Most selective colleges in New Hampshire

Colleges that admit the smallest share of applicants.

Most selective colleges in New Hampshire5 schools

5 schools qualify, ranked by admission rate.

How this list is made

Schools in New Hampshire.
Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
Has an admission rate from federal data (College Scorecard). Average SAT scores are shown where the college reports them.
Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
Ordered by admission rate, lowest first. Selectivity measures demand for places, not the quality of teaching.

Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.

1
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH · Private nonprofitIvy LeagueHonor Roll
#1 in New Hampshire
- Admits 5%
- Average SAT 1534
2
Saint Anselm College
Manchester, NH · Private nonprofit
Top 11% for graduation
- Admits 78%
- Average SAT 1201
3
Colby-Sawyer College
New London, NH · Private nonprofit
#8 in New Hampshire
- Admits 80%
4
University of New Hampshire at Manchester
Manchester, NH · Public
Top 15% for low net price
- Admits 81%
- Average SAT 1100
5
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH · Public
Top 13% for graduation
- Admits 88%
- Average SAT 1218

School	Net price a year	Median debt	Earnings 10 years out	Graduation rate
Dartmouth College	About $30,000	$17,500	$97,434	96%
Saint Anselm College	About $35,000	$27,000	$73,371	80%
Colby-Sawyer College	About $27,000	$27,000	$46,474	57%
University of New Hampshire at Manchester	About $10,000	$26,814	$66,479	50%
University of New Hampshire	About $24,000	$26,814	$66,479	76%

Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.