Top PhD Programs in New Hampshire (NH): Campus & Online
Earning a doctoral degree can lead to a high-level research or administrative job with better pay. This guide can help you search for quality PhD programs in New Hampshire to advance your career or discover new career paths.
Top-Rated PhD and Doctoral Programs in New Hampshire for 2026
We’ve listed three highly distinguished universities recognized for their quality doctoral programs. These were chosen as some of the best institutions because they not only provide excellent academic opportunities but also offer flexible study options, including some online doctoral programs in New Hampshire at reasonable costs.
These three are in our spotlight, but many other institutions are worth exploring. When selecting a university, it’s crucial to weigh aspects such as faculty expertise, research facilities, and alums success stories. Ultimately, the “best” university is one that aligns with your academic goals, personal preferences, and career aspirations.
University of New Hampshire
Whether you’re furthering your career or switching in a new direction, you’re likely to find a doctorate program that meets your needs at the University of New Hampshire (UNH).
UNH offers 38 doctoral degree programs across diverse fields ranging from computer science to nursing. Among these, 30 programs lead to a PhD degree, while eight nursing-related programs are offered online.
To apply, you’ll need to submit transcripts, a personal essay or statement, and three letters of recommendation. Depending on the program in which you enroll, you may be required to submit a resume and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
Tuition varies based on the program. However, in-state graduate students typically pay $845 per credit hour, while out-of-state students face a steeper charge of $1,465 per credit.
However, the school offers various financial support options, such as teaching and research assistantships, work-study programs, and departmental scholarships. Students are also encouraged to apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Rivier University
This New Hampshire university stands out as a prime institution for those who want a tailored educational experience. Rivier boasts esteemed doctoral programs in education (EdD), psychology (PsyD), and nursing practice (DNP). Rivier University’s intimate scale allows faculty to focus on personalized learning.
Convenience with online courses is a large part of Rivier’s policy for students. An EdD in Leadership and Learning is available online, enabling students to secure their degree within three years.
The DNP Program is another online program that caters to the diverse needs of graduate students, many of whom opt for part-time enrollment. The psychology department also provides adaptable learning formats for its graduate students, including evening and online classes.
Additionally, prospective students have the unusual opportunity to preview the program by sampling up to four courses (12 credits) before enrolling. Once that takes place, any earned credits will count toward your intended degree.
Admission criteria vary across programs but typically include an online application and official transcripts evidencing a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Applicants must also submit a current resume detailing professional experience, a statement of intent, and a minimum of three recommendation letters.
Tuition fees are program-specific and range from $792 to $1,315 per credit.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers two campus-based doctoral programs: the Doctorate of Business Administration in International Business and the Doctorate of Education and Educational Leadership.
The business administration program trains graduates for careers in academics and consulting and prepares them for positions within multinational corporations. The education doctorate is designed for students pursuing careers as pre-K-12 leaders, higher education administrators, curriculum specialists, or executive directors.
While SNHU does not offer any fully online doctorate programs, those pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership can enroll in some online courses. Even then, students must meet in person once a month during both the fall and spring terms. They’re also required to attend a one-week summer residency.
Tuition ranges from $860 to $1,070 per credit. A doctoral dissertation continuation fee of $921 is applied per term beyond the third year until the program is completed. All students must finish their program within eight years.
Those enrolled in the education doctorate program pay $710 per credit.
Expert Insight
You’ll find that many doctoral programs emphasize close faculty collaboration and smaller cohorts. Research that and find out if it’s true. By choosing a program where you can build strong, consistent relationships with advisors, that level of access can shape both your research experience and career opportunities.
Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs Available in New Hampshire
New Hampshire offers numerous doctoral degree programs for working professionals and people wanting to enter the job market quickly. These programs include full-time, part-time, and online students. Although rare, you’ll also find PhD programs you can complete in three years or less.
Explore the various types of doctoral degree programs below and find the right one for you.
Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in New Hampshire
Full-time programs for a doctorate or PhD demand dedication. Take UNH’s PhD in economics: It involves 11 core courses (44 credits), comprehensive theory exams, field courses, and concentration areas. There are also research workshops, a major field capstone, and a doctoral dissertation. The coursework alone takes about two-and-a-half years to complete.
SNHU’s PhD program in international business takes four to five years to complete and includes advanced research courses, doctoral colloquiums, and a dissertation.
Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in New Hampshire
Part-time study accommodates students who can’t fully commit to full-time due to other responsibilities or financial constraints. There are some PhD programs in New Hampshire that do offer part-time enrollment for these students.
Part-time students enrolled in UNH’s doctoral education program collaborate with advisers to customize their study plans, which include five core courses (20 credits), electives, specialized study, and research preparation. It takes 52 to 64 hours of graduate coursework after matriculation to complete the program.
At Rivier University, DNP students who earned a master’s degree already have 500 hours of supervised practicum hours and can complete another 500 hours to earn their DNP. Part-time students typically take nine semesters to graduate.
Fully Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs in New Hampshire
These doctoral programs exist to alleviate financial burdens and encourage investment in higher-quality research. These programs also allow universities to indirectly support faculty members by allowing students to assist them in their research.
Moreover, most graduates go on to work for these universities. Here’s a look at two fully funded doctoral programs:
No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs in New Hampshire
Although rare, you may find a few doctoral programs that don’t require GRE scores to be admitted into the program. UNH offers two such programs, including its doctoral program in physics and astronomy, that allow students to send their GRE scores at their own discretion without penalty. The UNH PhD program in computer science does require GRE scores, but those can be waived for students who have previously taken computer science courses at the university.
Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs in New Hampshire
Accelerated doctoral programs are designed to expedite the completion of a doctoral degree, allowing students to quickly progress through coursework. However, these types of programs are intense and require you to invest a significant amount of time and effort.
Unfortunately, accelerated PhD and other doctoral programs are not as common as accelerated programs at the master’s level. Although no accelerated doctoral programs are available in New Hampshire, you can earn your PhD in education in just two to three years at UNH.
No Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs in New Hampshire
Most PhD programs require students to complete a dissertation to graduate, but there are some exceptions. For instance, you can earn a doctoral degree in physical therapy without completing a dissertation.
Plymouth State University, for example, offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program that requires a clinical experience component. Another example is Dartmouth’s PhD program in psychological and brain sciences.
Expert Insight
Applying for graduate school is vastly different than undergraduate. Admissions committees want to see that your interests, experience, and goals align with their faculty expertise and the program’s strengths. Showing that mutual fit can improve your chances of getting accepted.
New Hampshire’s Favorite PhDs: What are the Most Popular Degrees
Education
If you’re an educator seeking to drive impactful change in curriculum and policy, consider earning a PhD in education. Most programs offer specializations, including:
- Educational leadership
- Higher education administration
- Educational policy
- Curriculum and instruction
This doctorate program allows you to delve into meaningful topics such as social justice, equity, and educational leadership while gaining a deep grasp of research methods, allowing you to conduct your own original studies.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
- SNHU: PhD in Education Leadership
- UNH: PhD in Education
- Rivier University: EdD in Leadership and Learning
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Psychology
Earning a PhD in psychology is perfect for people drawn to research or teaching. Graduates often become professors, researchers, or consultants at universities.
If your dream is to open a private practice, consider a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree. It leads to a psychology license, enabling you to diagnose and treat mental health issues. Moreover, a doctoral degree opens doors to specialized roles such as psychiatrist, educational consultant, or forensic psychologist.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Computer Science
Earning your PhD in computer science:
- Enhances your expertise
- Sharpens research skills for technological innovation
- Leads to high-level academic or leadership roles
This type of degree is ideal for those interested in deepening their knowledge beyond what they were taught at the undergraduate and master’s degree levels. It’s meant for individuals who are passionate about research and want to contribute original ideas to the industry.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Electrical and computer engineering is one of the more popular and prosperous sectors within the field. Those who pursue a doctoral degree often want to expand their knowledge and specialize in certain areas such as biomedical engineering, cybersecurity, integrated circuit design, and robotics.
