The cost of college in New Hampshire — and what it pays back
Across the 20 New Hampshire institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $18,614/yr, $1,708 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $50,750 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 13 of the 20 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$18,614
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$50,750
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
9.3 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
13/20
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How New Hampshire's 20 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong3
Solid4
Slow1
Weak12
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire at Manchester | $9,992 | $66,479 | 2.2 yrs |
| Dartmouth College | $29,519 | $97,434 | 2.4 yrs |
| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online | $10,864 | $66,479 | 2.4 yrs |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | $23,805 | $66,479 | 5.3 yrs |
| Saint Anselm College | $34,779 | $73,371 | 5.6 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire at Manchester | $9,992 | $66,479 | 2.2 yrs |
| Empire Beauty School-Hooksett | $10,549 | $33,546 | no payback |
| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online | $10,864 | $66,479 | 2.4 yrs |
| Lakes Region Community College | $13,124 | $51,182 | 9.3 yrs |
| Manchester Community College | $14,143 | $49,063 | 40.2 yrs |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in New Hampshire?
The median net price across New Hampshire colleges is $18,614/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in New Hampshire cheaper than the national average?
No — the median New Hampshire net price of $18,614/yr runs about $1,708/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do New Hampshire college graduates earn?
A median $50,750 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which New Hampshire college pays for itself fastest?
University of New Hampshire at Manchester — about 2.2 years to clear its $39,968 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-new-hampshire page.