Online Computer Science Programs in New Hampshire
Updated March 29, 2024
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Located in New England, New Hampshire ranks as the 5th smallest state by area and the 10th smallest by population. Yet, despite its small size, the Granite State hosts 24 degree-granting postsecondary institutions with diverse, international student bodies.
With 10.3% of the state's workforce employed in tech, New Hampshire provides a wealth of employment opportunities for graduates with a computer science degree. Leading tech companies in the state employ computer scientists in data science, software development, and cybersecurity.
With 10.3% of the state's workforce employed in tech, New Hampshire provides a wealth of employment opportunities for graduates with a computer science degree.
This guide reviews the costs of earning an online computer science degree in New Hampshire, factors to consider when choosing a program, and potential careers after graduation.
New Hampshire at a Glance
Population: 1,372,203 Per Capita Income: $41,241 Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 24 % of Workforce in Tech: 10.3% Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $11 billion Climate: Average Annual Temperature: 43.8℉, Annual Precipitation: 43.4 inches Major Sports Teams: Manchester Monarchs, New Hampshire Fisher Cats, NH Motor Speedway
Top New Hampshire Schools for Computer Science
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Dartmouth College
- Saint Anselm College
- Plymouth State University
- Rivier University
- Granite State College
- University of New Hampshire at Manchester
- Manchester Community College
- New England College
- Keene State College
Why Go to College for Computer Science in New Hampshire?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), New Hampshire higher education programs enrolled a total of 169,338 undergraduate and graduate students in 2019. New Hampshire maintains a 37% graduation rate for college and university students as of 2021 — the eighth highest in the U.S.
New Hampshire's booming tech sector offers rich career opportunities for computer science graduates. Earning a degree in the state where you expect to work can lead to greater networking opportunities. New Hampshire online computer science programs may appeal to students planning to secure internships or employment in the state after graduation.
New Hampshire maintains a 37% graduation rate for college and university students as of 2021 — the eighth highest in the U.S.
Twice as many students in New Hampshire enrolled in distance learning programs compared to the national average. Attending a computer science program online allows students to earn their degree anywhere without the hassle of commuting or relocating.
Education Statistics for New Hampshire
As one of the smallest states, New Hampshire offers fewer higher education opportunities than nearby states like Massachusetts and New York. Yet, the Granite State boasts a higher proportion of adults aged 25 or over with a postsecondary degree than the national average.
As of 2019, almost twice as many students enrolled in distance learning in New Hampshire compared to the country as a whole.
| New Hampshire Data | National Data | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Four-Year Colleges | 16 | 2,679 |
| Number of Two-Year Colleges | 8 | 1,303 |
| Percentage of Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 71.3% | 36.6% |
| Higher Education Appropriations per Full-Time Enrollment, 2020 | $4,321 | $8,636 |
| Percent of Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education, 2018 | 1.8% | 5.6% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree, 2019 | 10.2% | 8.5% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree, 2019 | 22.7% | 19.8% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree or Higher, 2019 | 14.3% | 12.4% |
Top Online Programs
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Accreditation for New Hampshire Schools
When choosing an online computer science program, students should look for accredited institutions. Schools may hold one of two types of accreditation: national or regional.
Students at both regionally and nationally accredited schools can qualify for federal financial aid. However, regional accreditation provides greater benefits than national accreditation, such as credit transfer opportunities, higher academic standards, and industry recognition.
The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) confers accreditation on New Hampshire colleges and universities. An independent, nongovernmental accreditor, NECHE also oversees the educational quality of schools in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Prospective students should also prioritize computer science programs with programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET-accredited computer science programs meet stringent industry-specific standards.
Considerations for a Computer Science Degree in New Hampshire
Other factors beyond accreditation can impact your college selection process. The data below will help you determine if New Hampshire is the right state to search for computer science programs.
Before selecting your top schools, you should decide what degree level you want to pursue and whether you prefer an online, in-person, or hybrid learning format. The links below provide more information about the different degree levels.
Computer Science Concentration Options
Computer science programs in New Hampshire provide numerous specialization options. The concentrations below align with prominent career opportunities in the state.
Programming Languages
This specialization cultivates programming skills in languages like C#, Java, and Python. With the increasing popularity of these languages in web and blockchain applications, this concentration can benefit graduates seeking employment in top NH tech companies.
Software Development
This specialization teaches students to design and implement software solutions. As several of New Hampshire's leading tech companies focus on software development, this concentration offers an excellent credential in the Granite State.
Cybersecurity
A cybersecurity concentration develops critical skills in data protection. With the rise in cyberattacks on U.S. corporations, this specialization can open doors to careers in many larger tech companies in New Hampshire.
Paying for Your Computer Science Degree
While tuition and fee rates in New Hampshire exceed the national average, financial aid options such as grants, scholarships, loans, and fellowships can help lower the cost of earning an online computer science degree. The links below provide additional information on how to finance an online computer science degree.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
In-state students at public colleges and universities pay the lowest tuition and fees. In New Hampshire, public four-year schools charged an average of $16,329 to in-state residents for the 2018-2019 academic year. Out-of-state public and private tuition and fees averaged $29,447 and $46,952, respectively, for the same school year.
Students from other New England states may qualify for a tuition discount at New Hampshire public schools through the Regional Student Program, a reciprocity agreement under the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE). According to NEBHE, New England residents attending participating schools receive an average tuition break of $8,200 per year.
New Hampshire's Cost of Living
Students planning to study and live in New Hampshire should factor the cost of living into their educational budget.
