1. Dartmouth College
Overview
Location: Hanover, New Hampshire
Founded in 1769, Dartmouth College is an Ivy League institution and one of the oldest universities in the United States. It is known for its strong undergraduate focus, top-tier programs in business, engineering, and medicine, and its close-knit academic community. The Tuck School of Business and Thayer School of Engineering are especially well-regarded. Dartmouth combines liberal arts education with professional programs, offering students a broad and dynamic learning experience.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #12 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 6,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Average SAT Score: 1440-1560
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Dartmouth Big Green Athletics
- Greek life
- Outing Club (oldest and largest collegiate outing club in the U.S.)
- The Dartmouth (student newspaper)
- Community service and leadership organizations
Famous Alumni
- Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) – Author
- Robert Frost – Pulitzer Prize-winning poet
- Timothy Geithner – Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
- Kirsten Gillibrand – U.S. Senator
- Mindy Kaling – Actress and comedian
Top Employers
- Goldman Sachs
- McKinsey & Company
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
2. University of New Hampshire (UNH)
Overview
Location: Durham, New Hampshire
Founded in 1866, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) is the state’s flagship public research university. Known for its strong programs in marine biology, business, and engineering, UNH is a hub for innovation and research. The university operates the UNH InterOperability Laboratory and has a partnership with NASA for space exploration research. UNH’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics is also highly regarded.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #137 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 14,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Average SAT Score: 1120-1320
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Wildcats Athletics
- Greek life
- Student Senate
- UNH Outing Club
- Environmental sustainability clubs
Famous Alumni
- John Irving – Pulitzer Prize-winning author
- Jennifer Lee – Director and screenwriter (Frozen)
- Marty Meehan – UMass President and former U.S. Congressman
- Danielle Collins – Professional tennis player
- Mike O’Malley – Actor and comedian
Top Employers
- BAE Systems
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Lonza Biologics
- Timberland
- Fidelity Investments
3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Overview
Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), founded in 1932, is known for its innovative approach to online education. SNHU offers a wide range of programs in business, technology, and healthcare, and it has earned a reputation as a leader in online learning, enrolling tens of thousands of students from across the globe. Its on-campus programs are also strong, especially in business, marketing, and creative writing.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #133 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: Over 100,000 (online and on-campus)
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Average SAT Score: 940-1150
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- SNHU Penmen Athletics
- Business and entrepreneurship clubs
- Creative writing workshops
- Gaming and eSports clubs
- Student government and leadership groups
Famous Alumni
- John R. Kasich – Former Governor of Ohio
- Sylvester Stallone – Actor and filmmaker (Honorary degree)
- Don Cherry – Hockey commentator
- Mark Dodson – Voice actor
- Cheryl Bascomb – Executive at Dartmouth College
Top Employers
- Fidelity Investments
- BAE Systems
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- TD Bank
- Dell Technologies
4. Saint Anselm College
Overview
Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Founded in 1889, Saint Anselm College is a private liberal arts college with a Catholic Benedictine tradition. It is best known for its strong programs in political science, nursing, and humanities. The New Hampshire Institute of Politics, located on campus, is a national hub for political engagement and hosts presidential debates. Saint Anselm also has highly respected programs in healthcare and liberal arts education.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #102 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 2,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Average SAT Score: 1130-1290
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Hawks Athletics
- New Hampshire Institute of Politics events
- Campus ministry and service organizations
- Greek life
- Student government and leadership programs
Famous Alumni
- Thomas D. Rath – Political consultant
- Kelly Ayotte – Former U.S. Senator
- Steve Marchand – Former Mayor of Portsmouth
- Christopher H. Smith – U.S. Congressman
- Al Kaline – MLB Hall of Famer
Top Employers
- Catholic Medical Center
- Elliot Health System
- Fidelity Investments
- Liberty Mutual
- St. Anselm College
5. Keene State College
Overview
Location: Keene, New Hampshire
Keene State College, founded in 1909, is a public liberal arts college known for its programs in education, safety studies, and the arts. It is also home to the Cohen Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, one of the nation’s leading centers for Holocaust education. Keene State emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and offers a strong teacher preparation program.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #10 Regional Colleges North
- Number of Students: About 3,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Average SAT Score: 1010-1190
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Owls Athletics
- Campus arts and theater groups
- Cohen Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies
- Greek life
- Student government and service programs
Famous Alumni
- Paul LePage – Former Governor of Maine
- Mandy Moore – Actress and singer
- Peter Sagal – Host of Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!
