University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Durham, New Hampshire · Public · 88.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 74/100 · Fair Value
The University of New Hampshire scores 74 (Fair Value) -- a result that reflects a strong completion rate (76.1%), a solid 7.5-year payback, and an excellent 87.9% three-year repayment rate, partially offset by moderate earnings ($44,900 at six years) and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.597 that is above average. In-state tuition is $19,202 but out-of-state is $39,852, creating very different financial pictures for NH residents versus out-of-state students. Net price averages $23,805. UNH is mid-sized (11,261 students) with 88.2% admission and SAT mid-ranges of 540-660 Math and 550-670 Reading. The program-level data shows strong STEM outcomes: Computer Engineering (A-grade, $88,904 year-one), Electrical Engineering (B+, $81,981), Nursing (74 graduates, B+, $77,271), Biomedical Engineering (B+, $76,755), and CS (58 graduates, B, $75,156) all perform well. Business Administration (618 graduates -- by far the largest program -- earns C+ at $57,015 year-one) is the modal experience at UNH. The 18.1% Pell rate reflects a limited lower-income student population for a regional public, which reflects New Hampshire's limited state grant aid program.
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $19,202/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $39,852/yr |
| Average net price | $23,805/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $95,220 |
| 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 | 7.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 76.1% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 11,261 |
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-Main Campus is $19,202/year ($39,852/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 $23,805/year, or roughly $95,220 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $16,523/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $28,588/year.
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 | $16,523 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,476 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,446 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,815 |
| $110,001+ | $28,588 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay $16,523 per year at UNH; the $30,001-48,000 bracket pays $17,476. Over four years, roughly $66,000-$70,000. The 18.1% Pell rate reflects that UNH serves relatively few lower-income students, partly because New Hampshire has limited state grant programs. The 7.5-year payback and strong completion rate mean lower-income students who complete and enter strong-returning programs face a workable financial outcome.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-75,000 bracket pays $19,446; the $75,001-110,000 bracket pays $22,815. The price escalation is moderate. At $22,000-23,000 per year for a school with 76.1% completion and solid earnings, UNH represents reasonable value for NH residents in this bracket. Out-of-state middle-income families at similar net prices should compare against Massachusetts public options which may offer stronger value.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families over $110,000 pay $28,588 per year in-state; out-of-state families at $39,852 sticker likely pay significantly more. At $28,000 in-state, engineering and CS students at UNH are making a defensible investment. Out-of-state at near-sticker is harder to justify without specific program merit aid. High-income New Hampshire families find UNH a strong in-state option; out-of-state families should compare against comparable New England alternatives.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $86,535 | C+ |
| Psychology | $56,153 | D |
| Biology | $77,076 | C |
| Communication and Media Studies | $69,098 | C |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,622 | B |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $55,186 | D |
| Political Science and Government | $59,549 | C |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $59,280 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $90,784 | B+ |
| Natural Resources Conservation | $57,747 | D |
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 (74 graduates) earns $77,271 year-one and $90,784 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.349 (ROI grade B+). Median debt of $27,000 is manageable. Nursing at UNH places graduates into the New England healthcare market, which has strong RN demand particularly in greater Boston and New Hampshire hospitals. The B+ grade reflects solid earnings relative to debt at a school with a 76.1% completion rate reducing non-completion risk.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering (94 graduates -- UNH's largest engineering program) earns $70,865 year-one and $93,622 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.381 (ROI grade B). Median debt of $27,000. B grade reflects strong outcomes for a New England public; mechanical engineering graduates access aerospace, defense, robotics, and manufacturing employers concentrated in the Boston and Manchester corridors.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is UNH's dominant program at 618 graduates -- the institutional median is substantially shaped by this cohort. Year-one earnings of $57,015 and $86,535 at year four with debt-to-earnings ratio 0.474 (ROI grade C+). Median debt of $27,000. C+ reflects adequate but not exceptional outcomes; $57k starting in the Boston metro area is reasonable. The four-year trajectory to $86k suggests strong career progression for students who enter management tracks.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences (58 graduates) earns $75,156 year-one and $105,078 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.359 (ROI grade B). Median debt of $27,000. B grade -- the earnings are strong and the Boston tech corridor provides placement opportunities. The year-four trajectory above $100k is consistent with senior software engineer compensation. The B (versus B+) reflects the higher debt load relative to some peers.
Psychology
Psychology (211 graduates) earns $38,229 year-one and $56,153 at year four, debt-to-earnings ratio 0.706 (ROI grade D). Median debt of $27,000. D-grade reflects the structural earnings gap at the bachelor's level. Graduate credentials are required for most clinical and counseling roles, and the year-one median reflects that most direct-entry psychology graduates are in support roles. Students should plan graduate education into total cost when choosing this major.
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
| Acceptance rate | 88.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 540-660 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 550-670 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 26-30 |
| Enrollment | 11,261 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 18.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,271 |
UNH admits 88.2% of applicants -- broadly accessible for NH residents and most out-of-state applicants. SAT 540-660 Math, 550-670 Reading, ACT 26-30. The critical financial distinction is in-state versus out-of-state: NH residents pay $19,202 and receive a meaningfully different ROI than out-of-state students. Out-of-state applicants should model full costs against program-specific earnings to determine if merit or need aid brings the net price to a defensible level.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UNH's peer set includes Keene State, UNH-Manchester, Oakland University, UMass Lowell, and University of Minnesota Duluth. UMass Lowell is the most meaningful academic comparison -- both are New England public flagships with strong STEM programs and Boston metro access. UMass Lowell typically scores higher on CampusROI due to its co-op orientation and stronger STEM earnings. UNH's 74 score reflects a school with excellent completion and repayment rates but a broad program mix where the large business cohort pulls the median down.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus (this school) | 74 | $23,805 | $66,479 |
| University of New Hampshire at Manchester | 77 | $9,992 | $66,479 |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | 76 | $17,163 | $64,874 |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth | 74 | $18,743 | $62,616 |
| Oakland University | 71 | $9,120 | $58,612 |
| Keene State College | 53 | $17,887 | $54,368 |
Who Thrives Here
UNH admits 88.2% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 540-660 Math and 550-670 Reading, ACT 26-30. At 11,261 students, it is a mid-sized flagship with a residential campus culture. The 18.1% Pell rate is low for a public university, reflecting limited state financial aid and New Hampshire's high cost structure. NH residents targeting engineering, CS, nursing, or business find defensible value; out-of-state students at $39,852 sticker face a harder ROI case unless in high-returning programs with merit aid. The New England location provides access to Boston's labor market for graduates who pursue metro employment.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $23,805 per year leads to $95,220 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $66,479 a decade out. The payback period of 7.5 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: a 76.1% graduation rate, high loan repayment success.
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.
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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.