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The first state to declare its independence from England, New Hampshire remains committed to its independent spirit — its official state motto is even "Live Free or Die." In line with this embrace of democratic ideals, the Granite State offers many opportunities for learners pursuing higher education. Though one of the smallest states in the union, New Hampshire boasts accounting programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. levels.
Earning an accounting degree in the Granite State can open doors to a variety of well-paying careers with stable or faster-than-average projected job growth. Popular accounting careers in New Hampshire include accountant, auditor, personal financial advisor, and payroll clerk. Accountants and auditors in New Hampshire make an annual mean wage of $72,750, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Read on to learn more about why to consider earning an accounting degree in New Hampshire, what to expect from a typical accounting program, and career opportunities after graduation.
New Hampshire at a Glance
| Population | 1,371,250 |
| Per Capita Income | $74,991 |
| Fortune 500 Companies | 2 |
| Number of Higher Learning Institutions | 27 |
| Climate | Average Annual Temperature: 43.8℉ Annual Precipitation: 43.4 inches |
| Major Sports Teams | Fisher Cats |
| Accountants in New Hampshire | 5,670 |
Top New Hampshire Schools for Accounting
- Saint Anselm College
- Plymouth State University
- University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Why Go to College for Accounting in New Hampshire?
Going to college in New Hampshire for an accounting degree offers many potential benefits. Projections Central expects faster-than-average job growth for accountants, auditors, and personal financial advisors in the state. Higher demand to fill accounting positions can make it easier for students to land internships and for recent graduates to find jobs before gaining extensive professional experience.
New Hampshire accounting program graduates who plan to work in the state after graduating can benefit from networking within the state while still earning their degrees. For example, accounting majors who complete internships in New Hampshire may be able to turn those connections into job offers.
Students who qualify for in-state tuition pay substantially less for their degrees than learners who pay out-of-state tuition. Those seeking online accounting degrees in New Hampshire may find the state an especially appealing place to study. New Hampshire dominates in distance education, with 68% of its students involved in some type of online learning -- much higher than the national average. Learn more below about the process of earning an accounting degree online in New Hampshire.
Education Statistics for New Hampshire
One of the smallest states in the country, New Hampshire still manages to offer more than 25 two-year and four-year higher education institutions. The state boasts a comparatively educated populace, as their percentage of adults over 25 with associate, bachelor's, or graduate degrees is higher than the national average. New Hampshire boasts considerably more experience offering distance education than most other states, nearly doubling the national average rate of students enrolled in online programs.
Higher Education in New Hampshire
| New Hampshire Data | National Data | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Four-Year Colleges | 19 | 3,004 |
| Number of Two-Year Colleges | 8 | 1,579 |
| Percentage of Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 68.3% | 34.7% |
| Postsecondary Education Appropriations per Full-Time Student | $2,871 | $8,196 |
| Percent of Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education | 1.9% | 5.8% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree | 10.1% | 8.4% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree | 22.4% | 19.4% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree or Higher | 14.1% | 12.1% |
Accreditation for New Hampshire Schools
To ensure they receive a high-quality education, students should make sure to attend accredited institutions. Accredited schools undergo a process of third-party evaluation by independent accrediting agencies to measure the quality of their academic programs, faculty, facilities, and educational resources.
Colleges can pursue regional or national accreditation. Regional accreditation is much more popular and prestigious than national accreditation, frequently used by for-profit and career schools. Accredited colleges increase students' likelihood of qualifying for financial aid and successfully transferring credits to other schools. Also, accounting majors must graduate from regionally accredited programs to qualify for some professional certifications and graduate programs.
The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) provides regional accreditation to schools in New Hampshire. Students looking for online schools in New Hampshire should consider institutions accredited by NECHE.
Top Online Programs
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Considerations for an Accounting Degree in New Hampshire
Many factors influence the college and accounting program selection process. The data below can help learners decide if New Hampshire is the right place to begin their search for accounting programs. We describe different accounting degree levels, accounting concentration options, and the pros and cons of online, in-person, and hybrid programs. We also cover the average costs of tuition for in-state and out-of-state students at New Hampshire colleges.
College degrees generally cost more than the national average in New Hampshire, but the state also offers a variety of financial aid opportunities.
Accounting Degree Levels
The level of degree you plan to pursue may impact your school decision. Accounting students can pursue degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral levels. Below, we explain the careers each degree level may lead to.
