Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire 2025
New Hampshire's best online colleges are accredited institutions offering financial assistance, online resources, or other support to help students excel.
A college degree offers plenty of benefits�one of the biggest is access to higher earnings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with bachelor's degrees earn hundreds more per week than individuals with high school diplomas.
If you want to earn a degree but don't have time to attend in-person classes, online college programs are great alternatives. The best accredited online colleges offer undergraduate or graduate degrees in various subjects, provide flexible schedules, and deliver perks like tutoring, academic advising, and career help.
Are you interested in attending one of the online colleges in New Hampshire? If so, you're not alone. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) revealed that 78.2% of New Hampshire students took distance courses exclusively in 2023. Below, we'll highlight which schools in the state offer top online degrees. We'll also discuss the cost of online degrees in New Hampshire and share great ways to save.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in New Hampshire
Students interested in earning an online doctoral, master's, bachelor's, or associate degree can locate great programs in New Hampshire. If you're ready to enroll at one of the best colleges online, explore the list of institutions below to find the top options in the state.
1. University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire in Durham, the state's flagship public institution, offers over 100 online programs for students interested in associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees. Enrollees can choose from accounting, human services, marketing, social work, nursing, and education programs.
U.S. News & World Report ranked UNH's online MBA among the nation's top 15% and recognized the school's master's in education and nursing programs. Nearly all students (96%) receive scholarships, grants, and other financial aid to help learners save.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State: $19,112
Out-of-State: $38,882
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State: $14,170
Out-of-State: $27,810
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 86%
Institution Type: Public university
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
2. New England College
New England College offers dozens of undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, clinical health counseling, criminal justice, humanities, healthcare administration, and beyond. U.S. News & World Report has recognized its online bachelor's in business, master's in business, and MBA as reputable programs.
The college offers rolling admissions, multiple start dates, and online student services such as tutoring, library access, and 24/7 technical support. Traditional learners pay upwards of $40,000 in tuition; however, online learners are billed $375 per credit. NEC helps 98% of students lower costs with financial aid.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $41,578
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $14,376
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%
Institution Type: Private college
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
3. University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online
In 2023, the University of New Hampshire and Granite State College in Concord merged to form the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online in Manchester. Programs at this school have earned high marks from U.S. News & World Report, including online bachelor's programs ranked in the nation's top 15% and online master's in business degrees ranked among the nation's top half.
Online associate, bachelor's, and master's programs are available in business, English language arts, math studies, project management, and beyond. UNH CPS Online offers 85% of its enrollees financial aid and provides academic advising and career support to enhance the online learning experience.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State: $7,812
Out-of-State: $9,372
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State: $10,044
Out-of-State: $10,962
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 33%
Institution Type: Public university
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
4. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University's students can choose from 200+ online programs at all educational levels. Degrees are available in computer science, special education, business analytics, forensic accounting, technical management, public health, and more.
SNHU offers plenty of perks for online learners, including a generous transfer policy and credits for examinations, work experience, and IT certifications. Students also benefit from 24/7 tutoring, academic coaching, and live workshops. Per-credit tuition is affordable, with online undergraduates paying $330 and graduate students paying $637. Most students (81%) receive financial aid to lower costs.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $16,450
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $19,467
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 60%
Institution Type: Private university
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
5. Franklin Pierce University
Franklin Pierce University offers multiple 100% online bachelor's and master's degree programs for students interested in accounting, business administration, nursing, human services, and criminal justice. Hybrid programs are also available for students interested in an MSN/MBA dual degree or a Master of Physician Assistant Studies.
Franklin Pierce enrollees can enhance their studies with resources like the Student Success Center and the Wensberg Writing Center. While traditional learners pay more than $44,000 annually, most online students receive a reduced tuition rate of $400 per credit. All students receive financial aid to increase their savings.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $44,963
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State & Out-of-State: $39,549
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 73%
Institution Type: Private university
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Other Featured Online Schools
Great online programs are available in New Hampshire; however, you can also find top options in other parts of the country. Explore this list of fully online colleges to discover more programs in your preferred field.
University of Massachusetts Global
The University of Massachusetts Global offers over 55 online degrees at all educational levels. Enrollees can choose from programs exploring human resources, business, leadership, social work, psychology, and more. The university offers two learning formats: self-paced/competency-based (MyPath) and instructor-led/course-based. UMass Global supports online learners by providing access to academic advisors, writing and math tutors, and enrollment coaches.
University of Phoenix
Students attending the University of Phoenix can choose from online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in subject areas such as education, healthcare, business, psychology, and criminal justice. Courses are short, lasting five to six weeks each for faster degree completion. Online learners pay affordable tuition and can benefit from support services like writing help and library access.
University of Arizona Global Campus
The University of Arizona Global Campus offers over 50 programs in areas of study that include education, healthcare, liberal arts, criminal justice, and information technology. Students can pursue 100% online degrees at all academic levels. The benefits of online learning at UAGC include taking five- and six-week classes, enjoying a generous transfer policy, and receiving credit for prior learning.
How We Rank Schools
Our team rigorously vetted the institutions in the ranking list above with help from NCES and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. Every school has met the following criteria for delivering high-quality education:
- Reputable: We confirmed that colleges and universities in this list are respected, considering factors such as student outcomes and retention rates.
- Accredited: These online colleges in New Hampshire have received accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
- Affordable: The institutions increase degree affordability by offering financial aid, scholarships, affordable tuition rates, generous transfer credit policies, or credits for prior learning experiences.
- Online learning support: Schools in this list offer library access, academic advising, tutoring, and other services to support online learners.
Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in New Hampshire
Online education is a great option for students who want to enroll in a reputable undergraduate or graduate program with flexible scheduling and other perks. However, it can have its downsides. Review some of the pros and cons of online college programs in New Hampshire.
Pros of earning an online degree:
- No campus visits: Most distance programs allow students to take online classes exclusively and require no in-person meetings.
- Flexible deadlines: Some online colleges offer asynchronous courses that let students choose when to access learning materials, submit assignments, and take exams.
- Graduate sooner: Numerous institutions offer credit for prior learning, shorter courses, multiple start dates, and other opportunities to complete an online program fast.
Cons of earning an online degree:
- Self-learning required: Taking online courses requires students to be self-motivated and comfortable managing much of their learning process.
- Limited feedback: Online classes are often pre-recorded, resulting in fewer opportunities to interact with and receive feedback from the instructor than traditional live classes.
- Technical knowledge needed: Students enrolled in online programs must be comfortable using distance learning technology to navigate their coursework.
How To Choose the Best Online College in New Hampshire
The right online New Hampshire school should offer your chosen program at the right degree level, whether you want to pursue an online master's degree in nonprofit management or a distance bachelor's degree in criminal justice. You should also look for an institution accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Checking graduation and retention rates can help you gauge school reputations.
If you have budget limitations, look for institutions that provide affordable tuition or financial aid to lower costs. Confirm that you meet admission requirements such as minimum high school or college GPA, test scores, and prerequisite courses. Also, consider institutions that make online study and graduation easier with tutoring, library access, success coaching, and easy transfer from community colleges.
How Much Does an Online Degree in New Hampshire Cost?
Prospective students hoping to attend a New Hampshire college can find affordable online rates. On average, in-state tuition for an online bachelor's degree from a public school is $314 per credit. Students attending an online school out-of-state pay about $365 per credit.
Tips on How To Make Online College in New Hampshire More Affordable
Online college is affordable in New Hampshire, but bringing the cost down never hurts. Fortunately, there are many ways to save on tuition.
You can apply to the cheapest online colleges in New Hampshire or look for institutions that award credits for examinations, certificates, life experience, military training, or other prior learning. If you're looking for additional ways to lower costs, explore the list of options below:
- online colleges that accept FAFSA
- online colleges with payment plans
- online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
- online colleges that accept transfer credits
- online colleges with scholarships
- online colleges with no application fee
New Hampshire Scholarships & Grants
Grants and scholarships are popular financial aid options. NCES data reveals that 79.6% of full-time, first-time students in New Hampshire receiv grants or scholarships from the federal government, state/local government, or the institution. If you want to save, find great scholarship and grant programs in the list below.
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation awards over $8 million annually to nearly 2,000 New Hampshire students. Eligibility is open to students in two- and four-year degree programs, graduate school, or other institutions.
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Governor's Scholarship Program
This award is designed for New Hampshire high school graduates who enroll full-time and continuously attend a participating postsecondary education institution in the state.
Award Amount: Up to $2,000
Deadline: Contact the financial aid office for more details
Unitil Scholarship Fund
Six students planning to pursue degrees in STEM fields are awarded scholarships to complete an undergraduate degree. Eligibility is open to high school seniors from New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 31
Top Majors for New Hampshire Graduates
Are you interested in attending college but don't yet have a major? Consider the following top majors for New Hampshire graduates.
- Human services: This interdisciplinary program teaches social welfare policy, social justice, and how to help people improve their lives. Bachelor's degree holders often become case workers, crisis support workers, and social workers.
- Healthcare administration/management: These programs teach students how to manage finances and staff and comply with government regulations. Individuals who earn bachelor's degrees can start careers as health services managers and nursing home administrators.
- General studies: This program covers several subjects, including math, humanities, and social sciences. Bachelor's degrees commonly create career opportunities in sales, event planning, and public relations.
- Business administration and management: Students learn business theory and how to create a healthy work environment. Common careers for bachelor's degree holders include project manager, account executive, and investment analyst.
- Marketing/marketing management: Coursework explores strategies for identifying and reaching target customers and developing brands. Students with bachelor's degrees qualify for marketing management, digital marketing, and content marketing strategist roles.
FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in New Hampshire
If you're ready to earn an online undergraduate or graduate degree, you can find great programs at New Hampshire online colleges. Review the FAQs below to learn more about these institutions.
How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in New Hampshire?
Some accredited colleges online help students earn a bachelor's degree in two years or less or a master's degree in less than a year. The best way to speed up your studies is to look for a school offering accelerated online degrees in New Hampshire. These institutions might offer self-paced learning, a generous transfer policy, or shorter program terms.
Is Online College Right for Me?
Online colleges are designed for students seeking flexible class schedules and the ability to learn from any location. With no in-person requirements, online learners must be self-motivated and have great time-management skills. Do you possess these characteristics? If so, attending an online college might be a good choice.
What Is the Easiest Online University To Get Into in New Hampshire?
Schools with higher acceptance rates or open enrollment are typically the easiest to get into in New Hampshire. New England College and the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online have very high acceptance rates of 100%. Southern New Hampshire University has a high acceptance rate of 96%.
Are Any Online Colleges Worth It?
Attending regionally or nationally accredited online colleges is worth students' time and financial investment. The key is picking a school that has a good reputation and provides the degree program and online support services you need. The right institution will also prepare you for a successful career in your chosen field.
Find Online Degree Programs for Learners in New Hampshire
Take the next step toward an exciting experience in online higher education by exploring the colleges and universities on Learn.org. Get information about online colleges in New Hampshire and how their programs can help you achieve your educational goals.