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Key Takeaways
Best computer engineering degree programs: Southern New Hampshire, Dartmouth College, Saint Anselm College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $6,450 to $63,684/year
Manchester Community College offers the most affordable option at $6,450/yr
Computer Engineering degree programs available: 3 associate's, 3 master's, 2 doctoral in New Hampshire
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
New Hampshire community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
3 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: BAE Systems, Dyn, Bottomline Technologies, Autodesk
Tech hubs in Manchester and Nashua
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Engineering degree programs near 23+ cities across New Hampshire
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked New Hampshire Computer Engineering programs
We rank 13 accredited computer engineering programs in New Hampshire using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Computer Engineering Degree Programs in New Hampshire Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Engineering Degree Rankings in New Hampshire
Compare the top-ranked Computer Engineering programs in New Hampshire by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Engineering Programs in New Hampshire
Program Landscape
New Hampshire offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in computer engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Southern New Hampshire, Manchester Community College, Nashua Community College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in New Hampshire offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $9,450/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $58,977 in New Hampshire.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with New Hampshire's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like BAE Systems, Dyn, Bottomline Technologies hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer engineering schools in New Hampshire, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer engineering degrees in New Hampshire.
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Programs in New Hampshire
Program Landscape
New Hampshire ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer engineering education, with 5 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Southern New Hampshire, Dartmouth College, Saint Anselm College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from New Hampshire computer engineering programs earn a median salary of $91,146, 7% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including BAE Systems, Dyn, Bottomline Technologies.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $11,870 to $63,684 annually, with an average of $30,377/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 81%, with the highest reaching 95%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to New Hampshire's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer engineering degrees in New Hampshire, these top-ranked computer engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Dartmouth College
Best Master's Computer Engineering Programs in New Hampshire
Program Landscape
New Hampshire offers 3 master's degree programs in computer engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Rivier, Dartmouth College, U of New Hampshire, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in New Hampshire earn a median salary of $107,230, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with BAE Systems, Dyn, Bottomline Technologies actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $38,571/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among New Hampshire's computer engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Dartmouth College
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Programs in New Hampshire
Program Landscape
New Hampshire is home to 2 doctoral programs in computer engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Dartmouth College, U of New Hampshire are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with New Hampshire PhD holders earning a median of $134,038, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like BAE Systems, Dyn, Bottomline Technologies.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across New Hampshire programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing computer engineering degrees in New Hampshire, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Computer Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in New Hampshire
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $25,162/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $62,905/year |
| Community college tuition | $6,291/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $150,972 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $37,742 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Engineering Students in New Hampshire
State Aid Programs
New Hampshire residents pursuing computer engineering degrees benefit from a unique financial advantage: the state has no income tax, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of living while studying. Beyond this structural benefit, the state offers the Granite State Grant, a need-based financial aid program specifically designed for New Hampshire residents attending in-state institutions (Granite State Grant). This grant complements federal aid available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which all students should complete to access federal loans, grants, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid). The combination of federal and state aid can substantially lower the net cost of a computer engineering degree, particularly at public institutions within the University System of New Hampshire.
Key Programs & Amounts
Students should also explore institutional scholarships and merit-based awards offered by individual colleges. Many of New Hampshire's top computer engineering programs, including those ranked among the national best bachelor's programs, offer competitive scholarships to attract talented students. The average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions in New Hampshire is $12,366, making state schools particularly affordable when combined with grant aid (IPEDS). For detailed information on your expected financial aid package, use the College Scorecard tool, which provides institution-specific data on aid, costs, and loan repayment outcomes. Students exploring computer science or software engineering programs in the state should also investigate whether dual-degree or combined major scholarships are available.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, New Hampshire
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree in New Hampshire. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Engineering Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in New Hampshire metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Manchester | $118K |
| Nashua | $113K |
| Portsmouth | $107K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Engineering Graduates in New Hampshire
Find computer engineering jobs in New Hampshire. These major employers across New Hampshire metro areas are actively hiring computer engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Engineering Jobs in Manchester-Nashua
NHTransfer Pathways for Computer Engineering Degrees in New Hampshire
State Transfer System
New Hampshire's community college system provides structured pathways for computer engineering students to transfer seamlessly to four-year bachelor's degree programs. The state operates 8 two-year institutions producing 135 associate's degree completions annually in computer engineering (IPEDS). The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) has established comprehensive transfer agreements articulating pathways from associate's programs to universities within the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) and other partner institutions. Top community college programs, including Manchester Community College, Great Bay Community College, and Nashua Community College, all charging $6,450 annual tuition, offer foundational coursework that transfers directly to bachelor's programs at University of New Hampshire-Main Campus and other four-year institutions.
