New Hampshire is home to a number of prestigious private colleges and universities, offering a range of academic programs, research opportunities, and unique campus experiences. These institutions are known for their commitment to liberal arts education, research-driven programs, and the development of leadership skills.
Dartmouth College
Overview
Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, is one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions in the United States. Founded in 1769, it is the ninth-oldest college in the country and is known for its rigorous academic programs, leadership development, and a strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching. Dartmouth combines the resources of a major research university with the intimate learning environment of a small college.
Academic Programs
Dartmouth offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across a range of disciplines. The college has five primary schools:
- Arts and Sciences: Offers a broad array of undergraduate programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
- Thayer School of Engineering: Known for its interdisciplinary approach and innovative research.
- Tuck School of Business: A highly respected business school offering MBA and executive education programs.
- Geisel School of Medicine: Provides cutting-edge medical education and research.
- Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies: Offers a variety of graduate programs in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Notable Programs:
- Environmental Studies
- Business and Finance
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Global Health and Public Policy
Campus Life
- Student Enrollment: Approximately 6,600 students.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1, ensuring personalized attention and small class sizes.
- Athletics: The Dartmouth Big Green compete in NCAA Division I, excelling in sports such as rowing, skiing, and football.
- Extracurricular Activities: Dartmouth has more than 160 student organizations, including academic societies, cultural clubs, Greek life, and service organizations.
Research and Global Impact
Dartmouth is renowned for its research contributions, particularly in fields like medicine, environmental science, and public policy. The college encourages global engagement, offering numerous study abroad programs and international research opportunities. Dartmouth’s strong alumni network, influential faculty, and leadership development programs ensure its graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, business, and public service.
Saint Anselm College
Overview
Saint Anselm College, located in Manchester, is a private, Catholic, liberal arts college founded in 1889 by the Benedictine monks of Saint Anselm Abbey. The college is known for its commitment to a classical liberal arts education, grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition, and its emphasis on community service and leadership.
Academic Programs
Saint Anselm offers a variety of undergraduate programs across several academic divisions:
- Humanities: Philosophy, English, Classics, Theology
- Social Sciences: Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Economics
- Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Nursing: A well-regarded program offering hands-on clinical experience
- Business: Accounting, Finance, Marketing
Notable Programs:
- Nursing
- Politics and International Relations
- Business Administration
- Philosophy and Theology
- Criminology
Campus Life
- Student Enrollment: Approximately 2,000 students.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1, promoting small class sizes and personalized learning experiences.
- Athletics: The Saint Anselm Hawks compete in NCAA Division II athletics, particularly excelling in ice hockey and lacrosse.
- Extracurricular Activities: Saint Anselm offers over 80 student organizations, including student government, academic clubs, service groups, and cultural organizations.
Catholic Identity and Community Service
Saint Anselm College’s Benedictine values emphasize community, hospitality, and service. The college encourages students to participate in community service and leadership development through campus ministry, service-learning projects, and local partnerships. Its renowned New Hampshire Institute of Politics hosts important political events, making Saint Anselm a significant hub for political engagement, especially during presidential elections.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Overview
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), located in Manchester, is a private, non-profit university known for its innovation in online education. Founded in 1932, SNHU has expanded dramatically in recent years and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. While the university offers traditional campus-based programs, it is especially known for its comprehensive and flexible online degree programs.
Academic Programs
SNHU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, both on-campus and online:
- College of Arts and Sciences: Liberal arts, social sciences, natural sciences
- School of Business: Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration
- School of Education: Teacher education and leadership programs
- College of Engineering, Technology, and Aeronautics: Computer science, cybersecurity, game development
- School of Nursing and Health Professions: Nursing, Healthcare Administration
Notable Programs:
- Business and Marketing
- Information Technology
- Psychology
- Graphic Design and Game Development
- Criminal Justice
Campus Life
- Student Enrollment: Approximately 3,000 students on campus; over 135,000 online students.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1 on-campus, with small class sizes for personalized learning.
- Athletics: The SNHU Penmen compete in NCAA Division II athletics.
- Extracurricular Activities: SNHU offers more than 50 student organizations, with an emphasis on professional development, leadership, and social engagement.
