Student Success Blog

Paying for college doesn't have to be overwhelming. Learn how scholarships, tuition discounts, financial aid, and employer or military benefits can help make a UNH CPS Online degree more affordable.

For online students the goal of earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of New Hampshire is now faster and more budget-friendly. The University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies (CPS) has announced that it will start offering two new online Applied Bachelor of Science (A.B.S.) degree programs specifically designed to help eligible students earn a bachelor’s degree in as little as three years.

Choosing an online degree is about more than affordability—it's about finding a program that delivers long-term career value. Learn how UNH College of Professional Studies Online combines affordable tuition, flexible learning, and career-focused programs to help adult learners build in-demand skills while continuing to work. Explore degree options in cybersecurity, national security intelligence analysis, healthcare, human services, analytics, education, and other growing fields designed to support career advancement and a strong return on your educational investment.

Choosing a college is about more than tuition. Learn the hidden costs adult learners should compare, including fees, transfer credits, flexibility, time to graduation, and overall value, so you can make a more informed decision about your education.

UNH College of Professional Studies partners with municipalities across New Hampshire and beyond to help employees advance their careers through flexible online degree programs and tuition discounts. From public health and human resources to emergency services and leadership, municipal professionals gain the skills needed to meet evolving community needs. Through the stories of City of Manchester employees Wanda Castillo-Diaz, Karen Poulin, and Chief Ryan Cashin, this article highlights how higher education supports workforce development, strengthens public service, and prepares professionals to lead in their communities.

Bow High School English teacher and UNH CPS online alum Meagan Burd has been named the 2026 recipient of the Christa McAuliffe Sabbatical Award. After completing UNH’s Reading and Writing Specialist program, Burd developed a project focused on helping secondary educators integrate structured literacy practices into all content areas. Drawing from her classroom experience, graduate studies, and mentorship from faculty member Chris Tate, Burd aims to bridge the gap between adolescent literacy needs and teacher support. Her work emphasizes practical, research-based literacy instruction that can be embedded into existing high school classrooms to improve student outcomes across disciplines.

National Security Intelligence Analysis (NSIA) faculty member Angela Miller Lewis brings a rare combination of government, private sector, and academic experience to her role as a faculty member. This offers NSIA students a real-world perspective on intelligence. Her career spans work as a Senior Targeting Officer with the CIA and leadership roles in global intelligence across major organizations, where she translated complex data into actionable insights for decision-makers. As the intelligence field evolves alongside geopolitical shifts and emerging technologies, Angela Miller Lewis is passionate about developing professionals who combine technical expertise with empathy, integrity, and resilience—equipping them to lead thoughtfully in an increasingly complex world.

Jennifer Hammond, Ed.D., brings a multifaceted perspective to her role at UNH College of Professional Studies Online as an alumna, current student, and faculty member. In the online classroom, she integrates real-world experience with collaborative learning, encouraging students to share diverse perspectives and build practical skills. She highlights that success in technology fields requires not only staying current with innovations but also fostering strong communication, self-awareness, and leadership abilities. Passionate about supporting adult learners, Jennifer embraces UNH CPS Online’s flexible, asynchronous model, helping students navigate the challenges of balancing education with work and family. Her commitment to creating a supportive learning environment reflects her belief that education should be accessible, practical, and transformative.

Seth Porter’s journey to earning his master’s in project management from UNH College of Professional Studies reflects persistence, adaptability, and purpose. After completing his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude at Granite State College, he transitioned into UNH’s first cohort following the institutional merger, gaining access to expanded resources while maintaining the flexibility he needed. Balancing military service in the Air National Guard, a career in operations and technical services, and family life, Seth relied on a self-paced online learning model to integrate education into his daily routine. Early mornings, late nights, and disciplined time management allowed him to stay committed without sacrificing his responsibilities at home or work. Throughout the program, Seth applied project management frameworks directly to his role, strengthening his ability to lead complex, collaborative initiatives. His capstone project—a solar-powered pavilion built at his home—brought theory into practice, requiring stakeholder coordination, budgeting, scheduling, and problem-solving in real-world conditions. Graduating with a 4.0 GPA and becoming the first in his immediate family to earn a master’s degree, Seth views his accomplishment as both a personal milestone and an example for his children. His story highlights how flexible education, combined with determination and support, can help adult learners achieve meaningful academic and professional growth.