How Transfers Work
Transfer students benefit from New Hampshire's guaranteed course articulation agreements, which ensure credits earned in CCSNH associate's programs apply toward USNH bachelor's degree requirements. Students completing an associate's degree in computer engineering can transfer with junior standing, allowing completion of bachelor's programs in approximately two additional years. This pathway significantly reduces overall education costs, allowing students to complete lower-cost community college coursework before transitioning to universities with average public in-state tuition of $12,366. Additionally, New Hampshire residents may qualify for the Granite State Grant, a need-based financial aid program available at in-state institutions. The state's lack of income tax further enhances affordability for transfer students and graduates. For comprehensive transfer information and articulation documents, students should contact their community college advising office or visit the University System of New Hampshire website.
Why Pursue a Computer Engineering Degree in New Hampshire?
Industry & Workforce
New Hampshire offers a strong computer engineering education ecosystem with 13 institutions offering accredited programs across multiple degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, the state produced 804 bachelor's degree completions, 135 associate's completions, and 117 master's degree completions, demonstrating strong pipeline development from community colleges through advanced graduate study. The state's top programs are led by prestigious institutions like Dartmouth College and Southern New Hampshire University, which collectively account for over 900 completions. This concentration of quality programming ensures students have access to instruction and networking opportunities across southern New Hampshire's tech corridors and the Seacoast region.
Salary Outlook
A significant financial advantage of studying computer engineering in New Hampshire is the state's lack of income tax, a substantial benefit for graduates beginning their careers. Public four-year institutions offer competitive in-state tuition averaging $12,366, while community colleges charge as low as $6,450 for associate's programs. Top employers including BAE Systems, Fidelity Investments, and Dartmouth-Hitchcock actively recruit graduates from New Hampshire programs, creating direct pathways to employment. The state's major metropolitan areas. Manchester-Nashua and Dover-Durham, host thriving technology sectors. Students interested in exploring programs in other regions can compare opportunities through national computer engineering rankings and related fields like computer science in New Hampshire or software engineering in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Take-Home Pay Advantage
Source: New Hampshire Department of Revenue
Computer Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in New Hampshire
Employment Outlook
New Hampshire's computer engineering job market is supported by a diverse employer base and strategic geographic positioning in the Northeast. The state hosts major technology and healthcare employers that actively recruit computer engineering professionals, particularly in the Manchester-Nashua and Dover-Durham metro areas. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Hampshire maintains competitive wages for engineering professionals. The state's lack of income tax provides an additional financial advantage for computer engineers seeking to maximize earning potential compared to neighboring states.
Salaries by Metro
The computer engineering field in New Hampshire produced 804 bachelor's degree completions and 117 master's degree completions in 2023, creating a steady pipeline of talent for regional employers (IPEDS). Major employment centers include Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Dover, Portsmouth, Derry, and Salem, with concentrated opportunities in the southern regions of the state. Companies like Fidelity Investments, BAE Systems, and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock health system represent the diversity of sectors hiring computer engineers. Graduates from top programs like Dartmouth College and Southern New Hampshire University feed directly into these regional job markets, while the University System of New Hampshire maintains strong industry connections through cooperative education and internship programs.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Engineering Programs in New Hampshire
Online Programs
0 available in New Hampshire
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $12,000
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $45,100
- Total Programs
- 74
- Median Tuition
- $44,200
- Total Programs
- 187
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 49
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 98
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 129
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 36
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
Computer Engineering Degree Programs in New Hampshire: FAQ
What are the best computer engineering degree programs in New Hampshire?
How much do computer engineering degree programs cost in New Hampshire?
What salary can computer engineering degree graduates earn in New Hampshire?
Are there online computer engineering degree programs in New Hampshire?
What companies hire computer engineering degree graduates in New Hampshire?
Is a computer engineering degree program worth it in New Hampshire?
How long do computer engineering degree programs take in New Hampshire?
What financial aid is available for computer engineering degree students in New Hampshire?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
New Hampshire salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.