Plymouth State University
Plymouth State University is a public university in Plymouth, NH ranked #1844 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C-, enrolling about 3,298 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 91.0%. Students most often pursue Finance and Financial Management Services and Marketing.
Day to day, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, 71.3% first-year retention, and 47.4% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $19,685, about $2,687 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -41.0%, roughly 126.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $46,466. That's about $2,778 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Plymouth State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Plymouth State University graduates 47.4% of students within six years and keeps 71.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this āCost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Plymouth State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price āTotal Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $14,558 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,410 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,104 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,782 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $29,257 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living planācommuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollarsālower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 25.6% of Plymouth State University students receive Pell Grants ā below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $14,051 to $23,617 depending on family income. Use Plymouth State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,660/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $23,617/year
See all income brackets āROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $46,466
- 10-Year Median Earnings $46,466
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $17,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 68.5%
- Employment Rate 11.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Plymouth State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Plymouth State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Plymouth State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Plymouth State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Plymouth State University graduates earn $46,466 median, the -41.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,298
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 71.3%
- Graduation Rate 47.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Plymouth State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Plymouth State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 91.0%, Plymouth State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 91.0% acceptance rate, Plymouth State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Plymouth State University undergraduates. Business/Commerce, General, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Business/Commerce, General 9.5%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 9.0%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.8%
- Psychology, General 6.1%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 5.9%
- Marketing 5.6%
See more majors
- Communication and Media Studies 4.8%
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 4.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Finance and Financial Management Services $83,848
- 2. Marketing $80,610
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $74,139
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Communication and Media Studies $69,796
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $69,707
- 6. Computer and Information Sciences, General $65,516
- 7. Business/Commerce, General $64,858
- 8. Criminal Justice and Corrections $60,116
- 9. Computer Science $59,203
- 10. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $58,878
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $82,089
- 2. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $73,632
- 3. Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $70,081
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $57,569
- 5. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $54,105
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $45,541
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Finance and Financial Management Services grads earn $83,848ā42% more than Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($58,878). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $82,089 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Plymouth State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education ā College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 84 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 79 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 69 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 54 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 52 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (47 programs)ā¼
- Business/Commerce, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Psychology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- English Language and Literature, General
- Social Work
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer Science
- Biology, General
- Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies, Other
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Public Health
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Social Sciences, Other
- History
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Political Science and Government
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Mathematics
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Administration
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Philosophy
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Music
- Geography and Cartography
- Social Sciences, General
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Applied Mathematics
Online Master's Degrees (21 programs)ā¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Special Education and Teaching
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Outdoor Education
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Biology, General
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Public Health
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Physical Sciences
- Biological and Physical Sciences
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)ā¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (23 programs)ā¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Marketing
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems
- Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Physical Sciences
- International Business
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Education, Other
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (5 programs)ā¼
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Geography and Cartography
- Teaching Assistants/Aides
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Hospitality Administration/Management
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)ā¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,298
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 52.2%
- Female Students 47.8%
- Caucasian 78.8%
- Asian 1.3%
- Hispanic 5.3%
- Black 1.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Plymouth State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Plymouth State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Plymouth State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Plymouth State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 78.8% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Plymouth State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Plymouth State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Plymouth State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1844 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $19,685 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $46,466 median earnings. The 47.4% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 71.3% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Plymouth State University's Strengths
Ranked #1844 with a C- grade, Plymouth State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Plymouth State University excel at providing affordable education ($19,685 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Plymouth State University's 71.3% retention and 47.4% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($46,466 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Plymouth State University and $19,685 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 47.4% six-year graduation rate sits 15.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 71.3% first-year retention is 5.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -41.0% return on investment is 126.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $46,466 run about 6% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $19,685 is roughly $224 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 71.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 11.6% employment rate within three years sits 56.6 points below national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 25.6% trails the national share by 7.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Plymouth State University is a public university based in Plymouth, NH and earns a C- overall grade. It holds a #1844 national ranking Completion earns B-, Support B-, Career Outcomes D-, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 71.3% retention and 47.4% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -41.0%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performanceānot a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $19,685 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $29,257.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,572 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $17,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $46,466 six years after enrollment. That sits about 6% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 11.6%.
Plan around an ROI of about -41.0% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
91.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Plymouth State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Plymouth, NH 03264-1595
- Website www.plymouth.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$35.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate15.4%