Associate Degree in Accounting
An associate degree in accounting prepares students for careers as accounting assistants, accounts receivable clerks, bookkeepers, and payroll clerks.
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
A bachelor's degree in accounting qualifies graduates for careers like accountant, auditor, tax preparer, and bookkeeper.
Master's Degree in Accounting
A master's in accounting in New Hampshire prepares students for careers as certified public accountants (CPAs) and financial managers.
Ph.D. in Accounting
The field's terminal degree, a Ph.D. in accounting readies learners for careers at the highest level of accounting. Graduates may pursue university teaching and research.
Accounting Concentration Options
Students pursuing online accounting degrees in New Hampshire can choose from a variety of concentrations, including general accounting, cost accounting, sports accounting, and information systems. The following concentrations may prove especially advantageous for learners, because they broadly apply to career opportunities in New Hampshire. We describe the benefits of adding an auditing or taxation concentration to an accounting degree in the table below.
| Concentration | Description |
|---|---|
| Auditing | An auditing concentration looks closely at the process of analyzing business data to make sure organizations comply with regulations and laws. This concentration prepares students for careers as tax auditors, internal auditors, government auditors, and external auditors. |
| Taxation | A taxation concentration focuses on all types of taxes, including income, payroll, real estate, and property tax. Graduates qualify for careers like tax manager and tax analyst. |
Explore More Accounting Concentrations
On-Campus Versus Online Program Options
Learners researching accounting degrees in New Hampshire can choose from on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. Below, we explain what to expect from these learning formats and the potential benefits of each one.
On-Campus
On-campus programs require students to attend class at specific times and places each week. Many learners benefit from this structure and value opportunities for high levels of in-person interaction with classmates and instructors. On-campus programs often appeal to recent high school graduates seeking the traditional college experience.
Online Programs
Online accounting programs offer the benefits of flexibility and convenience. Distance learners can attend class and complete coursework at their convenience, allowing them to continue working full-time jobs or taking care of other personal responsibilities. Many students value online learning, but distance education particularly suits working professionals and those who may have been out of school for a while.
Hybrid Programs
Many universities offer hybrid accounting programs, combining in-person and online learning. Learners often find this type of degree to offer the best of both worlds. Hybrid programs combine the convenience and flexibility of distance education with opportunities to develop personal connections commonly found in on-campus programs.
Percentage of Students Enrolled in Distance Education
| Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses | Enrolled in Some but Not All Distance Education Courses | Not Enrolled in Any Distance Education Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Students | 63.8% | 4.5% | 31.7% |
| United States Students | 16.3% | 18.4% | 65.3% |
Paying for Your Accounting Degree
College students in New Hampshire pay more than the national average in university tuition and fees. Those who qualify to pay in-state tuition pay significantly less than students who must pay out-of-state tuition. Out-of-state students in the region may qualify for tuition breaks through the New England Board of Higher Education's regional student program.
Learners pursuing New Hampshire online accounting degrees can consider a variety of financing options to help pay for their education. Potential sources include financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans.
Average Cost of College Tuition and Fees in New Hampshire, 2017-2018
| New Hampshire | National | |
|---|---|---|
| Average In-State Tuition and Fees (Public Four-Year) | $15,949 | $9,037 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition and Fees (Public Four-Year) | $28,130 | $25,657 |
| Average Tuition and Fees (Private Four-Year) | $33,322 | $30,731 |
| Average In-State Tuition and Fees (Public Two-Year) | $7,337 | $3,243 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition and Fees (Public Two-Year) | $15,907 | $7,971 |
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
At four-year, public institutions in New Hampshire, the average in-state tuition of $15,949 is nearly half the price of the average out-of-state tuition, $28,130. In-state tuition at public two-year schools costs less than half of that charged to out-of-state learners. Those attending private schools pay the same tuition, regardless of residency status.
Some learners in neighboring states may qualify for discounts on out-of-state tuition by applying for the New England Board of Higher Education's regional student program.
New Hampshire's Cost of Living
New Hampshire residents face a higher cost of living than most other U.S. residents. The state's cost-of-living index score of 109.7 indicates that New Hampshirites pay nearly 10% above the national average just to meet basic needs, such as food, housing, and transportation. The cost of utilities is particularly high in the state, scoring 119.5 (with the national average being 100). New Hampshire ranks 37th out of the 50 states for overall affordability.
