New Hampshire is increasingly recognized for the rich tradition of its public and independent postsecondary education institutions. Quality programs are increasingly responsive to the growing demands of the business community. Research and development, which yields product innovations and adds to the knowledge base of industry, is a key driver of economic growth. Over the last ten years New Hampshire institutions have increased investments in research and development by 91%.

Today, New Hampshire is home to 60 institutions; 29 of which are degree granting and 31 that deliver certificate/diploma based vocational education to more than 70,000 students from at least 50 countries. Our institutions are located in all regions of the state: the White Mountains, the seacoast, the lakes region, the southwest and the high-tech areas of southern New Hampshire. We have traditional rural campuses and urban sites in restored mill buildings. With institutions varying in size from less than 75 students to over 14,000, New Hampshire has postsecondary education opportunities that fit everyone.

The academic programs range from certification programs in computer programming, building trades and occupational safety to one of the nation's aviation programs and leading doctoral programs in physics, medicine and law. Our institutions also have numerous partnership programs with leading universities in other countries that allow a student to study overseas while earning credit at his or her New Hampshire institution.

Additionally, New Hampshire has an enduring tradition of engaging citizens in their community. Our institutions and students are integral to that unique tradition - with 40 percent of our students contributing more than half a million hours of volunteer service to community organizations, and more than 1,800 cultural events offered annually on our campuses.

Just as New Hampshire's geography is varied - rural and urban, coastal and mountainous - so too are our institutions and opportunities for students.