The colleges and universities in New Hampshire offer numerous accounting programs to develop proficiency and knowledge you need to excel in your accounting career. This overview of accounting schools in New Hampshire provides key information on schools in the state so that you can make an informed choice. Continue reading below to find out more information about school rankings in New Hampshire, accounting program details, and career and salary outlooks for accountants in the state.

Table of Contents

Comparison of New Hampshire Accounting Schools and Programs

The table below provides detailed information on not-for-profit accounting programs in New Hampshire to help you compare your options. Programs that appear in bold text offer hybrid or online options.

SchoolAccreditationAccounting Degree(s)Acceptance Rate10Grad Rate1Avg Net Price1Median Debt*10Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry**10
Colby-Sawyer CollegeACBSPBSBA-Accounting;
Minor-Business & Finance;
5-Year Accelerated BSBA-Accounting/MBA		93.1%60%$28,202$27,000$45,141
Franklin Pierce UniversityIACBEBS-Accounting;
MBA-Accounting;
MS-Accounting		88.5%52%$28,434$27,000$47,068
Granite State College—BS-Accounting & Finance;
BS-Business Management: Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		N.Av.15%$11,850$15,585$48,686
New England CollegeACBSPBS-Accounting;
BABA-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MS-Accounting;
MS-Forensic Accounting		100.0%31%$29,512$26,000$41,966
Plymouth State UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting;
MS-Accounting		91.7%51%$20,321$26,000$52,014
Saint Anselm College—BA-Accounting;
BS-Accounting;
Minor-Accounting		77.6%85%$35,080$27,000$63,085
Southern New Hampshire UniversityACBSPBS-Accounting;
BS-Accounting & Finance;
BSA-Forensic Accounting;
BSBA-Accounting;
UG Cert-Accounting;
MS-Accounting;
Grad Cert-Accounting;
Grad Cert-CPA Certificate;
Grad Cert-Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination;
Grad Cert-Management Accounting		92.1%41%$32,043$21,082$53,611
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus—BS-Accounting & Finance;
Minor-Accounting;
MS-Accounting;
MSA-Accounting & Assurance;
MSA-Integrated Audit & Tax;
MSA-Tax		86.7%78%$24,507$26,814$64,875

Table Notes:
*Median Debt: The median debt is the cumulative federal loan debt, excluding PLUS loans, at the time of graduation for students who completed an undergraduate program (certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree) as reported by College Scorecard for academic year 2020-2021 based on ​​National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) data.
**Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry: Median earnings are the middle value of earnings, at which half earned more and half earned less, measured 10 years (2020-2021) after the first year of study (2010-2011) for all students, institution-wide, who received federal loans and who are employed but not enrolled in school. Note that this value includes those who completed their program of study as well as those who discontinued study without receiving an award.

Top-Ranked Accounting Schools in New Hampshire

College rankings can be a useful tool to measure the overall reputation of a school or program. Weighing multiple rankings when evaluating your college choices can be helpful because different publishers may use different ranking factors in their methodologies. While the best program for your goals may rely on a combination of factors not typically considered in overall rankings, such as location or funding, seeing a program ranked on multiple lists can be a strong indication of reputation and academic quality.

College Factual’s Best Accounting Schools 2023

  • Southern New Hampshire University (#154)2

US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023

  • New England College (#141 tie)
  • Granite State College (#170-214)5

Highest First-Time CPA Exam Pass Rate with a Bachelor’s Degree

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases a report including data on candidate performance on the Uniform CPA Exam.11 The following schools had the highest first-time CPA exam pass rates in New Hampshire in 2019 (the most recent report available*) for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, with the overall pass rate for first-time test-takers in New Hampshire being 46.4%:

  1. Saint Anselm College 66.7%
  2. University of New Hampshire 65.2%
  3. Plymouth State University 44.4%
  4. Southern New Hampshire University 44.4%

*As NASBA makes significant changes to the CPA Exam as part of the CPA Evolution initiative, new candidate score reports by state are not anticipated until at least mid-2024.

Schools in New Hampshire with Accounting Degrees

To give you an idea of the breadth and depth of accounting degrees offered in New Hampshire, we have profiled select programs below. Be sure to visit the websites of programs of interest for more detailed information on courses, admissions requirements and deadlines, and faculty.

