The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) recently conducted a statewide survey with The Granite State Poll: A States of Opinion™ Project, to better understand respondents’ needs and expectations related to higher education. The survey, which gathered responses from 2,143 New Hampshire residents, found high favorability among Granite Staters for the community colleges and see them providing critical roles for a wide range of individuals – from high school graduates exploring a first career to professionals looking to make a change.
The survey results found that the benefits of a community college education are highly valued by Granite Staters:
- 93% place importance on programs that align with job skills and career goals
- 93% identify affordability as a key consideration
- 92% value flexible scheduling options
- 85% consider proximity to home an important factor
Other findings further underscore the strong standing of New Hampshire’s community colleges among residents. More than three-quarters (77%) of Granite Staters believe community colleges play an important role in educating and developing the skilled workforce needed by the state’s businesses and industries. Nearly three-quarters (73%) agree that a community college degree provides a valuable return on investment. In addition, 68% say they would consider enrolling in courses at a New Hampshire community college to further their education or support their professional growth.
“These results reflect what our seven colleges deliver every day,” said CCSNH Chancellor Chuck Lloyd. “We built this system around affordability, so students can get a high-quality education without debt that could follow them for decades. We built it around flexibility, so a parent working full-time, a career-changer, or a recent high school graduate can all find a path that fits their life. And we built it around career alignment, so what our students learn in the classroom translates directly into the jobs New Hampshire businesses need filled. Granite Staters clearly see what we’ve known: community colleges are one of the smartest investments a person can make in their future, at any stage of life.”
A July 2026 Gallup poll supports CCSNH’s findings at the national level: Americans rated two-year colleges more favorably than four-year institutions on access, quality education, affordability and workforce preparation.
