Higher Education in New Hampshire

Institutions

• Procedures for College/University Comprehensive Review (2021)
• Procedures for College/University Expedited/Administrative Review (2021)
• Higher Education Commission

NH Postsecondary Education Reopening (Covid-19)

• 2020 Fall Working Group  (June 2020)

Status of Postsecondary Education in NH

• 2021-2023 Status of Postsecondary Education in NH report

Students

Choosing a College or University

Find links and resources below for current and potential college students, both in-state and out-of-state students looking at schools in the Granite State.

There are four reasons students choose a particular college or university: location, academic major, size, and cost. While students can find this information on a website, it may not provide them with a sense of "institutional fit." For this reason, it is essential that students visit schools, talk to professors, see the student body, and get a sense for the school location. Colleges and universities also want an "institutional fit" as those students who "fit" are more likely to be successful.

With the importance of education in today’s competitive market, attending a college or university that has met basic quality standards is essential. And with more and more new educational opportunities available, it is important for students to exercise consumer awareness.

• Approved Colleges and Universities
• Approved Educator Preparation Programs
• Diploma Mills/Accreditation
• Higher Education Partners (including financial aid resources and NC-SARA)
• Out-of-State Colleges and Universities approved to offer only online program including Clinicals/Practicums/Internships

Choosing a Career Path

• Career Development
• Career Schools

Complaint Resolution Procedures

Laura A. Stoneking, Administrator
Higher Education
Laura.A.Stoneking@doe.nh.gov
 

Federal regulations require that each state have a process to review and appropriately act upon three types of student complaints: consumer protection, approval/licensure, and quality of education. The Division of Educator Support and Higher Education, under New Hampshire statutes and Administrative Rules, is responsible for reviewing such allegations.

Exceptions: Dartmouth College, the Community College System of New Hampshire, and the University System of New Hampshire. (See details below.)

Before students submit a complaint to this Division, they must first contact the appropriate official(s) at the institution they are attending (or attended), and follow the grievance procedures outlined in that institution’s catalog and Web site.  If an individual continues to have an allegation against any college, university, or postsecondary career school (higher education institution) operating within the state, s/he should file a complaint using the complaint form linked below. 

The Division will acknowledge receipt of the complaint, and if the matter is within defined statutory authority, take appropriate action.

The Division does not intervene in the internal procedures of higher-education institutions, but does, however, respond to allegations that raise significant questions about the institution’s compliance with the NH Code of Administrative Rules:  

• Chapter Hedc 400 (Degree-Granting Higher Education Institutions With A Physical Presence In New Hampshire)
• Chapter Hedc 300 (Office of Career School Licensing).

If the allegation is applicable to a program that is approved for veterans’ educational benefits, then compliance with the applicable Federal statutes and regulations (Title 38) shall be reviewed.

If the nature of the matter is not within Division authority, the complainant will be advised to contact the proper authority.

Complete the complaint form at bottom of this page if you have contacted the institution and have a continued complaint regarding consumer protection, approval/licensure, and/or quality of education at:

• a NH degree-granting private institution.
• a NH non-degree granting career school (Learn more about the Division’s career school policies).
• Dartmouth College, a NH public community college or a NH public university or college (all complaints against these institutions will be reviewed and referred to the proper authorities). Note: these institutions are typically exempt from regulatory oversight of the Division, and as a result complaints received by the Division regarding these institutions will almost always be referred directly to the governing board of the subject institution. Exceptions include complaints from online, out-of-state students and complaints from students that have served, or are serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• a distance or online education program offered by a NH-based, degree- granting institution and you are an out-of-state student: Note: These complaints fall under NH’s participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
• a NH-based institution and you have served, or are serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces (Learn more about the Division’s Veterans Education Services).

If you are a client of the NH Department of Education’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, please contact your counselor directly.

If you are not a current or former student and have a grievance, please fill out the complaint form below and we will determine if your complaint falls within Division authority.

Higher Education Complaint Form  
Note: You should receive a confirmation e-mail upon successful submission of the form. 

Higher Education Contact

Stephen Appleby, Director
Division of Educator Support and Higher Education
Stephen.M.Appleby@doe.nh.gov