University of New Hampshire

Durham, NH · founded 1866 · 15,000 students · public research university · America East Conference

Known for: Strong programs in sustainability, oceanography, and engineering, with a commitment to environmental research and hands-on learning.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #176
Times Higher Education: #601

Top programmes

Oceanography
Engineering
Business
Hospitality Management
Environmental Science
Nursing

Notable alumni

John Irving — Acclaimed novelist, author of 'The World According to Garp'
Jennifer Lee — Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, director of 'Frozen'
Richard A. Kimball — Former U.S. Senator from New Hampshire
Mike O'Malley — Actor and producer, known for 'Yes, Dear' and 'Glee'
Carol Shea-Porter — Former U.S. Congresswoman from New Hampshire

Traditions

Homecoming
Winter Carnival
Wildcat Weekend
U-Day

If University of New Hampshire were…

As a food: Farm-to-table kale salad with local goat cheese — Earnestly sustainable, sourced from within fifty miles, and served with a side of environmental talking points. UNH students will tell you where every ingredient came from and why it matters.
As an athlete: Mikaela Shiffrin — New Hampshire native, world-class but low-key, dominates in a sport that requires grit and precision in cold weather. UNH has that same unpretentious excellence rooted in the granite state.
As a person alive today: Ken Burns — Thoughtful, earnest documentarian who makes the overlooked essential and beautiful. UNH has that same public-good mission, shining light on rural policy, marine ecosystems, and the infrastructure of civic life.
As a historical figure: Christa McAuliffe — The New Hampshire teacher and astronaut who represented everyday heroism and the democratization of space. UNH's space-grant mission and commitment to accessible education echo that same spirit.
As a movie or TV show: Gilmore Girls — Set in a charming New England college town where everyone knows each other, full of quirky local traditions and an idealized vision of community life. Durham has that same cozy, walkable, slightly precious vibe.
As a US president: Jimmy Carter — Earnest, focused on sustainability and public service, more interested in doing good than looking cool. UNH has that same wholesome, roll-up-your-sleeves, build-a-better-world energy.
As a city: Portland, Oregon — Progressive, outdoorsy, sustainability-obsessed, with a strong sense of local pride and a population that bikes everywhere and talks about composting. Both are the earnest, eco-friendly option in their region.
As an element: Nitrogen — Essential for growth, central to agriculture and ecosystems, and part of the fundamental cycle of life. UNH's land-grant mission is all about understanding and sustaining those natural systems.
As a car: Volvo V60 Cross Country — New England sustainability meets Scandinavian sensibility—outdoorsy without pretension, safety-conscious research focus, and that engaged-citizen Granite State ethos. Practical wagon for White Mountain weekends and commu

Campus life

UNH offers an active, engaging campus life with a focus on sustainability and outdoor recreation. Students participate in a wide range of clubs, Division I athletics, and events like hockey games and outdoor adventures. The vibe is energetic and community-oriented.