Undergraduate Accounting Programs

Colby-Sawyer College

At Colby-Sawyer College, students can earn an ACBSP-accredited Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting. The BSBA program provides an in-depth look at organizational structures, management and operation procedures, and new technologies and their business applications. In the accounting concentration, students will further examine for-profit and not-for-profit businesses, as well as financial accounting and analysis. Additionally, all Colby-Sawyer students must complete a 200-hour internship in their field of study. Internships are self-selected with the help of a faculty advisor. A 5-year Accelerated MBA is also available for undergraduates interested in pursuing a graduate degree at Colby-Sawyer. Through the 5-Year MBA, students can begin their graduate coursework during their final year of undergraduate studies, allowing them to complete their MBA with a single additional year of schooling.

Saint Anselm College

Students at Saint Anselm College can earn either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Accounting from the Economics and Business Department. These degrees are ideal for students interested in pursuing further accounting education or a graduate degree in business. The core curriculum includes classes such as Financial and Cost Accounting; Federal Taxation; Financial Management; Auditing; and Business Law. Through these courses, students gain a foundational understanding of many of the core areas of accounting: internal audit, corporate accounting, financial analysis, and cost accounting. The BA in Accounting consists of a total of 128 credits, while the BS in Accounting requires 150 credits. 12 of the 22 additional credits for the BS in Accounting must be accounting electives, which allows graduates to meet the educational requirements for CPA licensure without having to pursue a graduate degree. Students graduating from both programs are prepared to enter the business world, and with its emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills, the curriculum prepares students to adapt to a changing industry. Graduates work in roles in public, private, and governmental accounting.

Graduate Accounting Programs

University of New Hampshire

The Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) offers a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting degree. For those with undergraduate degrees in accounting, this program can be completed on an accelerated nine-month timeline. Those with a non-business background can also attend the program but will need to complete additional prerequisites. The graduate curriculum focuses on advanced knowledge in accounting as well as technical and analytical skills needed in the field. Students learn communication skills and problem-solving techniques through coursework and team projects. Additionally, students can choose from three concentrations to further specialize their degree; Auditing and Assurance; Tax; or Integration of Auditing and Tax. For post-graduation career opportunities, students can take advantage of the resources and career fairs organized by the Career and Professional Success (CaPS). Many graduates go on to earn the CPA designation and work in public accounting firms, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and large corporations.

Online and Hybrid Accounting Programs

Franklin Pierce University

Students at Franklin Pierce University (FPU) can complete a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting degree. This degree can be completed entirely online or in a hybrid on-campus and online format. The curriculum includes advanced courses such as Business Taxation, Managerial Communications, Financial Management, Audit Risk Management, and Assurance Services. Students learn advanced skills in accounting and finance as well as techniques in management and communications. Many graduates pursue professional designations such as CPA, Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). This graduate degree, along with the appropriate professional certification, allows students to pursue a variety of roles in public accounting, business and industry, healthcare, and government. Students with an undergraduate accounting degree who have met all the prerequisite accounting requirements may be able to finish this program in just one year.

Plymouth State University

Through Plymouth State University (PSU), students can complete an ACBSP-accredited Master of Science (MS) in Accounting degree entirely online. This online graduate program is ideal for accounting professionals interested in pursuing professional licenses such as the CPA or Certified Management Accountant (CMA). The curriculum focuses on preparing students for these professional designation examinations through a mix of theoretical and practical coursework. Graduate students also learn critical thinking and business communication skills. Core classes include Financial Analysis, Accounting for Managers, Business Law for Accountants, and Auditing Perspectives. Electives can be matched to career interests. Graduates from PSU’s online program may pursue professional licensure and find positions in industry, public, governmental, or non-profit accounting.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an ACBSP-accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting degree. Students build a strong background in accounting principles, including standard accounting procedures and information technology used in the field. The curriculum also emphasizes written and oral communication skills, teamwork and collaboration, and problem-solving techniques. Students are required to complete an accounting internship, and they can take advantage of a network of alumni and industry connections for other career opportunities. Undergraduates also have the option to volunteer in the community for tax preparation and assistance experience. Many graduates go on to pursue an advanced accounting degree and CPA licensure. For those interested in a graduate program, SNHU also offers an online Master of Science (MS) in Accounting, which can be completed in as little as 15 months and meets the educational requirements for the CPA exam. Long-term, graduates from SNHU may find positions in public accounting, corporate accounting, banking, auditing, financial services, or governmental accounting.

New Hampshire CPA Requirements and Steps

The New Hampshire Board of Accountancy (the Board) requires applicants to complete 150 semester hours and at least a bachelor’s degree to apply for licensure. There are five main steps to complete in order to earn a first-time CPA license in New Hampshire.

  1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.
  2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.
  3. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.
  4. Apply for a license.
  5. Receive a CPA license.

