University of New Hampshire vs University of Vermont

University of New Hampshire vs University of Vermont

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and the University of Vermont (UVM) are well-known public research universities in New England, although UVM tends to have a greater national and global reputation. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, UVM is approximately 1001st, while UNH stands at a similar rank of around 1001st. As per the Center for World University Rankings 2025, UVM ranks #572, whereas UNH ranks at #708.

In subject-specific ranks, UNH is ranked for Engineering (#111), Law (#125), and Environmental Science, while UVM excels in Medicine (#551), Engineering (#132), and Natural Resources. The interdisciplinary emphasis of UVM in health sciences and sustainability creates a niche advantage, while UNH has a consistent strong showing in public policy and applied sciences.

General Information

New Hampshire University, established in 1886, is in Durham, New Hampshire, a small college town with satellite campuses in Manchester and Concord. Its student body is about 13,626. The University of Vermont, founded in 1791, has its base in Burlington, Vermont, a lively lakeside city, with an enrollment of around 14,320.

UNH provides a traditional campus-based experience with solid regional connections and a STEM and liberal arts focus. UVM delivers an urban, research-based setting with concentrations on environmental leadership and health innovation.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admission to both universities is reasonably competitive. UNH's is approximately 86.9%, while UVM's is more selective at 60%. UNH students generally submit SAT scores of 1120–1320 and ACT scores of 26–31, while UVM's admitted students have 1250–1420 SAT and 29–32 ACT averages.

UVM stresses academic excellence and integrative review, particularly for its competitive health and environmental science programs. UNH has wider access and robust support for in-state students and first-generation students.

Research Impact & Facilities

UNH is an R1 research university, with prominent centers in oceanography, engineering, and law. Its Dimond Library and various campuses facilitate a diverse array of research endeavors, from federal collaborations to sustainable initiatives.

UVM is also an R1 university, with excellence in medicine, neuroscience, climate science, and public health. It is home to the Larner College of Medicine, cutting-edge STEM labs, and a rapidly expanding portfolio of community-engaged research. UVM's research funding and interdisciplinary emphasis continue to build its national reputation.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both schools are public and provide aid, although UVM is more generous in that regard. UNH's in-state tuition is approximately $15,520, and out-of-state tuition is $35,290. UVM's in-state tuition is $16,280, and out-of-state tuition is $41,280.

UVM has a more affordable average net price ($22,062) versus UNH ($24,762), and provides greater average grants ($19,093 vs. $13,831)3. UVM provides aid for 100% of students, while UNH provides for 96%, so UVM is more affordable for eligible students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Both universities' graduates enjoy strong career results. UNH graduates have a median income of $53,300 at ten years past graduation, with high placement in engineering, business, and public service. UNH's alumni network is engaged throughout New England, facilitated by career services and employer relations.

Median salary for UVM graduates is $53,500 with areas of strength in healthcare, environmental science, business, and government4. UVM's graduates are well known for leadership in sustainability, medicine, and policy with an increasing national presence and active career development initiatives.