University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online
Manchester, New Hampshire · Public
ROI Score: 72/100 · Fair Value
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online scores 72 (Fair Value) on the CampusROI scale — UNH's online division serving working adults from Manchester, NH, with 1,157 enrolled students and an $7,724 in-state tuition discounted to a $10,864 net price. The score reflects a 5.8-year payback period, a 72.4% earnings premium, a 0.597 debt-to-earnings ratio, a 29.6% completion rate — the institution's primary weakness — and an 87.9% repayment rate at 3 years. The repayment rate of 87.9% is notably strong and stands in apparent tension with the low completion rate: it suggests that students who do borrow and do complete are servicing debt successfully, while a large share of enrolled students may never reach that outcome. Median 6-year earnings of $44,900 and 10-year earnings of $66,479 reflect the working-adult population — many enrollees are likely already employed and building credentials for advancement rather than entering the labor market cold. Registered Nursing (30 grads, $77,271 year-one, grade B+) and Computer and Information Sciences (9 grads, $75,156 year-one, grade B) lead the program portfolio. Business Administration (49 grads, $57,015 year-one, grade C+) is the largest graded program by graduate count.
The data raises concerns about University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- 6-year graduation rate29.5% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $7,724/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $9,284/yr |
| Average net price | $10,864/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $43,456 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $66,479 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $44,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $26,814 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $284 |
| Estimated payback period | 5.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 29.5% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,157 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online is $7,724/year ($9,284/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $10,864/year, or roughly $43,456 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $4,587/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay N/A/year. The school provides substantial aid to low-income students, making it significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
The median graduate leaves with $26,814 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $284 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $66,479 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.60 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,587 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | N/A |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,416 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,451 |
| $110,001+ | N/A |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $4,587 per year at UNH CPS Online — an exceptional net price driven by federal Pell Grant eligibility. The Scorecard does not report a net price figure for the 30001-48000 bracket. For low-income working adults who can access the nursing or computer science programs, a $4,587 net price against $44,900-$77,271 in median earnings is among the best cost-to-outcome ratios in New Hampshire public higher education. The 29.6% completion rate is the risk — borrowing at $4,587 per year and not completing still results in debt without a degree.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $9,416 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $15,451. The step-up from the lowest bracket to middle-income is notable — $9,416 is more than double the $4,587 paid by the lowest bracket, reflecting that Pell eligibility phases out quickly. For middle-income working adults, $9,000-$15,000 per year for a UNH credential at an online campus is a reasonable cost structure, particularly for nursing and IT programs. The concern remains completion: at any income level, students who do not finish face debt without the corresponding earnings benefit.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The Scorecard does not report a net price figure for families above $110,000 at UNH CPS Online. Higher-income students likely pay close to the $7,724 in-state tuition plus fees, keeping the total cost modest. For working adults from higher-income households seeking career advancement, UNH CPS Online offers a recognized public university credential at a fraction of private alternative costs. The financial case is strongest for nursing and IT programs where year-one earnings well exceed $70,000 against a total credential cost likely under $35,000.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $86,535 | C+ |
| Psychology | $56,153 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $90,784 | B+ |
| Human Services, General | $51,220 | - |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $55,509 | C |
| Special Education and Teaching | $45,663 | - |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $75,291 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $81,768 | - |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $105,078 | B |
| Accounting | $65,371 | - |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing is UNH CPS Online's strongest graded program: 30 confirmed graduates, $77,271 year-one, $90,784 at year four, grade B+ on $27,000 median debt. This program likely serves RN-to-BSN completers — registered nurses with associate degrees earning their bachelor's credential for advancement. Year-one earnings of $77,271 reflect working nurses continuing in their existing roles. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.349 is favorable given New Hampshire's nursing wages. At a $10,864 net price, this is one of the most cost-effective BSN completion pathways in New England.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is UNH CPS Online's largest graded program at 49 confirmed graduates: $57,015 year-one, $86,535 at year four, grade C+ on $27,000 median debt. Year-one earnings of $57,015 for a working-adult business credential reflect the population — these are likely employed professionals whose earnings are already established. The four-year trajectory to $86,535 indicates meaningful advancement. At $10,864 net price, the C+ grade reflects the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.474 rather than any concern about the quality of outcomes. Business is a reasonable credential investment at this cost structure.
Psychology
Psychology produces 34 confirmed graduates at $38,229 year-one and $56,153 at year four, grade D on $27,000 median debt. Year-one earnings of $38,229 in New Hampshire — a high-cost-of-living state — are difficult to service alongside $27,000 in median debt. The D grade reflects a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.706. Psychology as a terminal bachelor's degree faces structural earnings limitations nationally, and UNH CPS Online's psychology outcomes reflect that broader pattern. Students pursuing psychology through this program likely need a clear post-baccalaureate pathway — counseling licensure, social work, or graduate school — to improve the financial outcome.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 84.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 87.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 86.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 89.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 1,157 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 31.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,964 |
UNH CPS Online does not report an admission rate, admission standards, or standardized test score ranges to the Scorecard. The institution appears to operate as broadly open enrollment consistent with its professional studies and online mission. Prospective students should evaluate program-specific prerequisites — particularly for nursing and healthcare programs — and have a realistic completion plan before borrowing. The completion rate of 29.6% is the most important caveat for any prospective student: the majority of those who enroll do not graduate, which means the median earnings and payback metrics apply to a minority of enrollees.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UNH CPS Online's Scorecard peer schools are UNH Main Campus, Keene State College, Oregon State University Cascades Campus, and two University of Pittsburgh branch campuses. Among these, the UNH Main Campus comparison is most instructive: the online CPS division delivers a UNH credential at roughly one-third the net price of the residential main campus, with lower median earnings reflecting the different student population rather than a difference in credential quality. UNH CPS Online's ROI of 72 is a fair result given the completion rate penalty. For working adults who can complete the program, the institution delivers outcomes commensurate with its cost. The comparison peer group would be better served by other online or continuing education divisions of state universities.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online (this school) | 72 | $10,864 | $66,479 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Bradford | 75 | $15,350 | $66,125 |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | 74 | $23,805 | $66,479 |
| Oregon State University-Cascades Campus | 73 | $18,048 | $64,010 |
| University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | 71 | $17,945 | $66,125 |
| Keene State College | 53 | $17,887 | $54,368 |
Who Thrives Here
UNH CPS Online does not report an admission rate or standardized test score ranges. With 1,157 enrolled students and a 31.8% Pell grant rate, the institution serves a working-adult audience pursuing career advancement and credential completion in New Hampshire and surrounding states. The online delivery model is the defining institutional characteristic — students are typically balancing work, family, and coursework simultaneously. The 29.6% completion rate reflects the structural challenge of this population: adult learners stop out at higher rates than traditional undergraduates. Students who can commit to sustained enrollment are accessing a UNH credential at a dramatically lower cost than the main campus. The 87.9% repayment rate among those who do borrow and presumably complete is encouraging.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $10,864 per year leads to $43,456 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $66,479 a decade out. The payback period of 5.8 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates, high loan repayment success. However, the data also shows a 29.5% graduation rate.
Median debt of $26,814 against $66,479 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
NewsletterCollege decisions are better with data.
New analyses, updated school profiles, and tools - when there’s something worth acting on.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.