online technical support, an online library with librarians through phone, text message or email, and an online job board.
One of the popular degree programs offered by PSU includes a Master of Business Administration, which can be completed entirely online for students who choose a non-cohort option or live far away from the PSU campus. Coursework can be completed part-time or full-time, and with admissions that students can start throughout the academic year for the succeeding semester. This 30- to 36-credit hour program has core courses in economic analysis, managing organizational behavior, marketing techniques, accounting for managers, and the legal environment of business among many other courses.
In-state and out-of-state students pay different tuition rates. New Hampshire Residents pay $575 per credit hour for the master’s degree programs, while non-residents pay $800 per credit hour for the same type of degree. The rates indicated already include a $40 mandatory fee for both undergraduate and graduate programs. PSU offers many financial aid opportunities through tuition discounts, scholarships, and grants.
Location: Plymouth, New Hampshire
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records
- Three Letter of Recommendations
- Current Resume
- $75 Application Fee
- NH Residency Verification Form (NH Residents Only)
- Statement of Interest
Accreditation: The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
Colby-Sawyer College
Colby-Sawyer College is one of the new additions to integrate distance learning for prospective students, offering online programs within the last three years. The school has a rich history, including temporarily being a junior college for women. It is named after the former college president Dr. Sawyer.
The online program offered by the institution is the R.N. to B.S. in Nursing that allows students to develop and enhance their clinical experience through an upper-level nursing set of coursework focused on evidence-based practice and leadership as well as community and public health. Students may transfer up to 90 credits toward the 120-credit hour program. The program has rolling admissions for spring, summer or fall sessions. Distance learners can complete this degree program in as little as 16 months. Students take up courses in community and public health nursing; nursing research and evidence-based practice; nursing leadership and management in health care systems; the administrative context for high-quality care delivery; and capstone research project in nursing. The school’s nursing program is nationally accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, New Hampshire Board of Nursing, and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
In-state and out-of-state students pay flat-rate tuition of $300 per credit hour. Financial Aid is available if a student is enrolled in two courses per semester. Also, the school is a long-time affiliate of the nursing program for Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Employees of this hospital and other affiliated hospitals receive a 10% discount toward the online R.N. to B.S. degree program.
Location: New London, New Hampshire
Admission Requirements:
- Online R.N. to B.S. Application
- Official High School Transcript or GED Certificate
- Official College Transcript of Records (if applicable)
- Associate’s Degree or Diploma in Nursing from an accredited nursing program
- ACT or SAT (Optional)
Accreditation: The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
NHTI Concord’s Community College
NHTI Concord’s Community College is a public institution that caters to more than 3,666 enrolled students. Distance learners who want to pursue an entirely online degree at NHTI can choose from the school’s seven associate degrees and 12 certificate programs. The school has an open admissions policy and offers generous credit for professional experiences. Associate degrees and certificates have areas of study in accounting, business, education, English, general studies, health & science, justice/legal studies, and sports, recreation & tourism studies.
Associate degree programs vary per program length and duration. The programs offered include Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, designed to prepare students for careers in corrections and police duties. This 62-credit hour program has core courses in criminal procedure, introduction to psychology, police operations, crisis intervention, and juvenile justice administration, among other featured courses. Before enrolling in the program, applicants should undergo essential health and fitness requirements.
Tuition Rate varies per residency status. New Hampshire Residents pay $215 per credit hour, while out-of-state or international students pay $490 per credit hour across all degree programs. There are other fees to be paid, including comprehensive fees, academic instruction fees, and other related expenses. The school has a dedicated Financial Aid Office team that assists students who need financial assistance for their education. Scholarships and grants are readily available for students to apply.
Location: Concord, New Hampshire
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official High School Transcripts or GED Requirement
Accreditation: The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
Manchester Community College
Manchester Community College is a public community college in New Hampshire that serves more than 15,000 enrolled students per year. It is the only American community college that has been named an “Honor Institution” by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. MCCNH offers an entirely online program in the associate degree, as well as certificate programs in Accounting and Management, which are the primary areas of study provided by MCCNH. Distance learners access courses, learning resources, interact with professors, and other learning contents through Canvas, the integrated learning content management system utilized by MCCNH.
The Associate in Accounting degree program emphasizes providing students with the accounting skills needed for their respective careers as well as on the analytical skills required to evaluate situations. MCCNH’s Department of Business Studies receives accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs. As a result, the national accreditation status enables graduates to transfer to four-year academic institutions. Students must have 64-credit hours to earn this degree. They take courses in MCC essentials, macroeconomics, federal income taxes, cost accounting, and business law among other featured courses.
On the other hand, the Associate in Management program focuses on broad management competencies in human resources, computers, finance, law, marketing, and economics. Students must earn 61-credit hours for program completion. Management core courses include small business management, probability and statistics, introduction to business, principles of marketing, and accounting and financial reporting.
In-state tuition for the first year-Fall semester amounts to $3,400 for 14-credit hours, the first-year-Spring semester amounts to $3,760 for 16-credit hours, the second year-Fall semester amounts to $3,760 for 16-credit hours, and the second year-Spring semester amounts to $3,525 for 15-credit hours. Tuition on a per-credit basis is $215 for in-state tuition. Other fees such as academic institution fee/lab hour and comprehensive fees are required on top of the tuition rates.
Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Proof of Successful High School Completion
- Official High School Transcript or GED
- ACC, ACT, or SAT Test Scores
- Financial Aid Application (FAFSA)
Accreditation: The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
