Best Colleges in New Hampshire – 2024

Academic Highlights: Dartmouth sports 60+ majors and a stunning breadth of course selections for an institution of its size. The learning environment at Dartmouth is extraordinarily intimate. Not only do 62% of course sections have under twenty students, but 20% have single-digit enrollments. The student-to-faculty ratio is an outstanding 7:1. Undergraduate research opportunities abound with roughly 60% of students participating at some point. Further, close to 90% of those participants report having a satisfying experience working with a faculty member in that capacity. The rate of satisfaction is hardly surprising as Dartmouth’s faculty consistently rates at the top of rankings/surveys regarding quality of instruction. An extensive study abroad program offers 40+ Dartmouth faculty-led academic experiences around the world, and over 50% of all students partake.

Professional Outcomes: A great reputation, along with a passionate alumni network that is 80,000 strong, leads Dartmouth grads to successful transitions into graduate school and the world of work. Recent Dartmouth grads work for Amazon, Apple, Bain & Company, Deloitte, Epic, Google, the NIH, and the Smithsonian Institute. Right off the bat, 56% of graduates earn $90,000 or more in salary. Those pursuing graduate degrees often flock to the likes of Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton, with 32% of Big Green grads choosing to continue their education at Dartmouth.

Academic Highlights: The University of New Hampshire provides students with exceptional academic breadth through 200+ degree programs across 11 schools and colleges, all supported by an excellent 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. UNH maintains a strong commitment to engaged learning, with 84% of classes enrolling fewer than 50 students and unique opportunities like the Shoals Marine Laboratory’s SURG program for undergraduate research. As a top-20% research university nationally, UNH backs its academic programs with 50+ research centers and global perspectives through 250+ study abroad options, serving a diverse community from all 50 states and 43 countries.

Professional Outcomes: UNH’s Class of 2023 achieved outstanding results, with 94% securing positive outcomes—73% employed at leading organizations like Fidelity Investments, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Liberty Mutual, earning strong median starting salaries of $57,000. An impressive 87% of working graduates apply their majors directly in their careers, while 21% continue their education, predominantly at UNH’s own highly regarded graduate programs. These outcomes demonstrate UNH’s powerful combination of academic rigor, hands-on research, and professional preparation that serves both New England’s workforce needs and national employers.

Academic Highlights: Saint Anselm College delivers a transformative Catholic, Benedictine education through 100+ academic programs that integrate intellectual, spiritual, and personal development. With an exceptional 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of 18, students benefit from close mentorship. The college’s distinctive New Hampshire Institute of Politics provides unparalleled access to political leaders and real-world civic engagement, creating graduates who think critically and lead ethically.

Professional Outcomes: Saint Anselm graduates achieve remarkable success, with 99% of the Class of 2024 employed or in graduate school within nine months. Alumni excel at top-tier employers, including Fidelity Investments, Boston Children’s Hospital, and USA Today, while 18% advance to prestigious graduate programs at Notre Dame, the University of Michigan, and the University of Syracuse. Most build their careers in the Greater Boston area, demonstrating how Saint Anselm’s unique blend of liberal arts rigor, Benedictine values, and professional preparation develops leaders who make immediate impacts.

Academic Highlights: UNH Manchester delivers a distinctive liberal arts education through 35+ degree programs, combining intimate classroom experiences with cutting-edge professional preparation. The innovative Millyard Scholars program stands out, offering biotechnology-focused research opportunities alongside scholarships for independent projects. With an exceptional 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and remarkably small classes (97% under 30 students), undergraduates receive personalized mentorship.

Professional Outcomes: Graduates achieve a 92% placement rate, launching careers with leading employers including Fidelity Investments, BAE Systems, Lonza, and Concord Hospital Health System. Commanding median earnings of $66,479, alumni primarily build their careers in the Greater Boston area, leveraging the university’s strong regional connections. UNH Manchester’s unique blend of liberal arts foundation and career-ready skills prepares graduates to excel in New England’s thriving economy.

Academic Highlights: As New Hampshire’s premier public liberal arts college, Keene State offers students 40+ areas of study in an intimate learning environment with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The college emphasizes personalized education, with 77% of classes enrolling fewer than 30 students. Global perspectives are cultivated through study abroad programs spanning six continents, from Japan to South Africa. This combination of close faculty mentorship and international opportunities creates well-rounded graduates prepared for professional success.

Professional Outcomes: Keene State alumni achieve strong career placement with leading employers, including Fidelity Investments, Liberty Mutual, and C&S Wholesale Grocers. Many graduates establish themselves in the dynamic Greater Boston region, while others contribute to New Hampshire’s workforce in Keene or pursue opportunities in the New York metropolitan area. These outcomes demonstrate how Keene State’s blend of liberal arts education and practical preparation equips graduates to thrive in New England’s various sectors.