University of New Hampshire-Main Campus (UNH) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

The University of New Hampshire was founded in the year 1866 and was known by the name of the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts. It was situated in Hanover and was a land-grant institution set up to educate the children of farming and laboring families. The University of New Hampshire moved to its Durham campus in 1893 when Benjamin Thompson donated his land and money for the development of the college. In 1923, the college changed its name to the University of New Hampshire. Over the years many buildings such as Morrill Hall, Smith and Hamilton Smith Halls, Murkland Hall, Hood House, and Pettee Hall were built. Today, the University of New Hampshire is not only a land-grant institution, but it is also a sea- and space-grant university. The University of New Hampshire is one of the top research institutions of the United States.

The University of New Hampshire is located in Durham, New Hampshire. It is about an hour’s distance from Boston and is quite close to the Atlantic Ocean and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The University of New Hampshire comprises numerous academic departments, research centers, and interdisciplinary institutes that attract thousands of students and faculty from across the globe.

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Information Summary

Ranks 3rd in New Hampshire and 343rd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	89.3
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$33,750
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	28 / 1270
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	22 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	86% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	15,298

Academics

The University of New Hampshire is comprised of nine schools and colleges. These are: The Graduate School, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, College of Liberal Arts, Thompson School of Applied Science, Whittemore School of Business and Economics, University of New Hampshire School of Law, College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, and University of New Hampshire at Manchester.

These schools and colleges offer more than 100 undergraduate and 70 graduate programs of study. The University of Hampshire has approximately 12,200 undergraduates and 2,300 graduates enrolled for various programs. The most popular bachelor’s programs are: Undeclared Liberal Arts, Business Administration, Communication, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, Biology, Civil Engineering, Nursing, Kinesiology, and Political Science.

The University of New Hampshire adopts the ‘learning by inquiry’ approach and students develop a close supporting relationship with the faculty. The curriculum is based on world class research and students are encouraged to conduct research and get involved in interdisciplinary study. The University of New Hampshire is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.

The special academic opportunities available for students include the Graduate Research Conference, which is generally a two-day event showcasing the research topics from various graduate programs. The university houses the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research, which provides students with the financial support and the resources required to undertake research and participate in scholarly projects. Students are also encouraged to participate in international research, study abroad, and internship opportunities.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

The admissions criteria vary for different programs. Admission to a bachelor’s degree program is based on the successful completion of a secondary school program, and the student’s academic record, recommendation, and their results of the SAT/ACT are the key factors for consideration. Applicants are also required to specify a prospective major; if they have not decided they can apply for admission as an ‘undeclared’ student.

International students for whom English is not the primary language are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Music candidates must appear for an audition before the department chairperson. All students who wish to apply for undergraduate courses in the fall need to do so before the February 1 regular decision deadline each year.

For students seeking admission to the graduate school, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is required. Admissions are based on academic qualifications and the potential of the student. In addition, most departments require scores achieved by the students in specialized examinations, such as the MAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or OAT.

Financial Aid

The University of New Hampshire provides financial aid to students to help them meet their educational expenses. The aid offered is in the form of grants and scholarships, loans, and part-time employment. In order to be considered for financial aid, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are required to adhere to the financial aid deadline of March 1.

The financial aid administered is dependent on the financial need of the student, and in some cases it is based on their individual scholastic achievement and participation in extracurricular activities. Students have the option of applying for the Pell Grant using the FAFSA. They can also apply for the UNH Loan Fund and Federal Perkins Loans. The University of New Hampshire also offers the part-time employment option to students depending on their financial need. To be eligible for the part-time employment option, undergraduate and graduate students must attend at least half time to be considered. Students can also apply for the Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarships offered by the Army and the Air Force.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 561st for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in New Hampshire.

Students

The average age of students seeking admission to the University of New Hampshire is 18 years. More than 90% of first-year students live on campus. The University of New Hampshire offers various housing options ranging from small halls to campus apartments. The small halls typically house about 100 students whereas the larger ones can accommodate 400 to 600 students. Suite-style living is also available for a groups of 4-8 students. The upper-class undergraduates can opt to live in the on-campus apartment complexes known as The Gables and Woodside. Many buildings have theme-based housing plans such as Engelhardt Hall having the Chem-Free Living theme for students opting to refrain from the usage of chemicals and alcohol and Fairchild Hall, with specific focus on intercultural and international activities. There are even residential learning communities where students live and take specific classes.

The students living at the University of New Hampshire-Main Campus have the option of selecting from a number of flexible menus and a huge variety of meal plans. The flexible meal plans give the liberty of dining at any one of the three dining halls, which serve popular favorites like pizza, stir-fry, and burgers. Vegan and vegetarian options, and special dietary requirements are also addressed.

The University of North Hampshire-Main Campus houses the Memorial Union Building (MUB) which is the community center of the university. The MUB has wireless facility in all public spaces and meeting rooms. Within the MUB, there are two movie theaters, a bookstore, ticket office, copy center, and the Granite Square Station & Shipping center providing mail boxes and package shipping services.

The Greek community at the University of North Hampshire has close to 1,100 members and is comprised of seven recognized social sororities, 11 social fraternities, and one coed society.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The University of New Hampshire’s athletics teams are known as the Wildcats. They compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I. The university is also a member of America East Conference for basketball, soccer, track and field, cross country, tennis, and swimming and diving and; and women’s field hockey, crew, and volleyball. The school’s official colors are blue and white.

Bibliography

University of New Hampshire. About UNH. Web. 16 June 2011.
University of New Hampshire. Residential Life. Web. 16 June 2011.
University of New Hampshire. Undergraduate Catalog. 2011–2012 Bulletin. Print.

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus