City of Manchester and Granite State College Team Up to Provide Employees with an Affordable College Education

City of Manchester employees will now benefit from tuition cost savings as a result of a new partnership between the City and Granite State College. With associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees that include majors within Business Management, Operations Management, Human Services, and Leadership, this partnership will create opportunities for professional advancement for staff members across all departments.

This collaboration coincides with the College’s relocation of its Manchester campus from the West Side to its new home within the Brady Sullivan Tower, 1750 Elm Street. To celebrate both milestones, Granite State College invited members of Manchester’s business community, city officials, alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to an Open House in their new space.

Michelle Harrington, a 25-year employee with the City of Manchester and alumna of Granite State College, provided brief remarks, sharing how she achieved career advancement after finishing her degree.

“Before Granite State College, I had the experience, but I didn’t have the education. Now I have both. Not only did earning my degree qualify me for my new position with the City of Manchester, it also gave me the confidence to apply. I believe this partnership will provide tremendous opportunities for my coworkers,” shared Harrington.

“Granite State College is uniquely positioned to work alongside the City of Manchester to help employees pursue a college education,” said Tara Payne, Vice President of Enrollment at Granite State College. “As the only public institutions in New Hampshire that’s 100% focused on adult students, our degree programs align with workforce needs and are offered on a schedule that works for individuals who are employed in full-time positions.”

Granite State College has been a leader in adult-focused higher education  for more than 45 years. Washington Monthly recognized Granite State College as the #1 Best College for Adult Learners in New Hampshire and recently, U.S. News & World Report recognized Granite State College on its annual compilation of best online degree programs.

To learn more about applying to Granite State College, visit.

From Left to Right: Mark Rubinstein, President of Granite State College; Dr. Brian Bicknell, Manchester Community College; Stacy Plourde ’13 M.S. Leadership 2016, Northeast Delta Dental; Mayor Joyce Craig, City of Manchester; Michelle Harrington ’15, City of Manchester; Christine Williams ’19, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Operations at Granite State College