UNH Named No. 1 Best Value Public University in New England for the Fifth Straight Year

UNH has once again earned top honors from U.S. News & World Report, ranking as the No. 1 best value public university in New England for the fifth year in a row. The recognition, part of the 2026 Best Colleges rankings, highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to affordability, academic excellence, and strong post-graduation outcomes.

Nearly 88% of first-year students receive scholarships or need-based financial aid, with more than $200 million awarded annually. The average undergraduate scholarship is $12,400, and programs like the Granite Guarantee help ensure New Hampshire residents can pursue a UNH degree without tuition barriers. These efforts underscore UNH’s focus on making high-quality education financially accessible for as many students as possible.

As an R1 research institution, UNH offers students unparalleled opportunities to participate in meaningful, hands-on research across disciplines, with 75% completing at least one internship before graduation.

Student outcomes remain a hallmark of UNH’s value: 94% of 2024 graduates were employed or in further education within six months, with 88% working in fields tied to their major.      Read full story

UNH was also recently recognized in another major national ranking — earning the No. 25 spot on the Princeton Review’s Top 50 Green Colleges list with a 96/99 sustainability rating. The university is one of only nine institutions nationwide to hold a platinum AASHE STARS rating, underscoring its national leadership in sustainability and its commitment to experiential, place-based learning.