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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. 1

    Dartmouth College

    Hanover, NH · Private nonprofitIvy LeagueHonor Roll

    #1 in New Hampshire

    • Admits 5%
    • Average SAT 1534
  2. 2

    Saint Anselm College

    Manchester, NH · Private nonprofit

    Top 11% for graduation

    • Admits 78%
    • Average SAT 1201
  3. 3

    Colby-Sawyer College

    New London, NH · Private nonprofit

    #8 in New Hampshire

    • Admits 80%
  4. 4

    University of New Hampshire at Manchester

    Manchester, NH · Public

    Top 15% for low net price

    • Admits 81%
    • Average SAT 1100
  5. 5

    University of New Hampshire

    Durham, NH · Public

    Top 13% for graduation

    • Admits 88%
    • Average SAT 1218

Compare cost and outcomes

SchoolNet price a yearMedian debtEarnings 10 years outGraduation rate
Dartmouth College$29,519$17,500$97,43496%
Saint Anselm College$34,779$27,000$73,37180%
Colby-Sawyer College$27,431$27,000$46,47457%
University of New Hampshire at Manchester$9,992$26,814$66,47950%
University of New Hampshire$23,805$26,814$66,47976%

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

This list in other states

The national list → · All top school lists →

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