The Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire
According to a 2016 government study on the status of higher education in New Hampshire, enrollment is skyrocketing. In 2014, New Hampshire boasted the country’s largest fall student enrollment per capita, and nearly 17,000 more students entered local higher education institutions in 2015. Students can choose from a variety of online colleges in New Hampshire that offer postsecondary and technical training programs.
Students can benefit from a range of degrees and specializations offered at online schools in New Hampshire. With eight institutions belonging to the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, a voluntary association of colleges guaranteeing quality standards for online learning, state residents can trust that the degree earned online will be recognized regionally and nationally. Additionally, high school students can get a head start on college by enrolling in a Running Start program, which offers online courses that count towards their postsecondary degree.
The benefit of online education is flexibility. Students can balance coursework with family and professional commitments while building their careers through online education in New Hampshire.
Four Reasons to Find an Online College in Your State
- Guaranteed in–state tuition saves you money
- Be a part of a university or college you know and love
- Get a degree from a school that employers know and trust
- Be close enough to easily visit when desired
Ranking Guidelines for the Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire
We selected the online colleges and universities here based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.
Note: In ranking the best online colleges in New Hampshire, giving attention to the variety of degree programs available at the institutions is of utmost importance. For this reason, a more prestigious school in New Hampshire may offer one, or a few online degrees, but that may not be enough for that school to rank highly among the best online colleges in the state. In this ranking, we are dedicated to showing who’s leading the way in delivering quality online degree programs in New Hampshire.
The Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire
1. Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University first opened its doors in 1932. When founders Harry and Gertrude Shapiro opened it, the school was a secretarial and accounting school. The university acquired its current name in 2001 when it began offering five new degree programs from a nearby college which closed down. The university has over 18,000 online students.
Southern New Hampshire University offers over 200 associate, bachelor’s, master and certificate programs online. Associate degrees include business administration and criminal justice. Bachelor’s degree options include environmental science and fashion merchandising. Master’s degree offerings include creative writing and healthcare administration. Certifications include international business and marketing.
Online student resources include a writing center, 24/7 tutoring, career counselors, a job board, academic advising, 24/7 technical support, disability services, a wellness center, and an online library.
Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
See some of Southern New Hampshire University’s top rankings on TBS
2. Granite State College
Concord, New Hampshire
Granite State College, established in 1972, is one of four institutions which make up the University System of New Hampshire. The college serves as the University System of New Hampshire’s statewide college for adults.
Granite State College offers several associate, bachelor’s, master’s and teacher certifications entirely online. Associate degrees include behavioral science and business. Bachelor’s degree options include marketing and nursing. Master’s degree offerings include leadership and project management. Teacher certifications available include special education and ESOL.
Online student resources include 24/7 technical support, an online job board, discounted software at the computer store, online tutoring and an online library with librarians available via email or over the phone.
Accreditation
Granite State College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
See some of Granite State College’s top rankings on TBS
3. New England College
Henniker, New Hampshire
New England College is a private, liberal arts college established in 1946. The college offers more than 50 degree programs and teaches over 2,000 students.
New England College offers a large assortment of online associate, bachelor’s and master degree programs. Online associate degrees include liberal studies and psychology. Online bachelor’s degrees include criminal justice and healthcare administration. Online master’s degrees include professional writing and strategic leadership.
Online student resources include an online job board, technical support and an online library with librarians available via email or over the phone.
Accreditation
New England College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
See some of New England College’s top rankings on TBS
4. Franklin Pierce University
Rindge, New Hampshire
Franklin Pierce University is a nonprofit university founded in 1962. It gets its name from the 14th President of the United States, Franklin Pierce. The university has over 2,000 students in attendance and offers degrees in English, anthropology, psychology, mass communications and much more.
Franklin Pierce University offers an extensive variety of associate, bachelor’s, master and certificate programs online. Associate degrees include human services and criminal justice. Bachelor’s degree programs include nursing and accounting. Master’s degree programs include leadership and information technology. Available certifications include paralegal studies and emerging network technology.
Online student resources include an online library with librarian live chat.
