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 employers know and trust
- Be close enough to easily visit when desired
Ranking guidelines for the best online colleges in New Hampshire:
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, baccalaureate, master and certificate programs online. Associate’s 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.
Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
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 a number of associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s and teacher certifications entirely online. Associate’s 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.
Granite State College is regionally accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
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, baccalaureate and master degree programs. Online associate’s 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.
New England College is regionally accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
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, baccalaureate, master and certificate programs online. Associate’s 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.
Franklin Pierce University is regionally accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
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 has 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.
University of New Hampshire iis regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
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 a number of online baccalaureate, 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.
Rivier University is regionally accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).
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 baccalaureate 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.
Plymouth State University is regionally accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).