Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in New Hampshire 2025
Dartmouth College
136 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Rivier University
94 software engineering graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Southern New Hampshire University
122 software engineering graduates annually, 67% graduation rate
- 1.New Hampshire offers 8+ accredited software 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)
Software Engineering Education in New Hampshire: Overview
New Hampshire offers 8 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 393 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 software 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 Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dartmouth College | Hanover, NH | Private | $63,684 | — | 85.1 |
| 2 | Rivier University | Nashua, NH | Private | $36,508 | 95% | 74.7 |
| 3 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | Private | $15,450 | 67% | 68.7 |
| 4 | Saint Anselm College | Manchester, NH | Private | $45,360 | 95% | 52.9 |
| 5 | University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | Durham, NH | Public | $15,520 | — | 38.8 |
| 6 | Plymouth State University | Plymouth, NH | Public | $11,870 | — | 37.5 |
| 7 | Manchester Community College | Manchester, NH | Public | $6,450 | — | 32.4 |
| 8 | Nashua Community College | Nashua, NH | Public | $6,450 | — | 30.3 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in New Hampshire: Side-by-Side
| School | Dartmouth College | Rivier | Southern New Hampshire | Saint Anselm College | U of New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $63,684 | $36,508 | $15,450 | $45,360 | $15,520 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 95% | 67% | 95% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 136 | 94 | 122 | 11 | 9 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% | 82% | 96% | 78% | 87% |
| Type | Private | Private | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 85.1/100 | 74.7/100 | 68.7/100 | 52.9/100 | 38.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers 5 bachelor's-level software 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 software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in New Hampshire
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Southern New Hampshire | $15,450 | 67% | 631 | 70.7 |
| #2 Dartmouth College | $63,684 | N/A% | 136 | 85.1 |
| #3 Saint Anselm College | $45,360 | 95% | 11 | 52.9 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in New Hampshire
For graduate study, New Hampshire offers 2 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Rivier University, Dartmouth 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 software engineering master's programs for more options beyond New Hampshire.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in New Hampshire
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Rivier | $36,508 | 95% | 94 | 74.7 |
| #2 Dartmouth College | $63,684 | N/A% | 19 | 61.3 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in New Hampshire
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software 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 Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering 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 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 Software Engineering Schools in New Hampshire
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software 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.
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $63,684 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 136 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 85.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 136 software 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.
Rivier University
Nashua, NH • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $36,508 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 94 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 82%
- • Ranking Score: 74.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 94 software 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.
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $15,450 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 67% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 122 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 68.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 67% graduation rate
- 122 software 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.
Saint Anselm College
Manchester, NH • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $45,360 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 52.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 11 software 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.
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Durham, NH • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $15,520 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 38.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 9 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 38.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,230), and selectivity (87% 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.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in New Hampshire with strong job growth.
Software Engineering 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 8)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Software Engineering in New Hampshire FAQ
Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering 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.