Accreditation
Franklin Pierce University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
See some of Franklin Pierce University’s top rankings on TBS
5. University of New Hampshire
Durham, New Hampshire
As one of the best online colleges in New Hampshire, the University of New Hampshire is a public research institution located in Durham. UNH boasts a beautiful main campus near mountain ranges, the Atlantic ocean, and the vibrant city of Boston. The school also offers several graduate degrees, certificates, and courses for distance learners. Students can choose from many professional development and training workshops on a range of topics including social permaculture, animal–assisted therapy, and online educational course construction.
Degree seekers may also earn master’s and doctoral degrees online as well as law degrees in intellectual property law and international criminal law. A traditional master of business administration is one of the most popular degrees at UNH and is consistently recognized as one of the best online MBA programs among online schools in New Hampshire. The doctoral degree in nursing practice is also a popular degree and can be completed in as little as 28 months.
Additional graduate programs are available, including master’s degrees in social work, data science, cybersecurity, wireless communications systems, and educational studies. Each degree and workshop have specific admission requirements. Prospective distance learners should contact their desired department to ensure they meet all admission criteria and take advantage of any specialized funding opportunities.
Accreditation
University of New Hampshire is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
See some of University of New Hampshire’s top rankings on TBS
6. Rivier University
Nashua, New Hampshire
Rivier University is a Catholic university founded in 1933. The university gets its name from its founder, Anne Rivier of the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. Originally, an all–female university, it became a co–ed institution in 1991. The university teaches more than 2,500 students. The university provides 60+ degree programs.
Rivier University offers several online bachelor’s, master and certificate programs. Online bachelor’s degree programs include psychology and nursing. Online master’s degree programs include public health and business. Certifications available online include medical billing and coding.
Resources available to online students include an online job board, an online mental health screening and an online library with librarians available via live chat, email, text message or over the phone.
Accreditation
Rivier University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
See some of Rivier University’s top rankings on TBS
7. Plymouth State University
Plymouth, New Hampshire
Plymouth State University, established in 1871, has over 6,500 students in attendance and 19 academic departments spanning a wide range of disciplines. Renowned poet Robert Frost, famous for such poems as “The Road Not Taken” and “The Mending Wall,” taught at the university in 1911.
Plymouth State University offers an extensive range of online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Online bachelor’s degrees include communications, criminal justice, business administration and nursing, while online master’s degrees include accounting and multiple topics in education.
Resources available to online students include an online job board, live online technical support and an online library with librarians available via email, text message or over the phone.
Accreditation
Plymouth State University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
The Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in New Hampshire
There are several options for cheap online colleges in New Hampshire. However, while affordability is an important factor in choosing a program, students should research each school to ensure it offers a quality education, too. That way, they’ll choose the option that best matches their career goals. This page explores the options for affordable online colleges in New Hampshire.
1. University of New Hampshire at Manchester
Manchester, New Hampshire
With a main campus in Durham and satellite campuses situated in Manchester and Concord, UNH offers both in–person and hybrid learning options across majors. UNH offers 33 hybrid degree programs, with three associate degree, 20 bachelor’s degree, and 13 master’s degree programs, including:
- Biological sciences (AS, BA)
- Business administration (AS)
- General studies (AA)
- Psychology (BA)
- Digital language arts (BA)
- Homeland security (BS)
Students pursuing an associate degree complete 64 credits of coursework to graduate while those earning a bachelor’s degree complete 128 credits, with specific requirements varying by program. Online courses may run synchronously or asynchronously, with a mix of online and in–person requirements depending on the instructor. UNH’s online courses run through Canvas, which provides extensive technical assistance and other resources for online learners.
UNH offers free tuition for New Hampshire residents entering the first year of college or transferring directly from an associate degree program in another New Hampshire school. To qualify, students must also be eligible for a Pell grant.
Bachelor’s degree applicants should submit high school transcripts or equivalency as well as SAT or ACT scores. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 is recommended but not required. Prerequisite requirements include four years of English, three years of math and science, and two years of foreign language. Associate degree applicants should submit high school transcripts or equivalency.