The cost of living index compares the prices of essential goods and services, such as food, healthcare, and housing, across the country based on a 100% national average. New Hampshire's score of 109.7% on the index indicates that essential expenses in this state exceed the national average by 9.7%.
Selecting Your Computer Science Program
On the quest for the right online computer science program, learners should weigh factors such as student-to-faculty ratios, class sizes, networking possibilities, and career service opportunities. Ranking lists can serve as an excellent starting point for identifying schools to research.
Explore Our Rankings for the Best Computer Science Programs
Careers for Computer Science Graduates in New Hampshire
The Computing Technology Industry Association's (CompTIA's) CyberStates 2021 report ranks New Hampshire seventh in the country for tech employment. The report projects a 14% growth in computer-related jobs in New Hampshire from 2020-2030.
Tech specialists in the state earn an annual median salary of $85,935, which exceeds the median earnings for all occupations nationally by 82%, according to the report.
Graduates with an online computer science degree can pursue careers in New Hampshire's booming tech industry, which comprises multinational companies like Autodesk and Bottomline.
The Computing Technology Industry Association's (CompTIA's) CyberStates 2021 report ranks New Hampshire seventh in the country for tech employment.
In-demand tech specialties include cybersecurity, data science, and software development. Other sectors employing computer science graduates include manufacturing, education, and health services.
In the sections below, we explore popular computer science careers in New Hampshire and highlight some of the state's leading tech companies.
Select Computer Science Careers in New Hampshire
Computer programmers write programs for diverse applications. Typical job duties include creating code in various programming languages, implementing updates to existing programs, and testing programs for errors.
Salary for Computer Programmers in NH: $83,530 | Job Outlook in NH: -5.7%
Computer and information systems managers oversee an organization's computer-related activities. Typical job duties include directing hardware and software installation and maintenance, ascertaining project costs and benefits, and justifying project budgets to top executives.
Salary for computer and information systems managers in NH: $149,290 | Job Outlook in NH: +12%
Web developers build and maintain websites. Frequent responsibilities include meeting with clients to determine website needs, writing website code in programming languages like HTML and Java, and working with graphic designers to determine website layout.
Salary for web developers in NH: $69,310 | Job Outlook in NH: +14.9%
Computer Science Employers in New Hampshire
Bottomline
Headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Bottomline operates several national and global locations. The company develops payment processing software for businesses and financial institutions. Computer science graduates can work for Bottomline as software developers and data analysts.
Adtech Systems
This Massachusetts-based company maintains a location in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Adtech Systems focuses on audio visual solutions for businesses, including workspace improvements, digital signage, and video conferencing support.
Autodesk
An American multinational software corporation with offices in Manchester, New Hampshire, Autodesk develops software solutions for design, engineering, entertainment, and retail. The company employs software developers, computer programmers, and web developers.
Projected Job Growth for Computer Programmers, Computer and Information Systems Managers, and Web Developers
| State | National | |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Programmers | ||
| 2018 Employment | 1,410 | 250,300 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 1,330 | 232,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 | -5.4% | -7.2% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | ||
| 2018 Employment | 2,500 | 414,400 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 2,800 | 461,100 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 | +12% | +11.3% |
| Web Developers | ||
| 2018 Employment | 740 | 160,500 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 850 | 181,400 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 | +14.9% | +13% |
NH Employment
- Web Developers: 590
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators: 2,290
- Computer Programmers: 1,230
- Database Administrators: 490
- Computer Systems Analysts: 2,840
- Information Security Analysts: 570
- Software Developers: 8,650
- Computer Hardware Engineers: 190
- Computer and Information Research Scientists: 60
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: 2,970
The BLS' projections for computer science occupations in New Hampshire suggest the highest growth rates for web developers and computer and information systems managers.
BLS data also points to median earnings above the national median for most tech careers in New Hampshire. This indicates promising job prospects and high earning potential for computer science graduates in the state.
Curious About Other Computer Science Jobs? Explore More Here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is computer science a good major in New Hampshire?
Yes, the CompTIA's CyberStates 2021 report ranks New Hampshire seventh in the country for tech employment. Students majoring in computer science at a New Hampshire school can pursue many tech careers in the state after graduation.
What is the best field in computer science in New Hampshire?
Many of New Hampshire's top tech companies provide software solutions to business clients. Some of the best computer science concentrations in New Hampshire include software programming, development, and engineering.
What computer science jobs are there in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire's tech industry provides numerous career options in computer science. Popular careers include software developer, web developer, software engineer, and programmer.
Does New Hampshire have online computer science programs?
Yes, several postsecondary institutions in New Hampshire offer computer science programs online. In fact, online enrollment in New Hampshire is twice the national average.
Professional Computer Science Organizations in New Hampshire
A broad-based tech organization, the NH Tech Alliance supports tech students and professionals in New Hampshire. The alliance's initiatives focus on startups, women in tech, and K-12 computer education. Members can participate in workshops, conferences, and networking events that emphasize collaboration across local industries
NHSTE focuses on improving education in New Hampshire schools through increasing access to technology. The society offers a webinar series, administers grants and awards, and maintains an online community. Students can join at a discounted membership rate.
NH UXPA provides professional support to aspiring and practicing user experience specialists. The association maintains an email list and hosts monthly meetings featuring job announcements, networking opportunities, and diverse UX industry speakers.
CSTA New Hampshire provides professional resources for K-12 and college-level computer science teachers, including workshops and clinics, focused on educational challenges and collaborative partnerships.
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