Last Updated: October 20, 2021
New Hampshire -The Granite State
New Hampshire is situated in the New England area of the United States. The state is bordered by Canada, Maine, the Atlantic Ocean, Massachusetts, and Vermont. When in New Hampshire, one can look forward to warm-humid summers and a cold-wet winter season. The state experiences an overall humid continental climate.
The state has an estimated population of about 1.38 million. Concord is the capital city of the state whereas Manchester is the largest city here. The original inhabitants of New Hampshire were Native American tribes such as the Abenaki, Winnipesaukee, Pigwacket, Sokoki, Cowasuck, and the Pennacook. New Hampshire received its statehood on June 21, 1788, making it the 9th state of America. New Hampshire is popularly known to be one of the safest states in the United States of America.
Major Cities in New Hampshire
Manchester
Manchester is the largest city in the state of New Hampshire with a population of around 116,000. The city is located in Hillsborough County and is often called 'Queen City', 'Manch Vegas'. It was founded in 1722 and was later established as a city in 1846. The University of New Hampshire at Manchester, and Mount Washington College are popular institutions situated here. The city is home to many major attractions such as The Currier Museum of Art, Zimmerman House, Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, Studio 550 Art Center, Massabesic Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and more.
Nashua
With an estimated population of 92,000, Nashua is the second-biggest city in the state of New Hampshire. Located in Hillsborough County, the city is popularly known as one of the most livable cities in the United States. Originally known as Dunstable, it was renamed Nashua after the River Nashua, and was later established as a city in 1853. The city is also a major commercial center. Popular educational institutions such as Daniel Webster College and Rivier University are located in this city. Popular tourist attractions include Mine Falls Park, Greeley Park, Millyard Brewery, The Reflection Garden & Labyrinth, and so on.
Concord
Concord has an estimated population of around 44,000 and is the third-biggest city in the state of New Hampshire. It is also the capital city of New Hampshire and is located in Merrimack County. It was originally known as Rumford and was later renamed Concord by Governor Benning Wentworth. It was founded in 1659 and was established as a city in the year 1733. The University of New Hampshire-School of Law is situated in this city. The New Hampshire Historical Society, New Hampshire State House, Carter Hill Orchard, Capitol Center for the Arts, Dimond Hill Farm, and so on, are some of the popular sites in this city.
Derry
Derry is the fourth largest city in New Hampshire with an estimated population of around 35,000. The city is a major economic epicenter and is known for its flourishing service industry. Alan Bartlett Shepard, an American astronaut, who became the second man and the first American to travel into space in 1961, was born in this city. Because of this Derry is also popularly called 'Spacetown'. Derry was first settled in 1719 and was later established as a city in 1827. Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site, Appolo Vineyards, Canobie Lake, Windham Rail Trail, are some of the popular places in the city.
Economy/Job Market
- The state is nicknamed "The Granite State" because of the abundant granite deposits in the state.
- There has been a significant decline in manufacturing-based industries like granite quarrying, shoemaking, which were once predominant in the economy of New Hampshire.
- The service industries are developing consistently in the state which includes Healthcare services, Business services, Engineering Services, and Educational Services.
- TOurism, retail trade, and finance are also important economic sectors of the state.
- CS Wholesale Grocers, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Dartmouth College, University of New Hampshire, Keene State College, Standex International, Albany International, and MTS Services are some of the largest employers of the state.
- Despite the problems caused by the covid-19 pandemic, the state seems to be recovering at a moderate pace and has an unemployment rate of 3% which is lower than the national rate.
Tuition Fee and Living Cost in New Hampshire
The cost of living in the state of New Hampshire is a lot higher than the national average. Housing costs are expensive followed by utility costs when compared to the national average. However, the cost of transportation, and healthcare services is much lower than the national average. Durham, Newmarket, Manchester, Portsmouth, and Nashua are the most expensive cities in the state. Some of the most affordable cities here are Somersworth, Newport, Franklin, and Rochester. The cost of education can range from affordable to expensive based on the standard or quality of the institution. For example, the tuition fee charged in Dartmouth College (Hanover) is around $61,000, which is higher than the national average tuition in private institutions.
