College Costs in Manchester, NH 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 12 colleges in Manchester, New Hampshire. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,843
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,146
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,742
per month
Colleges & Universities
12
institutions
Manchester Overview
Population
115,644
Student Population
7,004 (6.1%)
Cost of Living Index
140 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
59/100
Transit Score
45/100
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
College Cost Calculator for Manchester
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$124,052
Total After Financial Aid
$124,052
Annual Cost
$31,013
Annual After Aid
$31,013
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $124,052 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,409 |
| Total Interest | $44,978 |
| Total Loan Cost | $169,030 |
Universities in Manchester
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | Private | $39,966 |
| Saint Anselm College | Private | $44,326 |
| Manchester Community College | Community | $7,200 |
Manchester has 12 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Manchester vs. National Average
| Category | Manchester | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,843 | $10,940 | +$4,903 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,742 | $1,050 | +$692 |
| Cost of Living Index | 140 | 100 | +40 |
Manchester's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Manchester
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
7,004 students
Manchester has a total population of 115,644, with approximately 7,004 college students (6.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Manchester offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Manchester
$61,931
Starting Salary
5.3%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Manchester earn a median starting salary of $61,931, which is $26,931 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $124,052 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,341 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in New Hampshire
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities