Founded in 1866 as the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts in Hanover before relocating to Durham in 1893, the University of New Hampshire is the flagship public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university of New Hampshire. Spanning a sprawling 2,600-acre main campus in Durham alongside coastal marine labs, UNH connects oceanography, space physics, business, engineering, and NCAA Division I athletic traditions. You can examine its land-grant origins, historic relocation, and campus expansion through the University of New Hampshire Wikipedia historical entry.
When you attend UNH, you enter a comprehensive R1 doctoral research university known for hands-on undergraduate research, sustainability leadership, and vibrant campus life. Living in Durham places you inside a classic New England college town nestled along the tidal waters of the Great Bay estuary, just minutes from the Atlantic coast.
Premier Academic Programs
UNH organizes its instruction across specialized colleges holding top national reputations for career preparation and research:
- College of Engineering and Physical Sciences: Nationally recognized leader in mechanical engineering, computer science, ocean mapping, and physics. Explore degree options on the UNH CEPS portal.
- Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics: AACSB-accredited business school famous for finance, accounting, hospitality management, and entrepreneurship. Explore degree options on the UNH Paul College portal.
- College of Life Sciences and Agriculture: Premier program in wildlife and conservation biology, veterinary technology, and sustainable agriculture.
- College of Liberal Arts: Renowned center for English literature, history, communication, and visual arts.
- College of Health and Human Services: Prepares professional nurses, social workers, and occupational therapists in modern clinical labs.
"Knowledge serves, reflecting UNH's enduring land-grant commitment to advancing community welfare and state prosperity."
Campus Culture and Mascot
Your daily student experience centers on the Memorial Union Building, Dimond Library, and the Whittemore Center Arena. School spirit revolves around Wildcat Bernard, the iconic costumed mascot representing UNH athletic teams in NCAA Division I competition. You can read about spirit traditions and championship hockey programs on the official UNH Wildcats Athletics portal. Cheering inside the Whittemore Center for hockey games, attending fall apple-picking festivals, and joining over 200 student clubs creates an extraordinary campus culture.
Research Infrastructure and Oceanographic Centers
UNH operates a multi-million-dollar research enterprise credited with major discoveries in ocean mapping and space weather:
- Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping: World-renowned hydrographic research center developing advanced ocean mapping technologies.
- Space Science Center: Premier research unit designing instruments for NASA space missions investigating solar wind and magnetospheric physics. Learn more via UNH Research Operations.
- Shoals Marine Laboratory: Offshore island research station on Appledore Island supporting marine biology and ecological field studies.
Notable Alumni Legacy
You walk in the footsteps of Governors, astronauts, corporate executives, and scientific innovators, including:
- John Lynch: 80th Governor of New Hampshire and successful corporate executive who earned his MBA at UNH.
- Craig Ferguson: Renowned marine biologist and polar researcher.
- Brad and Eric Fuller: Prominent media producers and entrepreneurs.
- Michele Holt: Award-winning environmental scientist and conservation director.
UNH provides competitive merit scholarships and financial aid assistance for admitted domestic and international students. Review complete admission standards on the official UNH Undergraduate Admissions portal.