Students at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester achieve earnings that place the institution among the top performers nationally, particularly for graduates from low-income backgrounds.
The combination of strong financial outcomes and manageable debt levels creates a compelling value proposition for students seeking reliable career advancement.
Azimuth ranks the University of New Hampshire at Manchester 84th percentile nationally among public four-year institutions, reflecting strong long-term value despite its smaller size. What distinguishes UNH Manchester is how effectively it translates a focused academic environment into solid career outcomes for graduates. With just over 1,000 students, the university provides an intimate learning experience while still delivering median 10-year earnings of $66,479 that place it well above typical public institutions.
The university serves a balanced student population, with 32% receiving Pell Grants and about 17% being first-generation college students. Despite its smaller scale, UNH Manchester maintains strong completion rates, with 65% of students graduating within six years. The institution's "Mobility Engine" designation reflects its ability to provide meaningful economic advancement for students from various backgrounds.
As a public university in New Hampshire's largest city, UNH Manchester offers the advantages of urban access combined with the personalized attention of a smaller institution. For students who want strong financial outcomes without the complexity of a large research university, this combination of scale, location, and results makes UNH Manchester a distinctive option in the New England public university landscape.
The University of New Hampshire at Manchester's program portfolio reflects a strategic focus on fields with clear career pathways and strong regional demand. Biology stands out as both the largest program by total return and a foundation for many students pursuing advanced degrees in health sciences. With 23 graduates annually earning around $39,849 in their early careers, biology serves as a launching pad for medical school, graduate programs, and direct entry into healthcare and research positions.
The university's second-largest program demonstrates similar career-focused outcomes, with graduates earning approximately $41,317 two years after graduation. This earnings level reflects the university's emphasis on practical, job-ready education that connects directly to employer needs in the Manchester area and broader New England region.
What distinguishes UNH Manchester is how its smaller scale allows for more personalized career development and stronger employer relationships. Faculty can provide individualized mentoring, and the university's focused program mix ensures that career services and employer outreach remain targeted and effective. Students benefit from Manchester's position as New Hampshire's economic center, with access to healthcare systems, technology companies, and professional services that actively recruit from the university's specialized programs.
Graduates of the University of New Hampshire at Manchester achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution in the top 15% nationally for earnings performance. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $66,479, significantly above what many small public universities deliver. This earnings level reflects the university's focus on career-oriented programs and its location in Manchester's growing job market, where graduates can access opportunities across New Hampshire and the broader New England region.
The university's strongest returns come from its biology program, which graduates about 23 students annually with 10-year earnings around $39,849. While this may seem modest, biology serves as a foundation for many students pursuing advanced degrees in health fields, where long-term earning potential is substantial. The university's second-largest program also shows solid outcomes, with graduates earning approximately $41,317 in their early careers.
What makes UNH Manchester particularly valuable is how consistently it delivers these outcomes across its focused program portfolio. The university's smaller scale allows for more personalized career guidance and stronger employer relationships within the region. Students benefit from Manchester's position as New Hampshire's economic center, with access to healthcare systems, technology companies, and financial services that actively recruit from the university's specialized programs.
The University of New Hampshire at Manchester offers strong affordability across income levels, with particularly attractive pricing for middle-income families. Low-income students pay about $11,812 annually, while middle-income families see even lower costs at $10,022 per year, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education accessible. Even high-income families pay $18,744, which remains reasonable for a public university in the Northeast corridor.
Debt levels are manageable relative to the earnings graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is $26,814, which aligns well with the university's median graduate earnings of $66,479. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $30,725, reflecting families' willingness to invest in the university's strong outcomes. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
The university's location in Manchester provides additional value through access to internships and part-time work opportunities that can help students reduce borrowing during their studies. With strong regional employer connections and a focused academic program, students can often secure relevant work experience that both supports their finances and enhances their post-graduation job prospects.
University Of New Hampshire At Manchester Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
