University of New Hampshire | Admissions, Top Programs & Campus Housing

Forget "just another university"—the University of New Hampshire (UNH) is where academic grit collides with wild creativity, and where "thinking outside the box" isn’t encouraged; it’s required.

The unique university of New Hampshire is a public land-, sea-, and space-grant university and a home to over 14,000 students across several undergraduate and graduate programs. Nationally, the UNH ranking is #109, and is also an R1 research institution, promoting quality education and personalised attention coupled with the student faculty ratio of 16:1. 

With a 93% rate of post-graduation success, UNH Durham provides a solid return on investment for career readiness and academic rigor on the part of students. It also has partnerships with NASA and NOAA, reflecting their focus on innovation and its application in the world.

Got questions? From admissions quirks to hidden gems on campus, we’re slicing through the fluff to give you the real deal. Buckle up—your UNH Durham story starts now.

UNH Durham At a Glance: What Sets It Apart

At the University of New Hampshire Durham, students thrive academically and socially while also excelling in personal growth. From world-class academics and great faculty to unique research facilities and community engagement, let’s mark out some incredible benefits of studying at UNH Durham:

1. Committed to Sustainability 

Founded in 1866, the University of New Hampshire is globally renowned for its commitment to sustainability. Through the EcoLine Project, it became the first university to supply power to the campus with landfill gas. 

The students at the campus aren’t just studying innovation and sustainability, but are living it through real-life experiences. From an organic farm to energy-conserving buildings, sustainability is interwoven across academics, student life, and the university's long-term goals.

2. Top Academics 

At the New Hampshire University campus, there are over 200 degree programs (associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees) offered across all disciplines, ranging from business, engineering, marine biology, and journalism. 

Professors aren't merely teachers—they're practicing researchers, mentors, and collaborators. 84% of classes have fewer than 50 students, and the 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio guarantees minute and careful attention.

3. Research Opportunities

Recognized as a Carnegie Classification R1 university, the University of New Hampshire Durham is one of the top-ranked educational institutions globally. With 50+ research centers, it's also one of the few schools that is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university, collaborating with NASA, NOAA, and the NSF. 

Whether monitoring hurricanes, preserving ocean habitats, or contributing to space weather research, UNH students are involved in cutting-edge breakthroughs that shape the future.

4. Campus that Inspires

The New Hampshire University location is a charming combination of historic architecture and state-of-the-art facilities. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the White Mountains—and only a 90-minute drive from Boston—UNH provides the ideal combination of serenity and accessibility. 

Miles of walking trails, riverfront bike paths, and LEED-certified buildings create an atmosphere that encourages productivity as well as peace of mind at University of New Hampshire campus life.

5. Inclusive Community

Besides the amazing University of New Hampshire campus life, at the core of the University’s values lies the sense of building a community that is inclusive and supportive, going on to become a close-knit family that students cherish forevermore. There are over 200 student-led organizations that are active on university campuses, propagating inclusivity and celebrating joy. 

6. Great Athletics 

The University of New Hampshire athletics are a major component in maintaining school spirit, friendship, and a well-rounded college life. Being an NCAA Division I institution, UNH is a member of the America East Conference and Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) for football. UNH has more than 20 varsity programs, among them ice hockey, soccer, basketball, and track and field. The University of New Hampshire athletics program is highly regarded for its competitive teams, state-of-the-art training facilities such as the Whittemore Center Arena, and extensive support for student-athletes in both academics and life.

University of New Hampshire Admissions Requirements

With an acceptance rate of 87%, UNH Durham NH facilitates a moderately selective admission process promoting access to quality education to large masses. 

Making yourself aware of the admission requirements is the first step towards getting into your dream college. And we’re here to break that down for you step by step:

• The University of New Hampshire admissions takes careful consideration of your academic records. Applicants need to submit the official transcripts of their academic records, maintaining a competitive GPA of 3.5 or higher. For international students, they can convert their percentage into GPA.
• For undergraduates, the University of New Hampshire USA has a test-optional policy; however, it is recommended to submit your SAT/ACT scores to strengthen your application. 

If submitted, competitive scores for the SAT are around 1170–1340 and around 25-30 for the ACT. Although not compulsory, it is recommended to submit these scores, especially to avail of merit-based or SAT scholarships. 

• Applicants are also required to submit a Personal Statement highlighting their goals, life experiences, and challenges. Moreover, a LoR is also required from your academic counsellor or teacher. 
• For international students who are not native speakers of English, it is mandatory to submit proof of their English Proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS.
• There are some optional documents which students may be asked to submit, like a resume, portfolios, a list of their extracurricular participation, etc.

Top Programs at the University of New Hampshire Durham 

The University of New Hampshire majors provides a wide range of programs that are highly reputed for their academic quality and practicality. The following is a handpicked list of some of the best programs:

Expenses and Costs of Studying at the University of New Hampshire Admissions

Studying at the University of New Hampshire majors doesn’t come cheap; however, adopting some tips on financial management can help students overcome the burden of expenses. Below, we have outlined some of the major expenses and their estimated costs:

Job Prospects after Graduation from UNH Durham

Below mentioned are some of the job opportunities that students of UNH Durham highly aspire for:

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The University of New Hampshire campus is dedicated to promoting elite education that is learning-centred and also affordable. $273+ million in financial aid was awarded in 2021–2022, with 88% of first-time, full-time students receiving aid.

Below are some of the options for students to ease the financial burden:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

At UNH Durham NH, applicants are automatically considered for scholarships without any external applications. Some of them include Presidential Scholarships and Chancellor’s and Dean’s Scholarships that are offered to high-achieving students with excellent academic records. The award money granted to applicants typically ranges from $2,000 to $12,000 annually.

2. Need-Based Financial Aid

The University of New Hampshire Durham invites students to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to decide whether they can receive federal, state, or institutional financial aid. Packages might consist of Grants, Federal Work-Study programs, and subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans.

3. AmberScholarship 

The Amber Scholarship by amber is a generous initiative that supports international students to access accommodation and financial aid for education. It is open to students of any university and discipline, providing the amount of up to $5,000 in financial grants based on merit, financial need, and personal experience. 

Verified Student Accommodation Near University of New Hampshire

Let’s be real, the University of New Hampshire isn’t your average college experience. From your first lecture to your final project, UNH Durham helps you grow into the kind of person the world actually needs right now: thoughtful, bold, and unafraid to shake things up.

And if you’re already picturing yourself walking those scenic trails, don’t forget to sort your student housing early. With amber, finding verified, student-friendly housing near the University of New Hampshire is just a few clicks away. With a range of student-friendly options, dedicated support, and an easy booking process, we help you secure the right accommodation for you.