Best Community Colleges in New Hampshire

Jennifer Lee
By
Updated on October 18, 2024
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The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed top community colleges in New Hampshire. Start planning your future today.

Community colleges in New Hampshire focus on helping students develop the industry-based skills and knowledge they need to navigate today’s complex workforce. In particular, the state’s growing healthcare, financial services, and computer information systems industries present many great career opportunities. New Hampshire houses some of the top online community colleges in New England.

In addition to positive academic and career opportunities, the state’s four-season climate and natural beauty appeal to residents and visitors alike. Read on to learn all you need to know about community colleges in New Hampshire.

Featured Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Accredited Community Colleges in New Hampshire

#1 Best Community Colleges in New Hampshire

Manchester Community College

  • Location-markerManchester, NH
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,450
  • Out-of-state$14,700
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate58%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,976
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment55%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Community Colleges in New Hampshire

White Mountains Community College

  • Location-markerBerlin, NH
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,450
  • Out-of-state$14,700
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate99%
  • Students Enrolled523
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment51%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Community Colleges in New Hampshire

Nashua Community College

  • Location-markerNashua, NH
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,450
  • Out-of-state$14,700
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate61%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,245
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment34%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Community Colleges in New Hampshire

Great Bay Community College

  • Location-markerPortsmouth, NH
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,450
  • Out-of-state$14,700
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate57%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,415
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment75%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Community Colleges in New Hampshire

Lakes Region Community College

  • Location-markerLaconia, NH
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,450
  • Out-of-state$14,700
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate69%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled645
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment50%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-checkHow We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

Why Study in New Hampshire?

Students attending school in New Hampshire can take advantage of abundant educational and career opportunities. There are also a variety of arts and culture for students to enjoy. In the following section, we delve into several reasons to study in the Granite State.

Educational Opportunities

New Hampshire’s community collegesprovide students with multiple educational opportunities. The state’s eStart program enables high school students to take online courses and earn both high school and college credit at the same time. The Running Start Program does the same with in-person classes, allowing for dual enrollment.

If a community college student plans to go on to a four-year institution, another dual-enrollment program admits them into the University System of New Hampshire while they are still attending community college.

In addition, for adult learners, the Work Ready New Hampshire program offers skill-building opportunities, assessments, training, and certifications related to the jobs employers are currently hiring for in the state.

Economy

Several industries in New Hampshire are growing, including financial services, healthcare, and technology. The state also boasts a favorable business tax climate — rated best in New England by The US Tax Foundation — with no sales tax, no inventory tax, and low corporate income tax. As of November 2021, New Hampshire’s unemployment rate of 2.7% was significantly lower than the national average (4.2%).

Cost of Living

New Hampshire maintains a slightly more expensive cost of living than the rest of the country, on average, although this does vary depending on the area of the state. Transportation typically costs less due to the state’s well-run public transit system. Healthcare also costs less than average.

Utilities and groceries cost a bit more than average. In general, utility costs are driven up by the cold winters, but this is somewhat offset by relatively mild, cool summers.

Cultural and Community Offerings

New Hampshire possesses a rugged beauty that artists, writers, and musicians often find inspiring. The seasons offer incredible color in the fall, and many local artists feature these different seasons in their work.

Additionally, the age of the state means many historic sites can be found. Galleries, events and festivals, and a strong theater community all create educational and inspiring entertainment.

Climate

While often considered to be especially cold in the winter, New Hampshire temperatures actually run about average when compared to other northern states. However, it can be windy and it does snow. Mild summer days often include rain. The proximity to the ocean feeds this typically humid climate, but without the extreme heat that can make the humidity unbearable.

Top Degree Programs in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Employment Outlook

Employment in New Hampshire outpaces much of the country. While manufacturing jobs have declined slightly in recent years, many other career fields have enjoyed recent growth and are projected to continue to thrive in the coming years.

While the population remains steady, industries around the state need skilled workers to fill open positions. The financial and healthcare industries offer many opportunities for those who possess the right skills and education.

4 New Hampshire Jobs in Demand


Radiologic Technologists

These technologists use imaging equipment to examine ill or injured patients to determine what kind of treatment they need. A physician makes a final determination based on the findings of radiologic technologists. These professionals need an associate degree and typically work in doctors’ offices or hospitals.

  • U.S. Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $64,940
  • Job Growth Projection (2018-2028):8.9%

Software Developers

Software developers create computer programs and applications. They may work in offices or remotely as part of a team. Developers need, at minimum, an associate of science in software development, but additional on-the-job training and/or a bachelor’s degree may be required for some positions.

  • U.S. Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $109,840
  • Job Growth Projection (2018-2028):25.7%

Physical Therapists Assistants

Working under the direction of a physical therapist, these assistants help patients regain movement and strength after illness, injury, or disease. They may work at hospitals or in physicians’ offices.

  • U.S. Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $62,110
  • Job Growth Projection (2018-2028):23.5%

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

Environmental science and protection technicians monitor and investigate sources of pollution and contamination and assist environmental scientists with enforcement and remediation. They work in offices, labs, or in the field. An associate degree is required for this position.

  • U.S. Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $50,840
  • Job Growth Projection (2018-2028):17.4%

Popular Career Paths in New Hampshire

Frequently Asked Questions About Community Colleges in New Hampshire

Community college is worth it for many students. Community colleges in New Hampshire can reduce the cost of a degree significantly, while preparing graduates for in-demand jobs throughout the state.

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