There are many universities and colleges in the state of New Hampshire. This article will focus on public and non-profit colleges in the state and their surrounding area. New Hampshire is considered part of the New England region with a population of about 1.3 million people and a motto of “Live Free or Die.”
New Hampshire is one of the few states with no sales tax so student’s dollars stretch a bit further. The landscape here is stunning with historic bridges, waterfalls, mountains, and lakes. Tourists flock here in the fall months to see the tree’s bright-colored foliage change color. Summer, spring, and fall is the perfect time for hiking, camping, and biking. Winters are cold with snow and perfect for winter sports like downhill or cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
The University of New Hampshire (UNH)
The University of New Hampshire’s main campus is in the city of Durham. Durham is a historic town near the Oyster River. It has plenty of entertainment, shops, and restaurants for students to enjoy. Students can easily escape to the beach or drive 15-minutes to Portsmouth. Boston is even less than 2 hours away by car to avoid rush hour.
The University of New Hampshire has roughly 15,500 students enrolled between it’s Durham campus and its second campus in Manchester. Making UNH the largest university in the state. UNH participates in the NCAA Division I sports league, and their mascot is a wildcat. Like other universities, it has a variety of degree programs, student organizations, and on-campus housing. For more information, visit the University of New Hampshire’s website.
Keene State College (KSC)
Keene State College is located in the southeast corner of the state in Keene with a student body of about 5,000 students. Keene is a picturesque New England town with a population of about 23,000. This town with a lot of charm has locally-owned restaurants, parks, hiking trails, and is close proximity to the most climbed mountains in New England, Mount Monadnock.
Keene State College is a walkable campus that sits on 170 acres with grassy open areas and trees that provide shade in the summer months. It has been recognized nationally for its sustainability commitment and it’s known as being a Liberal Arts college though is offers a variety of other degree programs. When it comes to sports, KSC participates in the Little East NCAA Division III sports league and student life is active with a host of student organizations and activities. On-campus dormitories are available and there is off-campus housing well within walking distance from the campus. For more information go to Keene State College’s website.
Plymouth State University (PSU)
Plymouth State University is located within the central region of the White Mountain in the town of Plymouth. Plymouth has a population of about 7,000 making it a small New England town. This town may be small, but still offers shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. Like all of New Hampshire, Plymouth has a host of outdoor activities as well.
Plymouth State University is located just a short walk from downtown Plymouth and has around 6,500 students in their undergraduate and graduate programs. PSU it a smaller, walkable campus on a little under 200 acres. They participate in the Little East NCAA Division III sports league and like other universities have a number of organizations and activities for their students. Then even have on-campus dormitories. For more information go to the Plymouth State University website.
Granite State College
Granite State College has a student body of about 3,000 students and its main campus is located in the city of Concord. Concord is the capital of New Hampshire and it’s population is about 43,000 people. Being the capital, Concord also has a vibrant downtown!
Granite State College also has seven other campuses across New Hampshire and has a robust online program, certification programs, and happens to be one of the most affordable schools in the state. GSU does not offer on-campus housing. For more information go to the Granite State College website.
Community Colleges in New Hampshire
Though there are several four-year colleges and universities in New Hampshire, there is also a number of community colleges throughout the state.
- Manchester Community College, Manchester
- Great Bay Community College, Portsmouth
- Lakes Region Community College, Laconia
- Nashua Community College, Nashua
- NHTI, Concord’s Community College, Concord
- River Valley Community College, Claremont
- White Mountains Community College, Berlin
