1. Dartmouth College
Overview:
Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, is a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its rigorous academics and strong sense of community. Founded in 1769, Dartmouth offers a liberal arts education with a focus on undergraduate teaching and research. The college’s picturesque campus, small class sizes, and vibrant student life contribute to its reputation as one of the top universities in the United States.
U.S. News Ranking:
Dartmouth College consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report.
Number of Students:
Dartmouth College has an enrollment of approximately 6,500 students, including undergraduates and graduates.
Degrees Offered:
The college offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and the arts.
Acceptance Rate:
Dartmouth College is highly selective, with an acceptance rate typically below 10%.
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students at Dartmouth College is approximately 1500.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
Dartmouth College offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations, community service projects, outdoor recreation programs, research opportunities, and varsity sports.
Famous Alumni:
- Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) – Author and illustrator
- Robert Frost – Poet
- Shonda Rhimes – Television producer and screenwriter
- Mindy Kaling – Actress, comedian, and writer
- Fred Rogers – Television personality (“Mister Rogers”)
Top Hiring Companies:
- Dartmouth College
- McKinsey & Company
- Goldman Sachs
- Boston Consulting Group
2. University of New Hampshire (UNH)
Overview:
The University of New Hampshire (UNH), located in Durham, New Hampshire, is a flagship public research university. Established in 1866, UNH offers a comprehensive academic experience with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. The university’s scenic campus, world-class faculty, and diverse student body contribute to its vibrant academic community.
U.S. News Ranking:
The University of New Hampshire consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States for its commitment to undergraduate education and research.
Number of Students:
The University of New Hampshire has an enrollment of over 15,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.
Degrees Offered:
UNH offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in fields such as liberal arts, sciences, engineering, business, education, and the environment.
Acceptance Rate:
The University of New Hampshire is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 80%.
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students at UNH is approximately 1200.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
The University of New Hampshire offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, community service projects, internships, research opportunities, and Division I athletics.
Famous Alumni:
- Sarah Silverman – Comedian and actress
- Carlton Fisk – Major League Baseball Hall of Famer
- Ernest Thompson – Playwright and screenwriter (“On Golden Pond”)
- Adam Sandler – Actor and comedian
- Jeff Kinney – Author and illustrator (“Diary of a Wimpy Kid”)
Top Hiring Companies:
- University of New Hampshire
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Fidelity Investments
- Lonza Group
- Timberland
3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Overview:
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), located in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a private nonprofit institution known for its innovative online and on-campus programs. Founded in 1932, SNHU offers a flexible, affordable education with a focus on career readiness and student success. The university’s commitment to accessibility and personalized learning has made it a leader in online education.
U.S. News Ranking:
Southern New Hampshire University is recognized for its online programs and its commitment to student support services.
Number of Students:
Southern New Hampshire University has an enrollment of over 135,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates, with a significant portion enrolled in online programs.
Degrees Offered:
SNHU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in fields such as business, education, healthcare, liberal arts, and the social sciences.
Acceptance Rate:
Southern New Hampshire University has a moderately selective acceptance rate, admitting around 70% of applicants.
Average SAT Score:
As a nontraditional institution with a focus on adult learners, SNHU does not require SAT scores for admission.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
Southern New Hampshire University offers a variety of extracurricular activities for both on-campus and online students, including virtual clubs and organizations, networking events, career workshops, and community service initiatives.
Famous Alumni:
- Dave McGillivray – Boston Marathon race director
- Stephanie Hallowell – U.S. Ambassador to Mali
- Nick Lees – Professional soccer player
- Lisa LaFlamme – Chief anchor and senior editor of CTV National News
- Pamela Gidley – Actress
Top Hiring Companies:
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Fidelity Investments
- Elliot Health System
- Citizens Bank
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health
4. Keene State College
Overview:
Keene State College, located in Keene, New Hampshire, is a public liberal arts college with a focus on experiential learning and community engagement. Established in 1909, Keene State offers a student-centered education with a strong emphasis on the arts, sciences, education, and professional studies.
U.S. News Ranking:
Keene State College is recognized for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and its strong programs in education, nursing, and the arts.
Number of Students:
Keene State College has an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.
Degrees Offered:
The college offers a variety of undergraduate programs in fields such as education, nursing, liberal arts, sciences, business, and the fine arts.
Acceptance Rate:
Keene State College is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 80%.
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students at Keene State College is approximately 1100.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
Keene State College offers a range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations, community service projects, internships, research opportunities, and Division III athletics.
Famous Alumni:
- Jared Nathan – Filmmaker and television producer
- Randy Pierce – Adventurer and motivational speaker
- Gordon Clapp – Actor (“NYPD Blue”)
- John W. Hickenlooper Jr. – Former Governor of Colorado
- Michael E. Bennett – Broadway director and choreographer
Top Hiring Companies:
- Keene State College
- C&S Wholesale Grocers
- Markem-Imaje
- Monadnock Paper Mills
- Cheshire Medical Center
5. Plymouth State University
Overview:
Plymouth State University, located in Plymouth, New Hampshire, is a public university with a focus on experiential learning, sustainability, and community engagement. Established in 1871, Plymouth State offers a comprehensive academic experience with a strong emphasis on the liberal arts, sciences, education, business, and the environment.
U.S. News Ranking:
Plymouth State University is recognized for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and its strong programs in education, business, and environmental science.
Number of Students:
Plymouth State University has an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students, including undergraduates and graduates.
Degrees Offered:
The university offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in fields such as education, business administration, environmental science and policy, liberal arts, and the performing arts.
Acceptance Rate:
Plymouth State University is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 80%.
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students at Plymouth State University is approximately 1100.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
Plymouth State University offers a range of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, community service projects, internships, study abroad programs, and Division III athletics.
Famous Alumni:
- Marti Stevens – Singer and actress
- Jim Rubens – Former New Hampshire State Senator
- Steve Duprey – Republican National Committeeman for New Hampshire
- Van McLeod – Former New Hampshire Commissioner of Cultural Resources
- Ray Burton – Former Executive Councilor for New Hampshire
Top Hiring Companies:
- Plymouth State University
- New Hampshire Electric Cooperative
- Meredith Corporation
- Speare Memorial Hospital
- Genesis HealthCare