Plymouth State University vs University of New Hampshire at Manchester: which has better ROI?
University of New Hampshire at Manchester has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $39,968 in 2.2 years versus 8.6 years at Plymouth State University, on median earnings of $66,479 vs $57,304 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Plymouth State University | University of New Hampshire at Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,216 | $9,992 |
| Total net cost | $76,864 | $39,968 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $57,304 | $66,479 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $26,814 |
| Payback | 8.6 yrs | 2.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $102,016 | $322,412 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Plymouth State University or University of New Hampshire at Manchester?
University of New Hampshire at Manchester, at $9,992 a year after aid versus $19,216 — a gap of $9,224 a year, or $36,896 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Plymouth State University or University of New Hampshire at Manchester graduates earn more?
University of New Hampshire at Manchester graduates report a median $66,479 ten years after entry, $9,175 more than the $57,304 at Plymouth State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Plymouth State University or University of New Hampshire at Manchester?
Plymouth State University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $26,814 at University of New Hampshire at Manchester, a difference of $814. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
52% of students finish at Plymouth State University, against 50% at University of New Hampshire at Manchester. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.