Accreditation
University of New Hampshire at Manchester is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
2. Rivier University
Nashua, New Hampshire
Located in Nashua, Riv is a private, Catholic–affiliated institution with a robust range of in–person and online opportunities for academic study, making it one of the more affordable online colleges in New Hampshire. Rivier University Online offers six online bachelor’s degrees, nine master’s degrees, and two doctoral degrees, including:
- Public health
- Nursing
- Human services
- Psychology
- Business administration
- Individualized studies
Riv’s bachelor’s degree programs require 120 credits for graduation, spread across 2–4 years, depending on the program. Riv’s courses take 7–14 weeks, typically running asynchronously. Students take a Canvas orientation session and must log into their online courses at least three times per week. Class participation depends on active engagement with the materials by contributing to discussions, submitting assignments, or taking exams.
Riv’s online courses run through the Canvas platform, which offers online learning resources and around–the–clock technical support. Riv also has extended library services for distance learners, including the ability to chat online with librarians and access to counseling services, disability services, veteran services, writing assistance and tutoring, and academic advising and mentorship.
Tuition costs do not fluctuate based on state residency, but cost–per–credit varies depending on program of study. GPA minimum requirements range from 2.0–3.0, depending on the program. Most online undergraduate programs at Riv accept up to 90 transfer credits.
Accreditation
Rivier University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
See some of Rivier University’s top rankings on TBS
3. Franklin Pierce University
Rindge, New Hampshire
Located in Rindge, New Hampshire, Franklin Pierce is a private university founded in 1962. Franklin Pierce Online offers two online certificate, four online associate degree, and nine online bachelor’s degree programs, including:
- Accounting – finance
- Criminal justice
- Healthcare administration
- Marketing
- Management
- Nursing
Franklin Pierce’s online bachelor’s degree programs require 120 credits of coursework for graduation and are generally designed to be completed in four years. Students completing an online associate degree will complete 60 credits over the course of two years. Courses may run synchronously or asynchronously, depending on the program, course, or instructor. Students should read each syllabus carefully to determine requirements.
Franklin Pierce’s online courses run through Canvas, an online learning platform featuring resources and extensive technical assistance for online learners. Other learning resources include career services, library support, and additional assistance through the Center for Academic Excellence.
Tuition costs do not fluctuate based on state residency. Franklin Pierce allows students to earn up to 45 credits for apply life experience by creating a portfolio to demonstrate knowledge they have in general elective areas.
Applicants should submit high school transcripts or equivalency. SAT and ACT scores are not required. Recommended prerequisites for admission include four credits of English, three credits of math, three credits of laboratory science, three credits of social sciences, and three elective credits.
Accreditation
Franklin Pierce University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
See some of Franklin Pierce University’s top rankings on TBS
4. New England College
Henniker, New Hampshire
Located in Henniker, New Hampshire, NEC is a private institution boasting a diverse student population and a robust collection of online degree offerings. NEC Online offers 10 online associate degrees, 14 online bachelor’s degrees with various concentrations, and 12 online master’s degrees, including:
- Accounting (AS, BS)
- Business administration (AA, BA)
- Criminal justice (AA, BA)
- Healthcare administration (AS, BS)
- Psychology (AA, BA)
NEC’s online bachelor’s degree programs require 120 credits for graduation while associate degree programs require 60 credits. Online courses at NEC run over a period of seven weeks, with courses meeting either synchronously or asynchronously, depending on the program and instructor.
NEC’s online courses run through the Canvas platform. NEC offers resources for distance learners, including online tutoring, career services, technical support, and student representatives, who can help with class registration, book orders, and other issues that may arise.
Tuition costs do not fluctuate based on state residency. Transfer students may apply up to 44 credits to their associate degree programs and up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Admissions requirements vary by program, but SAT and ACT scores are not required for either bachelor’s or associate level admission. There is no minimum GPA requirement.
