Despite its small size (New Hampshire is 46th in land area), online colleges in New Hampshire are thriving. New Hampshire was an early forerunner in the evolution of American higher education, founding its first school as early as 1769. They have had plenty of time to get it right! If you are a New Hampshire resident and are looking for the flexibility and convenience that an online college degree program can offer, the state offers some exceptional choices.
Six schools top our Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire list, each offering an extensive range of associate, bachelor, and master’s degree programs completely online. This is extremely important for students looking to advance in or change their career.
If you are looking for information for the perfect online college education for you, we’ve got you covered.
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:
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
1Southern New Hampshire University
(Manchester, NH)
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).
2Plymouth State University
(Plymouth, NH)
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).
3Granite State College
(Concord, NH)
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).
4Franklin Pierce University
(Rindge, NH)
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).
5New England College
(Henniker, NH)
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).
6Rivier University
(Nashua, NH)
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).