According to New Hampshire's Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau, half of the fastest-growing occupations require a bachelor's degree.
Online colleges in New Hampshire can help position you to take advantage of these new opportunities. This page provides an overview of online programs in the state, including tuition rates, information on transferring credits, and applying for financial aid. It also includes a ranking of the most affordable online schools in New Hampshire.
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Online Colleges in New Hampshire
Why Choose New Hampshire for Online Higher Education?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 83.5% of students in New Hampshire study exclusively online. Distance programs allow students to learn on their own schedule and from the comfort of their homes. They often cater to working professionals, single parents, and residents of more rural parts of the state. Online education can also help those looking to change direction in their careers.
Cost of Attending an Online College in New Hampshire
Students in New Hampshire typically pay more than the national average when pursuing an undergraduate degree at a public college or university. For example, average tuition and fees for in-state students at New Hampshire's four-year public institutions are $17,019. The national average is $9,750.
In-state tuition and fees
$17,019 – public, four-year institution$7,108 – public, two-year institution
Out-of-state tuition and fees
$33,850 – public, four-year institution$15,348 – public, two-year institution
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Your choice of school affects the total cost of your education considerably. For example, you can earn an associate degree at a community college for significantly less than a bachelor's degree at a public university. Private institutions often charge even more, and many do not provide in-state tuition discounts.
Considering a New Hampshire School as an Out-of-State Student
Many of out-of-state students receive discounted tuition through the New England Regional Student Program. To qualify, you must be a legal resident of either Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Vermont for at least 12 months before your enrollment. You must also choose one of the more than 900 associate, bachelor's, or graduate programs that participate. Members of the armed forces and their families may receive waivers from these residency requirements.
Tuition Discounts
Tuition discounts are available for out-of-state students in the New England Board of Higher Education's Tuition Break Program. Through this program, students can receive discounted tuition to programs not available in their home state. The average student saved $8,500 with the program during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students may also qualify for discounted tuition if the closest school to them lies across a state border. Some students in western Massachusetts, for example, may live closer to a college in southern Vermont or New Hampshire.
State Authorizations for Online Learning
Most public online universities in New Hampshire participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), so students from the District of Columbia and 49 other states can earn a degree from these institutions at a distance. Some private institutions, such as New England College, also participate in SARA.
Many larger schools, including the University of New Hampshire, have entered into individual reciprocity agreements with states not yet fully participating in SARA, such as Florida and California.
Tuition rates are ultimately program- and institution-based. Ask someone from a prospective program about the rates that apply to you specifically as a potential member of that program.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire's Online Schools
This next section offers answers to some of the questions most commonly asked by students considering whether to attend an online college in New Hampshire. While the information below generally applies to programs across the state, make sure to check with individual schools about exact costs and start dates.
New Hampshire Scholarships and Grants
In addition to federal financial aid, many private organizations offer scholarships specifically to students pursuing a postsecondary degree in the Granite State. While many of these organizations award funds based on financial need, others support students who excel academically or those from a particular socioeconomic background. We detail five scholarships available to students attending online colleges in New Hampshire below.
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Associate Scholarships
Amount: $100-$3,500
The NHCF awards scholarships to students pursuing an associate degree at one of the state's community colleges or another two-year institution. To qualify, you must hold a high school diploma or GED and demonstrate financial need. NHCF prefers to support students planning to enter a high-demand profession, such as engineering or clinical health care.
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Bachelor's Scholarships
Amount: $250-$7,500
NHCF also supports students pursuing their bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in the state. In making their award decisions, NHCF considers financial need, academic merit, community service activities, and professional work experience. The program is highly competitive, with roughly five applications for every award.
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Graduate Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Finally, NHCF also provides scholarships to students seeking either a master's or doctoral degree. To qualify for a graduate scholarship, you must hold a bachelor's degree and demonstrate exemplary academic achievement, pressing financial need, and deep involvement in your community.
Community Colleges of New Hampshire Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Varies
The Community Colleges of New Hampshire Foundation administers ten scholarship programs for students pursuing an associate degree or professional certificate. The NASA Space Grant Scholarship, for example, supports students majoring in a field like aviation technology or advanced manufacturing technology. The foundation selects recipients based on financial need and academic merit.
Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund
Amount: $2,000-$17,000
The Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund provides renewable awards to students from New England seeking their first bachelor's degree. To qualify for funding, you must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA during high school, report an expected family contribution of $10,000 or less, and demonstrate both leadership skills and a desire to make meaningful contributions to society.
