Nashua, New Hampshire, is a vibrant city with a strong commitment to education. While it is not a major university hub like Boston, Nashua and the surrounding areas offer access to several respected public and private colleges and universities, especially with nearby campuses and partnerships. These institutions provide quality education in technology, healthcare, liberal arts, and business.
Top Public Colleges & Universities in Nashua
Nashua Community College – A key part of New Hampshire’s community college system, NCC offers associate degrees and certificate programs in advanced manufacturing, nursing, business, and computer science. Known for small class sizes and hands-on learning.
University of New Hampshire at Manchester – Located less than 30 minutes from Nashua, this UNH branch offers undergraduate and graduate programs in biotechnology, computer information systems, and public health. It combines the resources of a research university with personalized instruction.
Middlesex Community College – With a campus in nearby Lowell, Massachusetts, this public college serves many Nashua residents. It offers a wide range of programs including liberal arts, business, and STEM fields, with strong transfer opportunities to four-year institutions.
Granite State College (now UNH College of Professional Studies) – Based in Concord and accessible to Nashua residents, this institution is focused on adult learners and online education. Offers bachelor’s degrees in business, healthcare management, and human services.
Keene State College (satellite programs near Nashua) – Though based in Keene, the college offers outreach and collaborative programs throughout New Hampshire. It is known for teacher education, liberal arts, and safety studies.
Top Private Colleges & Universities in Nashua
Rivier University – Located in the heart of Nashua, Rivier is a private Catholic university known for its strong nursing, education, business, and psychology programs. With small class sizes and a strong emphasis on service learning, it attracts students from throughout New England.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – Situated in nearby Manchester and offering extensive online programs, SNHU is one of the most popular private universities in the region. It's known for its business, tech, liberal arts, and graduate programs in education and healthcare.
Franklin Pierce University (Manchester Campus) – While its main campus is in Rindge, Franklin Pierce offers graduate and professional studies in nearby Manchester. Known for business, health sciences, and teaching certification programs tailored for working adults.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS – Manchester Campus) – Just outside Nashua, MCPHS offers high-quality education in pharmacy, nursing, and health science fields. It provides clinical experiences and career preparation in healthcare professions.
MCPHS Online and Hybrid Programs – Many Nashua residents take advantage of MCPHS’s flexible online programs in medical science, nursing, and healthcare administration, aligning with the region's strong healthcare job market.