Innovation in Online Education
SNHU has become a leader in online education, offering affordable, flexible, and accessible programs to students around the world. The university’s focus on career readiness and real-world skills has made it a popular choice for working adults and non-traditional students. SNHU’s commitment to technology and innovation ensures that students have the resources they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.
Colby-Sawyer College
Overview
Colby-Sawyer College, located in New London, is a private liberal arts college that emphasizes experiential learning and close faculty-student collaboration. Founded in 1837, the college is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong focus on integrating academics with real-world experience through internships and research opportunities.
Academic Programs
Colby-Sawyer offers undergraduate degrees in a range of disciplines, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary study and career preparation:
- School of Arts & Sciences: Environmental Science, Biology, Sociology, English
- School of Business & Social Sciences: Business Administration, Sports Management, Psychology
- School of Nursing & Health Sciences: Nursing, Health Studies, Public Health
- Fine and Performing Arts: Studio Art, Graphic Design, Theater
Notable Programs:
- Nursing and Health Sciences
- Environmental Studies
- Business and Sports Management
- Studio Art and Graphic Design
Campus Life
- Student Enrollment: Approximately 800 students.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1, ensuring small class sizes and individual mentorship.
- Athletics: The Colby-Sawyer Chargers compete in NCAA Division III athletics, with strong programs in skiing and soccer.
- Extracurricular Activities: More than 40 student organizations, including academic clubs, performing arts groups, and service organizations.
Experiential Learning and Sustainability
Colby-Sawyer College emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in internships, research projects, and community service that apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. The college is also dedicated to sustainability, with green initiatives integrated into campus life and the curriculum. Colby-Sawyer’s small, supportive community allows students to build strong relationships with faculty and peers, creating a collaborative and nurturing environment.
Rivier University
Overview
Rivier University, located in Nashua, is a private Catholic university founded in 1933 by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary. The university is dedicated to providing a transformative, faith-based education, with a strong focus on professional and liberal arts programs. Rivier is known for its commitment to service and ethical leadership.
Academic Programs
Rivier offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees across a variety of disciplines:
- Division of Arts and Sciences: Biology, Psychology, Sociology, History
- Division of Nursing and Health Professions: Nursing, Public Health, Healthcare Administration
- Division of Business: Business Administration, Marketing, Finance
- Division of Education: Early Childhood, Special Education, Education Leadership
Notable Programs:
- Nursing and Healthcare
- Business and Marketing
- Education
- Psychology
Campus Life
- Student Enrollment: Approximately 2,500 students.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1, ensuring individualized attention and small class sizes.
- Athletics: The Rivier Raiders compete in NCAA Division III athletics.
- Extracurricular Activities: Includes over 25 student clubs, faith-based organizations, and service opportunities.
Faith-Based Education and Leadership
Rivier University integrates Catholic values into its educational experience, encouraging students to engage in service to others and ethical leadership. The university’s small class sizes and community-oriented atmosphere allow for close faculty-student relationships, and students are provided with opportunities to serve locally and globally through mission trips, service-learning projects, and community partnerships.
Franklin Pierce University
Overview
Franklin Pierce University, located in Rindge, is a private university founded in 1962. The university offers a blend of liberal arts and professional programs, with a focus on experiential learning, leadership, and career preparation. Franklin Pierce is known for its beautiful campus in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire and its supportive learning environment.
Academic Programs
Franklin Pierce offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields:
- College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences: Criminal Justice, Political Science, English, History
- College of Business: Business Administration, Sports Management, Marketing
- College of Health and Natural Sciences: Biology, Health Sciences, Environmental Science
- College of Graduate and Professional Studies: MBA, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Healthcare Administration
Notable Programs:
- Sports and Recreation Management
- Environmental Science
- Health Sciences
- Business Administration
Campus Life
- Student Enrollment: Approximately 1,400 students.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1, ensuring personalized learning experiences.
- Athletics: The Franklin Pierce Ravens compete in NCAA Division II athletics, excelling in sports like soccer and ice hockey.
- Extracurricular Activities: More than 30 student organizations, including student government, service clubs, and leadership programs.
Career Preparation and Leadership Development
Franklin Pierce University focuses on providing students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in their careers. The university emphasizes leadership development through hands-on learning opportunities such as internships, research projects, and professional partnerships. The small, supportive campus community fosters collaboration and personal growth, helping students become well-rounded leaders in their chosen fields.