Other School Selection Criteria
Prospective accounting students must think about a variety of key factors when choosing where to earn their degrees. Potential considerations include:
Does the Size of the School Matter?
Some students prefer the intimacy of small schools, while others relish the opportunities available at large universities.How Long Will it Take to Earn Your Degree?
Program length varies depending on degree level, full-time vs. part-time status, and course availability throughout the year.How Competitive is the Admission Process?
Research acceptance rates and figure out if you meet application requirements.How Much Does the Program Cost?
Consider the differences between in-state and out-of-state tuition. Does the program offer a tuition lock or guarantee? What types of financial aid opportunities exist?Does the School Assist Its Students?
Does the university coordinate an alumni network to help students internships and job opportunities after graduation? Many learners land their first jobs through alumni networks.Is the Program Prestigious?
Look for awards, high rankings, and other types of recognition from outside organizations. Well-known, respected faculty members can also indicate prestige.Does the University Offer Robust Student Services and Resources?
Look for career services, a writing center, a library, and IT help.Explore Our Rankings For the Best Accounting Programs at Each Level
Careers for Accounting Graduates in New Hampshire
The best accounting schools in New Hampshire prepare graduates for lucrative accounting careers in the state, including auditor, accountant, and personal financial advisor. The BLS projects a minimum 8% job growth for each of these careers over the next decade. Top areas in the state for accounting jobs include Concord and Manchester. At least two of the "Big 4" maintain a presence in New Hampshire, increasing the number of potential accounting jobs.
In the sections below, we discuss the most promising accounting career options in New Hampshire. In addition to the jobs described above, we talk about careers like bookkeeping and auditing clerks, tax examiners and collectors, financial managers, and credit counselors. Graduates with all types of accounting degrees find promising career opportunities. We also explain the requirements for becoming a CPA in New Hampshire.
Select Accounting Careers in New Hampshire
Auditors
- Job Outlook in New Hampshire: 8.1%
- Learn More
Accountants
- Job Outlook in New Hampshire: 8.1%
- Learn More
Personal Financial Advisor
- Job Outlook in New Hampshire: 8%
- Learn More
New Hampshire Employment Trends
Projected Job Growth for Accountants
Curious about other accounting jobs? Explore more here
The data above indicates that accounting professionals can find promising careers in New Hampshire by earning degrees at any level. The BLS projects a higher-than-average job growth rate for accountants over the next decade. This means New Hampshirites can expect more potential job openings for accounting professionals than residents in many other states.
Accounting professionals in New Hampshire earn salaries on par with the national annual mean wage for all occupations. One career that stands out for accounting professionals in New Hampshire: Personal financial advisors make $103,580 in the state, according to the BLS, versus $87,850 for the national mean wage. Students earning a master's in accounting in New Hampshire may consider becoming personal financial advisors to earn this lucrative salary.
New Hampshire Requirements for Certified Public Accountants
CPA requirements vary by state. Students who want to earn this certification must check the requirements for the state in which they hope to practice. The New Hampshire Board of Accountancyrequires CPAs meet the following requirements:
Frequently Asked Questions About Accounting in New Hampshire
Is accounting a good career in New Hampshire?
Graduates can choose from a variety of well-paying accounting careers in New Hampshire. The state boasts faster-than-average projected job growth for accountants, auditors, and personal financial advisors.
How much do accountants earn in New Hampshire?
Accountants in New Hampshire earn a competitive annual mean wage of $72,750. Salaries for other accounting professionals in New Hampshire vary, with bookkeeping and auditing clerks making $42,370 and financial managers earning $129,440.
What accounting jobs are there in New Hampshire?
Popular accounting careers in New Hampshire include accountants and auditors, budget analysts, personal financial advisors, and tax examiners and collectors. Other potential accounting jobs include financial managers, credit counselors, and cost estimators.
Can I get an accounting degree in New Hampshire?
Yes. Many schools offer accounting degrees in New Hampshire. Learners in the state can earn associate, bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. degrees in accounting.
Does New Hampshire have online accounting programs?
Yes. Students can choose from many fully and partly online accounting degrees in New Hampshire. The state offers online accounting programs at all levels and with a variety of concentrations.
New Hampshire Accounting and Education Organizations
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