Top 3 Computer Science Programs in New Hampshire 2025
Southern New Hampshire University
482 computer science graduates annually, 67% graduation rate
Dartmouth College
136 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Rivier University
188 computer science graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
- 1.New Hampshire offers 15+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.Southern New Hampshire University leads with 67% 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 Science Education in New Hampshire: Overview
New Hampshire offers 15 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 1,265 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 science programs in the state are led by Southern New Hampshire University, Dartmouth College, Rivier University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
New Hampshire Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | Private | $15,450 | 67% | 70.7 |
| 2 | Dartmouth College | Hanover, NH | Private | $63,684 | — | 67.8 |
| 3 | Rivier University | Nashua, NH | Private | $36,508 | 95% | 67.1 |
| 4 | New England College | Henniker, NH | Private | $25,714 | — | 61 |
| 5 | Saint Anselm College | Manchester, NH | Private | $45,360 | 95% | 48.2 |
| 6 | University of New Hampshire at Manchester | Manchester, NH | Public | $15,150 | 93% | 45.5 |
| 7 | University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | Durham, NH | Public | $15,520 | — | 39.4 |
| 8 | Keene State College | Keene, NH | Public | $11,754 | — | 35.2 |
| 9 | Plymouth State University | Plymouth, NH | Public | $11,870 | — | 33.5 |
| 10 | Manchester Community College | Manchester, NH | Public | $6,450 | — | 29.4 |
| 11 | Great Bay Community College | Portsmouth, NH | Public | $6,450 | — | 29.4 |
| 12 | Nashua Community College | Nashua, NH | Public | $6,450 | — | 28.3 |
| 13 | Lakes Region Community College | Laconia, NH | Public | $6,450 | — | 27.6 |
| 14 | NHTI-Concord's Community College | Concord, NH | Public | $6,450 | — | 27.2 |
| 15 | River Valley Community College | Claremont, NH | Public | $6,450 | — | 27.2 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in New Hampshire: Side-by-Side
| School | Southern New Hampshire | Dartmouth College | Rivier | New England College | Saint Anselm College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $15,450 | $63,684 | $36,508 | $25,714 | $45,360 |
| Graduation Rate | 67% | N/A% | 95% | N/A% | 95% |
| Annual Graduates | 482 | 136 | 188 | 355 | 11 |
| Acceptance Rate | 96% | 6% | 82% | 96% | 78% |
| Type | Private | Private | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 70.7/100 | 67.8/100 | 67.1/100 | 61.0/100 | 48.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers 7 bachelor's-level computer science 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 science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in New Hampshire
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Southern New Hampshire | $15,450 | 67% | 1251 | 70.7 |
| #2 Dartmouth College | $63,684 | N/A% | 136 | 67.8 |
| #3 Saint Anselm College | $45,360 | 95% | 11 | 48.2 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in New Hampshire
For graduate study, New Hampshire offers 5 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Rivier University, Southern New Hampshire University, New England College. 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 science master's programs for more options beyond New Hampshire.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in New Hampshire
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Rivier | $36,508 | 95% | 188 | 67.1 |
| #2 Southern New Hampshire | $15,450 | 67% | 356 | 70.7 |
| #3 New England College | $25,714 | N/A% | 355 | 61.0 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in New Hampshire
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in New Hampshire are at Manchester Community College ($6,450/year), Great Bay Community College ($6,450/year), Nashua Community College ($6,450/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 Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in New Hampshire (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Manchester Community College | $6,450 | $25,800 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #2 Great Bay Community College | $6,450 | $25,800 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #3 Nashua Community College | $6,450 | $25,800 | 0.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in New Hampshire
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science 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.
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $15,450 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 67% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 482 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 70.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 67% graduation rate
- 482 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 70.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (67%), program size (482 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,230), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $63,684 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 136 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 67.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 136 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 67.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 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's Computer Science program offers hands-on research opportunities with faculty members and features specialized tracks including theory and algorithms, systems, and applications. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical experience through culminating projects, supported by facilities like the DALI Lab.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •COSC 1
- •COSC 10
Program Details
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rivier University
Nashua, NH • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $36,508 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 188 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 82%
- • Ranking Score: 67.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 188 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 67.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (188 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,230), and selectivity (82% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
New England College
Henniker, NH • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $25,714 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 355 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 61.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 355 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 61.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (355 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,230), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Saint Anselm College
Manchester, NH • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $45,360 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 48.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 11 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 48.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 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.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- 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
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs New Hampshire's 15)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Computer Science in New Hampshire FAQ
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
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
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.