NH ranked most expensive for community college

According to a new report, New Hampshire has the most expensive community colleges in the nation. 

The report ranked states based on the net price of two-year public colleges, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.  According to the report, “Net price is the total cost of college – including not just tuition but also textbooks, transportation, and living expenses – minus any state, federal, and institutional grants or scholarships the student receives.”

Net price varies based on a person’s income, since low income students receive more financial aid.

For every income bracket, however, New Hampshire community colleges had the highest net price: about $14,500 for annual income under $30,000 and about $19,000 for all other income brackets.

Vermont was close behind New Hampshire, ranking third or fourth highest in each income bracket.  Maine scored sixth highest in most income brackets.  Massachusetts ranked near the middle of all states.  

The least expensive states varied based on income bracket, but Michigan, Mississippi, and Hawaii all consistently ranked among the five least expensive states for community college.

“Our cost of living and the lack of state support is the differentiating factor without a doubt,” said Ross Gittell, the chancellor of the Community College System of NH. “I can’t argue with the fact that many other states have a more generous aid program and that makes it more challenging for our students. This report highlights that challenge.” 

However, the report used net price data from the 2014-2015 school year.  The community college system in New Hampshire lowered tuition the following year.  Tuition has stayed flat since then, while other states have raised prices.

New Hampshire community colleges have also been ranked in the top ten among states for the quality of education they offer. 

The report came from the Institute for College Access & Success, a nonprofit dedicated to making college more affordable.

Do you think New Hampshire should act to lower community college costs?  Share your opinion in the comments.