Public community college in Portsmouth, NH offering 45+ degree and certificate programs in healthcare, STEM, business, and liberal arts.
Great Bay offers over 50 degree and certificate programs across healthcare, business, STEM, and liberal arts disciplines. The college holds specialized accreditation from ACBSP (business), NLNAC (nursing), CAAHEP (surgical technology), and AVMA-CVTEA (veterinary technology). Programs range from two-year associate degrees to short-term certificates, with flexible delivery options including online, hybrid, evening, and daytime classes. The college emphasizes workforce development and career preparation through partnerships with employers.
Great Bay is one of the largest transfer feeder schools to the University of New Hampshire and maintains transfer agreements with numerous public and private four-year institutions in New Hampshire and beyond. The New Hampshire Transfer Connections Program allows Liberal Arts students to transfer seamlessly to University System of New Hampshire colleges. The Career Center assists students with job search strategies, resume development, interview preparation, and connections with employers for internships and employment opportunities.
The main campus is located in the Pease International Tradeport area of Portsmouth. In 2012, the college opened the Advanced Technology & Academic Center (ATAC) in Rochester, a $19.9 million facility funded by a U.S. Department of Labor grant. The campus includes specialized lab spaces for life sciences, nursing, veterinary technology, computer technology, surgical technology, and information systems technology, along with high-tech classrooms and study spaces.
The Herons compete in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) and are members of the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC). Teams include men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, men's baseball, co-ed golf and bowling, and men's and women's track and field. The 2025 men's basketball team won the YCC Conference Championship. The college offers clubs, organizations, leadership development, and a Student Success Center.
Great Bay welcomes recent high school graduates, adult learners, transfer students, and returning students. The application fee is $50 (except F-1 international applications). The college provides comprehensive support through admissions counselors, academic advisors, tutoring, and the award-winning Center for Academic Planning and Support (CAPS). Most students attend part-time, and flexible scheduling accommodates working students.