Accreditation
New England College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
See some of New England College’s top rankings on TBS
5. Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Located in Hooksett, New Hampshire, SNHU is a private institution founded in 1932. In 2017, U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the "Most Innovative University in the North." SNHU Online offers 17 online certificates, eight online associate degrees, 112 online bachelor’s degrees, and 101 online master’s degrees, including:
- Accounting (AS, BS)
- Business administration (AS, BS)
- Criminal justice (AS, BS)
- Digital photography (AA, BA)
- Information technologies (AS, BA)
- Marketing (AS, BS)
Students must complete 120 credits to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Associate degree students complete about 60 credits for graduation. Online courses at SNHU meet asynchronously through the Brightspace learning management system.
SNHU offers a wealth of resources for online learners, including centralized academic advising, writing center and tutoring assistance, career services, 24–hour technical support, wellness center resources, and extensive library services. SNHU also features an online student union in the form of a virtual lounge, where distance learners can meet, join clubs, and form a cohesive community.
Tuition costs for online students do not fluctuate based on state residency. Transfer students may apply up to 90 credits toward their bachelor’s degree studies. SNHU does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission, and there is no minimum GPA requirement.
Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
See some of Southern New Hampshire University’s top rankings on TBS
The Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs in New Hampshire
There are several options for cheap online colleges in New Hampshire. However, while affordability is an important factor in choosing a program, students should research each school to ensure it offers a quality education, too. That way, they’ll choose the option that best matches their career goals. This page explores the options for affordable online colleges in New Hampshire.
1. White Mountains Community College
Berlin, New Hampshire
Located in Berlin, New Hampshire, WMCC offers day and evening in–person classes as well as a suite of online options, making it one of the more affordable online colleges in New Hampshire. Online Learning at WMCC is flexible, offering both hybrid and fully online programs.
WMCC offers six online certificate and four online associate degree programs, including:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Health and Wellness Facilitator
Students can complete WMCC’s associate degree programs with 60–65 credits, spread across two years and 20–22 classes, depending on which program the student chooses. Courses run asynchronously, though some instructors may schedule occasional live sessions. Students are expected to log into their courses several times a week and should read course syllabi carefully in order to meet instructor expectations.
WMCC’s online courses run through Canvas, which provides extensive technical assistance for online learners as well as tutorials and online tutoring. Students can visit WMCC’s physical campus for in–person academic support. WMCC partners with the University System of New Hampshire to allow easy credit transfers for students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree after graduation.
WMCC does not differentiate online learners from in–person students when it comes to tuition costs. Students living in New England may qualify for reduced out–of–state tuition if their chosen programs are not available locally.
Most WMCC programs are open admission, so there is no GPA minimum to apply. Applicants must provide high school transcripts or equivalency.
Accreditation
White Mountains Community College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
2. NHTI–Concord’s Community College
Concord, New Hampshire
Founded in 1965 as a school of engineering, NHTI is located in New Hampshire’s capital city — Concord, New Hampshire — where the school offers more than 90 academic programs. NHTI’s Online Learning Center offers 12 online certificates and seven online associate degree programs, including:
- Accounting
- Business administration
- Early childhood education
- English
- General studies
- Criminal justice
These online programs make NHTI one of the most affordable online colleges in New Hampshire. Students can complete an online associate degree program with 60–62 credits spread across two years of study and 19–20 classes, depending on the program. NHTI’s online courses run through Canvas, which provides extensive technical assistance for online learners. NHTI also provides academic support through its writing center, math lab, and tutoring center.
NHTI offers the same tuition rates for online learners and in–person students. Out–of–state students living in New England may qualify for reduced tuition if their chosen programs are not available locally.
There is no minimum GPA requirement for admission to NHTI. ACT or SAT scores are recommended, but not required. Students should check individual program requirements to determine if any prerequisites are required. Transfer students may be able to count required coursework toward their degrees, depending upon faculty approval. Coursework does not necessarily need to be recent to apply toward a degree.
Accreditation
NHTI–Concord’s Community College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
Additional Online Colleges in New Hampshire Featured on TBS
Dartmouth College
The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts
Archive
2017 Best Online Colleges and University in New Hampshire
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Plymouth State University
- Granite State College
- Franklin Pierce University
- New England College
- Rivier University
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