- Jane Langton – Author
- Jim Stork – Former Mayor of Wilton Manors, Florida
Top Employers
- Keene State College
- Cheshire Medical Center
- C&S Wholesale Grocers
- Timberland
- State of New Hampshire
6. Franklin Pierce University
Overview
Location: Rindge, New Hampshire
Founded in 1962, Franklin Pierce University is a private university known for its programs in health sciences, business, and communication. The university offers small class sizes and a personalized approach to education. Franklin Pierce is also known for its strong athletic programs, especially in men’s and women’s soccer. The university emphasizes leadership and career preparation, with strong ties to the local community.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #136 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: About 1,400
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Average SAT Score: 950-1130
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Ravens Athletics
- Student government and leadership groups
- Health and wellness clubs
- Media production and journalism clubs
- Outdoor adventure and environmental groups
Famous Alumni
- Mary L. Bonauto – Civil rights lawyer
- Jonathan Kuck – Olympic speed skater
- Debbie Walsh – Political consultant
- Marc Roberge – Lead singer of O.A.R.
- Michael DenDekker – New York State Assemblyman
Top Employers
- Cheshire Medical Center
- Franklin Pierce University
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Fidelity Investments
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
7. Plymouth State University
Overview
Location: Plymouth, New Hampshire
Founded in 1871, Plymouth State University is a public university known for its strong programs in education, business, and environmental science. Located in the White Mountains, Plymouth State emphasizes experiential learning and outdoor education. The university has a close-knit community and offers students hands-on learning opportunities through internships, research, and community engagement.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #119 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: About 4,200
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Average SAT Score: 970-1180
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Panthers Athletics
- Outdoor adventure and environmental clubs
- Student government and leadership programs
- Greek life
- Performing arts and music programs
Famous Alumni
- Freddie Prinze Jr. – Actor (attended briefly)
- Paul Young – Grammy Award-winning singer
- Adam Sandler – Actor and comedian (attended briefly)
- Larry Kelley – Heisman Trophy winner
- Mark Avery – Author and educator
Top Employers
- New Hampshire Department of Education
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
- Timberland
- State of New Hampshire
- Fidelity Investments
8. Rivier University
Overview
Location: Nashua, New Hampshire
Founded in 1933, Rivier University is a private Catholic university known for its nursing, education, and business programs. The university is committed to providing students with a values-based education rooted in service and leadership. Rivier’s nursing program is one of the best in the region, and the university also offers strong online programs in business and healthcare management.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #136 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: About 2,200
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Average SAT Score: 980-1150
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Raiders Athletics
- Campus ministry and service organizations
- Nursing and healthcare clubs
- Student government and leadership groups
- Volunteer and community outreach programs
Famous Alumni
- Diana L. DiZoglio – Massachusetts State Senator
- Marian A. Ryan – District Attorney of Middlesex County, MA
- Timothy P. Cahill – Former Massachusetts State Treasurer
- Richard M. Flynn – Former New Hampshire Attorney General
- Ronald P. Corbett Jr. – Former Mayor of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Top Employers
- Southern New Hampshire Health
- St. Joseph Hospital
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Fidelity Investments
- Rivier University
9. Colby-Sawyer College
Overview
Location: New London, New Hampshire
Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer College is a private liberal arts college known for its strong programs in nursing, environmental science, and business. The college emphasizes experiential learning and internships, offering students hands-on experience in their fields of study. Colby-Sawyer’s nursing program is highly respected, and the school has strong partnerships with healthcare providers in the region.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #9 Regional Colleges North
- Number of Students: About 850
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Average SAT Score: 1040-1220
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Chargers Athletics
- Nursing and health sciences clubs
- Environmental and sustainability groups
- Student government and leadership programs
- Community service and volunteer organizations
Famous Alumni
- Nuala Pell – Philanthropist and wife of Senator Claiborne Pell
- Melissa McCormick – Author and advocate
- Alice McDermott – Author and Pulitzer Prize finalist
- Franklin Pierce – Former U.S. President (attended Colby Academy)
- Kayla Zajac – Nurse practitioner and healthcare advocate
Top Employers
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
- Colby-Sawyer College
- New London Hospital
- Fidelity Investments
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
10. New England College (NEC)
Overview
Location: Henniker, New Hampshire
Founded in 1946, New England College (NEC) is a private college known for its strong programs in business, education, and social sciences. The college offers a wide range of online and on-campus programs, catering to both traditional students and adult learners. NEC’s focus on experiential learning and leadership development helps prepare students for careers in a variety of fields.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #136 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: About 2,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 910-1120
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Pilgrims Athletics
- Business and entrepreneurship clubs
- Student government and leadership organizations
- Outdoor adventure and environmental groups
- Volunteer and community service programs
Famous Alumni
- Gary Long – Former CEO of Public Service of New Hampshire
- Mickey Kaus – Political blogger and journalist
- Michele Thorne – Social entrepreneur
- Robert A. George – Editorial writer
- Robert Lanza – Scientist and pioneer in stem cell research
Top Employers
- Fidelity Investments
- New England College
- BAE Systems
- Liberty Mutual
- Concord Hospital