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Key Takeaways
Best software 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
Software Engineering degree programs available: 3 associate's, 2 master's, 1 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
Software 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 Software Engineering programs
We rank 11 accredited software 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 Software Engineering Degree Programs in New Hampshire Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Software Engineering Degree Rankings in New Hampshire
Compare the top-ranked Software Engineering programs in New Hampshire by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Software Engineering Programs in New Hampshire
Program Landscape
New Hampshire offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in software 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 software engineering schools in New Hampshire, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their software engineering degrees in New Hampshire.
Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Programs in New Hampshire
Program Landscape
New Hampshire ranks among the nation's top destinations for software 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 software 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 software engineering degrees in New Hampshire, these top-ranked software engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Dartmouth College
Best Master's Software Engineering Programs in New Hampshire
Program Landscape
New Hampshire offers 2 master's degree programs in software engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Rivier, Dartmouth College, 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 $50,096/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 software engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Dartmouth College
Best Doctoral Software Engineering Programs in New Hampshire
Program Landscape
New Hampshire is home to 1 doctoral programs in software engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Dartmouth College 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 software 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.
Software 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 Software Engineering Students in New Hampshire
State Aid Programs
New Hampshire offers several financial aid pathways for software engineering students pursuing degrees at in-state institutions. The Granite State Grant program provides need-based financial assistance specifically for New Hampshire residents attending accredited colleges and universities within the state. This state-funded opportunity complements federal aid options, making higher education more accessible. All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Additionally, New Hampshire's lack of state income tax provides a unique financial advantage for residents, reducing overall household expenses and freeing up resources for education investments.
Key Programs & Amounts
Individual institutions across New Hampshire offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for software engineering students. Southern New Hampshire University and University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, both public institutions with competitive tuition rates, frequently provide institutional aid packages that reduce net cost of attendance. The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) also supports transfer pathways through articulated agreements, allowing students to complete general education at lower costs before transferring to four-year programs. For detailed information about state-specific grants and eligibility requirements, visit the New Hampshire Department of Education and the University System of New Hampshire. Prospective students should explore College Scorecard to compare net price estimates across New Hampshire institutions.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, New Hampshire
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a software 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.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a software 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
Software 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 Software Engineering Graduates in New Hampshire
Find software engineering jobs in New Hampshire. These major employers across New Hampshire metro areas are actively hiring software engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Software Engineering Jobs in Manchester-Nashua
NHTransfer Pathways for Software Engineering Degrees in New Hampshire
State Transfer System
New Hampshire's transfer system is designed to help student progression from community colleges to four-year universities. The CCSNH Transfer Agreements provide articulated pathways from the state's community colleges, 3 two-year institutions in New Hampshire, to universities within the University System of New Hampshire. These agreements ensure that credits earned in associate's degree programs are fully recognized and applied toward bachelor's degrees, eliminating duplicate coursework and reducing time-to-degree. Students beginning at Manchester Community College, Great Bay Community College, or Nashua Community College (each charging $6,450 annual tuition) can transfer seamlessly to four-year institutions like University of New Hampshire-Main Campus ($15,520 tuition) with junior standing, significantly reducing overall education costs.
How Transfers Work
The transfer pathway strategy is particularly valuable for software engineering students seeking to minimize debt while earning a bachelor's degree. Completing an associate's degree at $6,450 per year (two years = $12,900) then transferring to a public university saves thousands compared to four years at a four-year institution from the start. New Hampshire residents benefit further from the Granite State Grant, a need-based financial aid program available at in-state institutions including community colleges and universities. The CCSNH transfer agreements guarantee that courses in mathematics, programming fundamentals, and introductory computer science transfer with full credit. For detailed transfer planning, consult your community college advisor and explore programs at University of New Hampshire or compare affordable options with most affordable software engineering programs nationally.
Why Pursue a Software Engineering Degree in New Hampshire?
Industry & Workforce
New Hampshire offers a strong software engineering education ecosystem with 11 institutions delivering programs across multiple degree levels, according to IPEDS data. In 2023, the state produced 782 bachelor's degree completions, 135 associate's degree completions, and 113 master's degree completions, demonstrating strong workforce development in this high-demand field. Top-ranked institutions like Dartmouth College and Southern New Hampshire University provide instruction, with Dartmouth ranking #1 for bachelor's programs and Southern New Hampshire leading in overall completions with 753 graduates.
Salary Outlook
The state's financial advantages make studying here particularly attractive. New Hampshire has no state income tax, providing graduates with superior long-term earning potential. Average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is just $12,366 annually, well below the national average, and community colleges offer pathways starting at $6,450 per year. Major employers including BAE Systems, Fidelity Investments, and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center create abundant career opportunities in cities like Manchester, Nashua, and Portsmouth. Explore related fields like Computer Science in New Hampshire and Web Development in New Hampshire to expand your career options in the region's thriving tech ecosystem.
New Hampshire Take-Home Pay Advantage
Source: New Hampshire Department of Revenue
Software Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in New Hampshire
Employment Outlook
New Hampshire's software engineering job market is experiencing steady growth, driven by a diverse employer base spanning healthcare, defense, financial services, and technology sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state offers competitive opportunities for software engineers across multiple metropolitan areas. The Manchester-Nashua metro area serves as the largest employment hub, followed by the Dover-Durham region, which benefits from proximity to major research institutions and corporate headquarters. Key hiring markets are concentrated in southern New Hampshire and the Seacoast region, where established employers and emerging tech firms actively recruit qualified software engineers.
Salaries by Metro
The state's talent pipeline is supported by 11 institutions offering software engineering programs, with 5 bachelor's-granting colleges producing 782 completions annually (IPEDS Data). Major employers including Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Fidelity Investments, BAE Systems, and the University System of New Hampshire create a strong job market for graduates. New Hampshire's unique advantage includes no state income tax, which enhances overall compensation packages and cost of living compared to neighboring states. This financial advantage, combined with the state's quality of life, makes it an attractive location for software engineering professionals seeking career growth and economic opportunity. Graduates from top programs like Dartmouth College and Southern New Hampshire University benefit from strong regional networks and direct pathways to these major employers.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Software Engineering Programs in New Hampshire
Online Programs
0 available in New Hampshire
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Software Engineering Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $12,000
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $45,100
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $44,200
- Total Programs
- 200
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 52
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
- Total Programs
- 90
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 34
- Median Tuition
- $12,700
Software Engineering Degree Programs in New Hampshire: FAQ
What are the best software engineering degree programs in New Hampshire?
How much do software engineering degree programs cost in New Hampshire?
What salary can software engineering degree graduates earn in New Hampshire?
Are there online software engineering degree programs in New Hampshire?
What companies hire software engineering degree graduates in New Hampshire?
Is a software engineering degree program worth it in New Hampshire?
How long do software engineering degree programs take in New Hampshire?
What financial aid is available for software 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.