This type of doctoral degree program is designed for people who have already earned a master’s degree and have a strong foundation in mathematics and physical sciences.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Biochemistry
This doctoral program is best suited for those who want to dive deeper into the chemical processes that support life and are passionate about conducting research that can lead to significant advancements within health, agriculture, or the environment.
A PhD program in biochemistry can prepare you for advanced career opportunities in biotechnology and within pharmaceutical companies, research labs, and in academia. You’ll have a chance to research topics within biochemistry, molecular biology, and cellular biology.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Earning Your Online PhD or Professional Doctorate in New Hampshire
Online doctoral degree programs in New Hampshire are rare. This scarcity primarily stems from the necessity to partake in on-campus research and defend a dissertation before an evaluation panel.
However, certain programs, such as New England College’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership Program, can be completed entirely online.
Courses are designed in a cohort model, allowing students to interact online with faculty members, peers, and other education community members. The dissertation can also be completed and presented virtually.
UNH also offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. This program provides asynchronous courses in eight-week blocks. Students can also talk with an advisor who can help them balance their workload and manage their schedules. Students also have the option to visit the campus for the doctoral symposium and graduation ceremony.
The biggest challenge is time management and self-accountability. You’ll need to complete assignments and exams on time to graduate from an online PhD or doctoral program.
Where to Get Help Paying for Your PhD or Doctoral Degree in New Hampshire
Don’t let high tuition costs, dissertation fees and course material expenses discourage you from applying to graduate school. Review all your expenses, create a budget plan, and explore financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, fellowships, work-study programs, and graduate research assistantships through your school or outside organizations.
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is an organization that’s recognized as one of the largest providers of publicly available scholarships in the state, including limited funding for graduate students.
The Northeast Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (NEAGEP) also offers resources on the UNH website, including a link to the Dissertation Year Fellowship for eligible doctoral students.
New England College’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies provides graduate assistantships with a tuition discount for enrolled students. Many universities also list work-study programs on their websites, including Antioch University.
PhD Career Salary Outlook in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to a range of industries and institutions that seek doctoral-level professionals — from universities, research hospitals, and government agencies to tech companies, financial institutions, and healthcare systems. Whether your doctorate is in business, education, healthcare, engineering, or the social sciences, New Hampshire’s diverse economy offers pathways to senior leadership, research, and faculty roles that reward the depth of expertise a doctoral degree represents.
Earnings for doctoral-level professionals in New Hampshire vary considerably by field and sector, with research, healthcare, and technology careers typically commanding the strongest compensation.
Use the salary table below to explore what professionals in key doctoral-level occupations earn in New Hampshire, and get a realistic sense of the financial landscape for advanced-degree careers in the state.
| Occupation | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Relevant Degree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $168,590 | $232,570 | $397,850 | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $64,270 | $129,240 | $194,050 | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $136,160 | $188,710 | $246,160 | PhD in Computer Science |
| Economists | $86,130 | $108,190 | $157,110 | PhD in Economics |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $49,250 | $67,200 | $95,400 | PhD in Education |
| Engineers | $128,130 | $157,300 | $187,910 | Doctorate in Engineering |
| Financial Managers | $144,730 | $187,240 | $243,350 | Doctorate in Finance |
| Instructional Coordinators | $81,210 | $99,070 | $115,940 | Doctor of Education (EdD) |
| Nurse Practitioners | $137,550 | $155,620 | $166,240 | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
| Pharmacists | $143,020 | $160,190 | $170,030 | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) |
| Physical Therapists | $99,850 | $107,250 | $122,560 | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) |
Source: BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.