The community colleges that comprise the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) were named the best in New England and sixth best in the nation by WalletHub based on individual-school level analysis across 613 institutions and 18 key metrics. This is the second consecutive year CCSNH has ranked among the nation’s best — and a three-spot jump from ninth place in 2025.
“CCSNH is proud to be recognized as one of our nation’s best community college systems,” said Dr. Chuck Lloyd, CCSNH chancellor-elect. “These rankings are based on quality, outcomes, and affordability. That is what we strive to provide for New Hampshire students and to support the state’s skilled workforce and economy. Time after time we hear from graduates who praise the quality education they received at our colleges, the doors that were opened thanks to their experiences with us, and the positive impact it has made on their lives. New Hampshire is our mission, and we are committed to doing our best for the Granite State.”
CCSNH serves more than 25,000 students statewide, providing affordable access to a high-quality education. Consisting of seven colleges, CCSNH offers associate degree and certificate programs, professional training, transfer pathways to four-year degrees and dual-credit partnerships with NH high schools.
Governor Kelly Ayotte also praised the recognition, highlighting CCSNH’s role in building New Hampshire’s future workforce.
“I’m proud that New Hampshire’s community colleges are once again the best in New England and top ten in the nation,” said Governor Kelly Ayotte, who announced the ranking.“Our CCSNH students, faculty, and staff are talented, hardworking, and dedicated to building a stronger future for our state. We will continue to ensure our community colleges are affordable, innovative, and responsive to the needs of growing businesses in New Hampshire.”
The system’s colleges are Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth; Lakes Region Community College in Laconia; Manchester Community College; Nashua Community College; NHTI – Concord’s Community College; River Valley Community College in Claremont, Lebanon and Keene; and White Mountains Community College in Berlin and Littleton.
