New Hampshire’s public higher education systems have created more than 100 direct pathways designed to help students move smoothly from associate degree programs offered by New Hampshire’s community colleges to bachelor’s degree programs offered by the University System. This collaboration between the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) and the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) makes it easier for students to continue their education, earn subsequent degrees more efficiently, and fill critical jobs in New Hampshire’s workforce faster and with less debt.
Students currently enrolled in or planning to enter any of New Hampshire’s seven community colleges can now follow clear, structured pathways leading directly to bachelor’s degrees at Keene State College, Plymouth State University, or the University of New Hampshire (UNH) (including UNH Durham, Manchester and the College of Professional Studies Online). These programs—where students complete an associate degree at a community college, followed by a bachelor’s degree at a university—offer clear roadmaps and affordable options for students across the state.
“These pathways give students the confidence to pursue their educational goals with assurance that we have taken steps to align programs to help manage time and cost,” said USNH Chancellor Catherine Provencher. “This collaboration makes it easier for New Hampshire residents to stay in the state, earn a degree, and strengthen our workforce.”
CCSNH Chancellor Mark Rubinstein highlighted the importance of the new pathways, saying, “Lifelong learning is going to be critical for students to be able to participate fully in the economic opportunities of the future, and this will also be essential for the state if New Hampshire is going to sustain a competitive workforce advantage, but the high cost of college and the accompanying debt have often been real barriers to postsecondary education. Our public higher education systems of New Hampshire now provide affordable and seamless options for students to begin taking classes in high school and advance to bachelor’s degrees and beyond.
“Both systems are committed to making postsecondary education more accessible to all New Hampshire residents,” said Mark Rubinstein. “This partnership gives students clear, affordable options for continuing their education and earning degrees which are key steps to entering many of the state’s high-demand and critical-need careers.”
The new pathways will also streamline the application process. Students who meet basic requirements will be guaranteed admission to the university programs, and fees for applications and transcripts will be waived. This initiative, along with the New England Board of Higher Education Transfer Guarantee, provides unprecedented access to higher education for residents of New Hampshire.
To help students navigate these new pathways, CCSNH has trained advisors available at each community college and USNH sponsors a centralized Outreach and Enrollment Center that assists with applications, financial aid resources, and other support services available to students in both systems.
For more information on the new pathways and resources available, visit the NH Transfer website at https://www.nhtransfer.org.
