University of New Hampshire at Manchester logo

University of New Hampshire at Manchester

Accept Rate
87.33%
Grad Rate
64.1%
Enrollment
486
Avg SAT
1140
Tuition
$15,820
Median Salary
$66,479
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
B-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

University of New Hampshire at Manchester offers an intimate, tight-knit campus feel right in the heart of New Hampshire's largest city. With small class sizes and a focus on hands-on learning, it feels like a supportive community where you're a name, not a number. Itโ€™s perfect for students who want a practical, career-focused education without the isolation of a rural campus.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

87.33%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 114075th Pctl
10301250
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Admissions Tips

Highlight your interest in urban engagement and community involvement in your application, as UNH Manchester values students who will contribute to the local scene. Since the acceptance rate is high, focus on securing a strong GPA in challenging high school courses to stand out for merit-based aid. Clearly articulate your intended major in the essay, especially if you're interested in their popular Biology or Business programs, to show direction.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1140
40080012001600
School range: 1030โ€“1250

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UNH Manchester shines in applied sciences and professional programs, with top majors in Biology, Business, and Computer Science. The faculty are experts with real-world experience, emphasizing practical skills and undergraduate research opportunities. Students benefit from small, interactive classes that foster direct mentorship and collaborative learning.

Popular Majors

Biology & Biomedical
29%
Business & Marketing
16.6%
Computer Science
14.5%
Communications
8.3%
Psychology
6.2%
English & Literature
4.8%
Criminal Justice
4.8%
Foreign Languages
2.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

64.1%
Graduation Rate
68.2%
Retention Rate
486
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$15,820
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$13,302
After financial aid
Total Cost
$22,605
Cost of attendance/year
32%
Receive Pell Grants
46.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Manchester

Manchester offers a gritty, authentic city experience with a growing arts scene, breweries, and restaurants like The Black Forest and Murphy's Taproom. Students can explore the Amoskeag Falls, attend First Friday art walks, or take a short trip to Boston or the White Mountains for a weekend escape. It's a city for those who prefer local coffee shops and urban exploration over sprawling college towns.

Local Rent Check

$1,348 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Manchester
Explore Manchester

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$63,280
$0Est. 4 Years: $63,280

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($66,479):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a revitalized, urban area of Manchester with its own security team and strong city police presence. While Manchester has typical city concerns, the campus itself is considered safe, and students are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it accessible for a wide range of students
  • โœ“ Strong programs in Biology and Business with direct ties to local industries
  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors
  • โœ“ Urban location provides internships and job opportunities in a major city

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are lower than national averages
  • โœ— Limited campus housing and traditional 'college town' social life
  • โœ— Out-of-state tuition is expensive compared to other regional public universities

Notable Alumni

Chris Sununu
Former Governor of New Hampshire, who attended UNH Manchester for some coursework.
John Lynch
Former Governor of New Hampshire, who earned his MBA from UNH Manchester.
Maggie Hassan
U.S. Senator from New Hampshire, who attended UNH for her undergraduate studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

UNH Manchester is known for its career-oriented programs in Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Business & Marketing, and Computer Science. It excels at providing hands-on learning and undergraduate research within an urban setting, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce or graduate studies.

No, it is not highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 87.33%, it is accessible to a broad range of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score around 1140, but the school also practices holistic admissions, considering essays and extracurriculars.

Campus life is intimate and commuter-focused, with a student body of under 500. While there are student clubs and activities, the experience is less about Greek life or football games and more about academic collaboration and city-based exploration. Students often engage with Manchester's local culture, from arts to outdoor activities along the Merrimack River.

For in-state students, the combination of a moderate tuition ($15,820) and a solid 10-year median earnings of $66,479 makes it a financially sound investment. The value is high for those pursuing high-demand fields like Biology or Computer Science. Out-of-state students should carefully weigh the higher tuition against potential earnings and aid packages.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Elliot Hospital BAE Systems Stonyfield Farm City of Manchester Southern New Hampshire University
Smart Start Score
68

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,340
  • In-State Tuition $15,820
  • Out-of-State $35,530
  • Zip Code 03101

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 53.1% โ™€ 46.9%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $13,302 and a strong Pell Grant rate, this university offers significant access to lower-income students. The 10-year median earnings of $66,479 provide a solid return on investment, especially for in-state students paying $15,820. Out-of-state tuition is steep, so the value is strongest for New England residents.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $15,820
Housing (12 mo) $16,176
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $39,196
With avg financial aid:
$13,302/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.