1. Complete 150 semester hours of college-level education in accounting.

The Board requires that candidates for licensure have completed 150 semester hours of college education in order to qualify for a license. The hours must include 30 semester hours of accounting subjects that cover financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, and taxation as well as an additional 24 semester hours in business subjects.

2. Accumulate the required hours of experience.

New Hampshire requires that CPA candidates earn one year of experience in accounting. Candidates can meet the experience requirement through 12 calendar months of full-time work including at least 1,500 hours dedicated to the use of accounting or auditing skills or 2,080 hours of part-time work in accounting practice. Acceptable experience may be gained through public practice, industry, or government work, and must be verified by a licensed CPA. Applicants who obtain experience outside of the United States must verify their experience through the NASBA Experience Verification Service. For further information on the experience requirements, candidates should review the Board’s rules and regulations on their website.

3. Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam is a requirement for CPA licensure in all 50 states and is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Candidates may apply to take the exam through the NASBA website upon completing 120 semester hours that include the award of a bachelor’s degree and 30 semester hours of accounting courses. Once the Notice To Schedule (NTS) is received, candidates have six months from the date of issuance to sit for the exam. All four sections of the exam must be passed within a 30-month rolling period.

4. Apply for a license.

The Board also uses NASBA to process applications for new CPA licenses. Once all education and experience requirements have been met, the CPA exam has been passed, and fees have been paid, candidates for licensure may apply through the CPA Licensing Online Application System maintained by NASBA. Note that verification of experience and supervisor verification will be required as supporting documentation.

5. Receive a CPA license.

Once the application has been submitted, candidates will receive confirmation of receipt via email. Applications take approximately two weeks to be processed and candidates can check their application status on the NASBA website.

CPA License Renewal and Continuing Education Information

After achieving licensure, New Hampshire CPAs must renew their licenses every two years. Renewal requires candidates to complete at least 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during the two-year period prior to renewal. Four of these hours must be in professional ethics. Additional information can be found on the Board’s website.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Graduates in New Hampshire

Graduates from accounting programs in New Hampshire may find many different opportunities to work in the state after finishing their studies. Some graduates work for statewide CPA firms such as Baroody & Greenwood, Baker Newman Noyes, or Mason & Rich. Others may find positions at local branches of some large national firms like Ernst & Young or Wipfli. Companies like these provide many long-term accounting and finance positions for local graduates. Graduates may also find opportunities to work for small or local businesses or start an accounting firm of their own. Public accounting positions may also be available in state nonprofits or governmental entities.

New Hampshire Accounting Salary and Jobs by Metro Area

Metro AreaAccountants & Auditors Employed12Average Annual Salary12
Dover-Durham NH-ME480$77,060
Manchester1,140$79,890
Portsmouth NH-ME1,060$88,540
Boston-Cambridge-Nashua MA-NH32,690$97,450

Additional Resources

Top Accounting Firms for Graduates in New Hampshire

  • Nathan Wechsler & Co., P.A.: One of the largest accounting firms in New Hampshire, this firm focuses on servicing nonprofit organizations.
  • UHY LLP: With offices in Manchester and Portsmouth, UHY serves small and large businesses with tax planning, accounting, management consulting, and financial strategy services.
  • BerryDunn: One of the most well-known accounting firms in New England, BerryDunn operates an office in Manchester, New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Accounting Associations

  • New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants (NHSCPA): This organization has created a strategic plan aimed at meeting the goals of its members, which include community advocacy, networking opportunities, and continuing education. It supports CPAs statewide in public, governmental, and private practice.
  • New Hampshire Tax and Accounting Professionals (NHTAP): Serving CPAs who live and work in New Hampshire and the surrounding states, NHTAP offers low cost professional education to its members. Its diverse members are professionals in bookkeeping, auditing, accounting, tax preparation, and financial planning.

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual Best Accounting Schools 2023: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/rankings/top-ranked/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges 2023 Edition. Penguin Random House, 2022.
4. US News & World Report’s Best MBA Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/accounting-rankings
5. US News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs 2023: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/online-bachelors-business-rankings
6. US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Accounting Programs: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-accounting
7. Association to Advance College Schools of Business, Accredited Universities and Schools, Business & Accounting: https://www.aacsb.edu/accredited
8. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Accredited Schools, Separate Accounting: https://acbspsearch.org/
9. International Accreditation Council for Business Education, Members: https://iacbe.org/accreditation/member-status-information/
10. Department of Education College Scorecard: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
11. The NASBA Candidate Performance Report, 2019 University Edition: https://nasbareport.com/
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, New Hampshire: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nh.htm
13. New Hampshire Board of Accountancy: https://www.oplc.nh.gov/board-accountancy