List of Few Major Universities/Colleges
Some of the best universities/colleges in the state of New Hampshire are:
- Dartmouth College Situated in the city of Hanover, this is the most prestigious private institution in the state which is also a member of the Ivy League. The university was established on December 13, 1769, by an American Congregational minister, Eleazar Wheelock. The college is well-known for its extensive curriculum, stellar faculty, and the best academic quality. With around 7,100 students and around 950 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1. Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and Computer Science are some of the best majors available here. The tuition fee for all undergraduate students is approximately $61,000.
- University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Located in Durham, this is a famous public university in the state. The university is renowned for some of the best academic programs, and spirited campus life. The university was established in the year 1866. With around 17,000 students and around 1,000 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. Business, Psychology, English, and Communications are some of the most sought-after majors in this university. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate students is about $20,000 and around $38,000 for out-of-state students.
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester This is an eminent public institution situated in Manchester. The university was founded in 1985 and is known for its work-study opportunities and high educational quality. With approximately 1,500 students and about 70 teachers, the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. Some of the most popular majors provided in this university are Business, Biology, Psychology, and Biotechnology. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate students is about $17,000 and roughly $35,000 for out-of-state students.
- Franklin Pierce University Franklin Pierce University is a popular private university situated in the city of Rindge. The university is popular for its vibrant campus environment and student diversity. The university was established on November 14, 1962. With around 3,000 students and more than 300 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. Some of the popular majors offered here are Health Service Preparatory Studies, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, Business, and Accounting. The tuition fee is almost $42,000 for all undergraduate students.
Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students
- Scholarships For Orphans Of Veterans Program: This program is initiated by the New Hampshire Postsecondary Education Commission to assist high school graduates or undergraduate students of New Hampshire. To be qualified for the program, the student must be a legal resident of NH, must be enrolled at an accredited public institution, and must have a parent who died or experienced disability while serving in the U.S. armed forces. The award amount will be up to $2,500 per academic year and may be used for room, board, books, and supplies.
- NHCF Medallion Fund: Administered by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, this is a need-based program for the residents of New Hampshire who wish to have a successful training career. To be eligible for the program, the student must demonstrate the required level of economic need, be a high school graduate from the state, and pursue an associate degree or a training course from an accredited institution in New Hampshire. The student must also showcase a satisfactory academic performance, and submit the FAFSA, an essay, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts. The award amount may vary based on the student's need and availability of funds and may range from $100 to $3,500.
- SNHU Honors Scholarship: This is a scholarship program for high school graduates of New Hampshire. To be qualified for the program, the student must be a New Hampshire resident, must enroll at the Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, and secure a minimum score of 3.2 GPA and a minimum SAT score of 1100. Students must also submit official transcripts, two essays, a transfer form, and a Counselor Recommendation Form along with the application form. The student should also secure and maintain a score of 3.0 GPA in college every semester. The award amount for this scholarship is $2,000 per academic year.
- Presidential Scholarship UNH: This is a merit-based scholarship initiated by the University of New Hampshire. To be qualified for the program, the student must enroll at the University of New Hampshire to pursue an undergraduate degree on a full-time basis, and secure a score of 3.7 -3.89 GPA in high school. The student must succeed in securing and maintaining a minimum score of 3.2 GPA in college. The award amount for NH residents will be $5,000 per academic year and for non-residents or international students, the amount will be $8,000 per academic year.
Tourism
New Hampshire, apart from being known as the 'Granite State', has numerous nicknames solely to describe the beauty of the state. It is called the Mother of Rivers for the rivers that come from the Mountains like the Connecticut River, the Pemigewasset River, the Merrimack River, the Androscoggin River, and the Saco River. It is also known as the White Mountain State for the White Mountain Range, and Switzerland of America to describe the natural beauty of the state. Some of the most fascinating tourist attractions in New Hampshire that attract numerous tourists from all over the country and the world are The Flume Gorge and Franconia Notch, Mount Washington Auto Road, Conway Scenic Railroad, Hampton Beach, White Mountain National Forest, Mt. Monadnock, Lake Winnipesaukee, and a lot more. Fall is the ideal season to visit the state to fully enjoy the colors of foliage.
Universities & Colleges in New Hampshire
*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
- Recommended program (Top 250)
