Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire

The higher education experts at BestColleges. have reviewed top online colleges in New Hampshire. Start planning your future at BestColleges.
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Updated on June 28, 2023
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The New Hampshire Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau projects that employment in the state will increase by 6.1% from 2016-2026, adding approximately 42,000 new jobs. The state's healthcare and social assistance sector will grow by 15.7% during that period, accounting for roughly one-third of these new positions. Hospitality and professional services jobs should also experience strong growth, while the manufacturing and production industries will likely see an overall decline in employment.

Top 5 Online Colleges in New Hampshire

  1. Rivier University - Nashua, NH
  2. Southern New Hampshire University - Manchester, NH
  3. Franklin Pierce University - Rindge, NH
  4. Colby-Sawyer College - New London, NH
  5. Granite State College - Concord, NH

Related Programs That Might Interest You

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

Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire

In 2018, the annual mean wage in New Hampshire was $52,350, according to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, careers that require additional education or training often pay much more. For example, human resources managers in the state earned an average salary of $125,800 in 2018, and the average computer and information systems manager earned $147,440. You must have at least a bachelor's degree to qualify for these roles, though a master's degree can give you a competitive edge when applying for more senior positions.

Pursuing a postsecondary education can help you take the next step in your career. However, many working professionals and full-time caregivers find it difficult to fit schoolwork into their already busy schedules. Studying online may help you overcome this challenge -- distance education programs often allow students to complete coursework at their convenience from any location with an internet connection. Online programs can also be more affordable.

The ranking below describes the five best online colleges in New Hampshire. For each of these schools, we have compiled information related to application requirements, available courses of study, and financial aid opportunities. We also indicate whether online coursework is delivered asynchronously or if online classes require live participation at set times. Finally, all of these colleges hold regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire

  1. Rivier University
    Location

    Nashua, NH

    Tuition

    $21453

    Rivier University's generous transfer policies help the school stand out as one of the best online colleges in New Hampshire. Incoming undergraduate students can apply up to 90 credits from another accredited institution toward a bachelor's at Riv, allowing them to finish their degree in as little as one more year. Master's programs accept up to nine transfer credits.

    Riv currently offers 20 fully online and asynchronous degrees in fields such as business administration, computer information systems, nursing practice, and public health. Online students can also signal specialized expertise by earning a graduate certificate in psychiatric mental health.

    First-year applicants must submit high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement. Graduate admission standards vary, but most programs require prospective students to have earned a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Riv does not require graduate applicants to take an entrance exam.

  2. Southern New Hampshire University
    Location

    Manchester, NH

    Tuition

    $39638

    At Southern New Hampshire University, students can choose from more than 200 fully online and asynchronous programs, developing the skills and knowledge needed for careers in areas like accounting and finance, criminal justice, engineering, and the social sciences. Upon graduation, students join a network of more than 75,000 alumni working around the world.

    SNHU pairs each admitted student with a dedicated academic advisor who helps online learners choose a major, navigate the enrollment process, and apply for financial aid. Advisors can also connect students with additional resources, including 24/7 online tutoring, personalized career counseling, and remote writing and research assistance.

    To earn an associate or bachelor's degree at the university, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. While SNHU does not set minimum academic requirements for its undergraduate programs, students may need a certain GPA to qualify for scholarships. Graduate applicants must have a bachelor's degree and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. Regardless of your degree level, entrance exams are not required at SNHU.

  3. Franklin Pierce University
    Location

    Rindge, NH

    Tuition

    $26673

    Franklin Pierce University was founded in 1962 with the mission of creating intimate learning experiences between faculty and students. More than 50 years later, the university remains committed to personalized and attentive education, boasting a student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1.

    Undergraduate students at the university can seek associate and bachelor's degrees entirely online, building a foundation of knowledge in areas like emergency medical services, healthcare administration, and human services. Franklin Pierce also hosts online and asynchronous master's tracks in business administration, education, and nursing.

    To apply to an undergraduate program, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, though the university does not require ACT or SAT scores. Graduate programs at Franklin Pierce also generally do not require entrance exam scores, though you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 2.8. Each year, the university awards approximately $30M in scholarships and grants.

  4. Colby-Sawyer College
    Location

    New London, NH

    Tuition

    $27130

    Colby-Sawyer College currently offers two online degree programs: an associate degree in liberal arts and a bachelor's degree completion pathway for licensed nurses. The associate program is designed for students who plan to ultimately apply their credits toward a four-year degree, while the RN-to-BSN program helps equip nurses with the skills and knowledge needed to assume supervisory and leadership roles.

    To apply to the nursing program, you must already have an associate degree or diploma in nursing, along with an active and unencumbered license to practice in New Hampshire. Full-time students can earn their bachelor's in 16 months, while part-time students generally need 2-3 years to meet all of their graduation requirements. Most coursework is asynchronous, though some classes may require live participation.

    To earn an online associate degree at Colby-Sawyer, you must submit high school transcripts and a writing sample. Applicants may also share ACT or SAT scores and letters of recommendation.

  5. Granite State College
    Location

    Concord, NH

    Tuition

    $12905

    Nearly 80% of the students at Granite State College take at least one online class, and many pursue their associate, bachelor's, or master's degree entirely from a distance. Online programs feature fully asynchronous coursework, giving busy students the flexibility they need to explore subjects like digital media, health and wellness, human resource administration, and operations management. Blended, hybrid, and accelerated programs are also available.

    Regardless of their degree level, all students at the college complete an integrative capstone project that prepares them for the next stage in their careers. These projects may involve participating in an internship, remotely collaborating with a faculty member on a research project, or developing a business model for a new entrepreneurial initiative.

    Applying to an undergraduate program requires a high school diploma or GED certificate, but you do not need to take the ACT or SAT. Graduate applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. While the college does not require the GRE or GMAT for graduate-level admission, prospective master's students must submit two references, a resume, and a personal statement.

Click here to see the best campus colleges in New Hampshire.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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