New Hampshire university campus representing computer engineering education
Updated December 2025

Best Computer Engineering Programs in New Hampshire: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 8 top accredited computer engineering programs in New Hampshire. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth.

Programs Ranked8
Median Salary$107,230
Cost of Living106.2%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in New Hampshire 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NHPrivate

136 computer engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$64K
Tuition/yr
85.1
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Rivier University

Nashua, NHPrivate

94 computer engineering graduates annually, 95% graduation rate

$37K
Tuition/yr
95%
Grad Rate
74.7
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NHPrivate

122 computer engineering graduates annually, 67% graduation rate

$15K
Tuition/yr
67%
Grad Rate
68.7
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.New Hampshire offers 8+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Dartmouth College leads with strong% graduation rate
  • 3.New Hampshire software developers earn median $107,230 annually (BLS OES 2024)
  • 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth
  • 5.Cost of living index: 106.2% of US average (above average)

Computer Engineering Education in New Hampshire: Overview

New Hampshire offers 8 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 388 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth, with major employers including BAE Systems, Dyn, Bottomline Technologies.

With a median software developer salary of $107,230 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 106.2% compared to the US average, New Hampshire offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.

The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by Dartmouth College, Rivier University, Southern New Hampshire University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

New Hampshire Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Dartmouth CollegeHanover, NHPrivate$63,684โ€”85.1
2Rivier UniversityNashua, NHPrivate$36,50895%74.7
3Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester, NHPrivate$15,45067%68.7
4Saint Anselm CollegeManchester, NHPrivate$45,36095%52.9
5Plymouth State UniversityPlymouth, NHPublic$11,870โ€”37.5
6University of New Hampshire-Main CampusDurham, NHPublic$15,520โ€”35.8
7Manchester Community CollegeManchester, NHPublic$6,450โ€”32.4
8Nashua Community CollegeNashua, NHPublic$6,450โ€”30.3

Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in New Hampshire: Side-by-Side

SchoolDartmouth CollegeRivierSouthern New HampshireSaint Anselm CollegePlymouth State
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$63,684
$36,508
$15,450
$45,360
$11,870
Graduation Rate
N/A%
95%
67%
95%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
136
94
122
11
8
Acceptance Rate
6%
82%
96%
78%
91%
Type
Private
Private
Private
Private
Public
Score
85.1/100
74.7/100
68.7/100
52.9/100
37.5/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers 5 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Southern New Hampshire University, Dartmouth College, Saint Anselm College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,061 in the New Hampshire market.

A bachelor's in computer engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs in New Hampshire

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Southern New Hampshire
$15,450
67%
639
70.7
#2 Dartmouth College
$63,684
N/A%
136
85.1
#3 Saint Anselm College
$45,360
95%
11
52.9

Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in New Hampshire

For graduate study, New Hampshire offers 3 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include Rivier University, Dartmouth College, University of New Hampshire-Main Campus. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in New Hampshire reaching $139,399 or more.

Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer engineering master's programs for more options beyond New Hampshire.

Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in New Hampshire

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Rivier
$36,508
95%
94
74.7
#2 Dartmouth College
$63,684
N/A%
19
61.3
#3 U of New Hampshire
$15,520
N/A%
4
35.8

Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in New Hampshire

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in New Hampshire are at Manchester Community College ($6,450/year), Nashua Community College ($6,450/year), Plymouth State University ($11,870/year). These programs offer strong ROI given New Hampshire's competitive tech salaries.

At Manchester Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $25,800 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,061, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in New Hampshire (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Manchester Community College
$6,450
$25,800
0.6 years
Public
#2 Nashua Community College
$6,450
$25,800
0.6 years
Public
#3 Plymouth State
$11,870
$47,480
1.2 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in New Hampshire

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in New Hampshire, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.

#1

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-CampusOnline
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $63,684 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Engineering Graduates: 136 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 6%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 85.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 136 computer engineering graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 85.1 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (136 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,230), and selectivity (6% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Dartmouth offers an online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering designed for working professionals with guaranteed funding for PhD students up to five years and project-based learning from expert faculty.

#2

Rivier University

Nashua, NH โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $36,508 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Engineering Graduates: 94 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 74.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 95% graduation rate
  • 94 computer engineering graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 74.7 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (94 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,230), and selectivity (82% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#3

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $15,450 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 67% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Engineering Graduates: 122 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 68.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 67% graduation rate
  • 122 computer engineering graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 68.7 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (67%), program size (122 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,230), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

Saint Anselm College

Manchester, NH โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $45,360 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Engineering Graduates: 11 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 52.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 95% graduation rate
  • 11 computer engineering graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 52.9 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (11 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,230), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

Plymouth State University

Plymouth, NH โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $11,870 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Engineering Graduates: 8 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 37.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 8 computer engineering graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 37.5 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (8 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,230), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$75,061
Starting Salary
$107,230
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
466
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$109,073

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Systems Analyst opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$108,618

IT Manager

SOC 15-1299
+15%

IT Manager opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$106,570
+15%

Technical Consultant opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$100,120

Database Administrator opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$98,755

Computer Engineering Programs in Other States

Which Should You Choose?

Choose New Hampshire if...
  • You want access to tech jobs in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth
  • You're seeking competitive salaries ($107,230 median)
  • You want to work at companies like BAE Systems or Dyn
  • You prefer New Hampshire's quality of life
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs New Hampshire's 8)
  • You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)

Computer Engineering in New Hampshire FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Computer Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

New Hampshire-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Related Resources

Data Sources & Methodology

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - New Hampshire salary data

2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

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