Public liberal arts college in New Hampshire preparing students for meaningful careers through hands-on learning.
Keene State offers over 40 areas of undergraduate study spanning liberal arts, social sciences, sciences, and professional programs, with selected graduate degrees. Largest programs include Education, Business Management, Psychology, Safety & Occupational Health Applied Sciences, and Criminal Justice Studies. The college is notably the first accredited institution to offer a four-year undergraduate degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Graduate offerings include fully online Master of Science programs in Safety & Occupational Health Applied Sciences and Public Health Nutrition.
The 170-acre campus features modern facilities including Mason Library (home to the Cohen Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies), Redfern Arts Center with three performance venues, Spaulding Gymnasium with pool and track, and specialized centers for architecture, design, and science. Student life includes 16 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III, numerous club sports, Greek life with three fraternities and two sororities, and active student organizations. The college emphasizes community with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and 35% first-generation students.
Keene State welcomes transfer students and offers the New Hampshire Transfer Guarantee Program. The college provides substantial financial aid support, with 98% of students receiving aid. Campus visits include a $1,000 scholarship incentive for registered attendees. The college emphasizes accessibility and inclusive admissions, with a student body that is 85% White, 5% Hispanic, and 25% low-income (Pell grant recipients).
Keene State graduates achieve strong outcomes: 89% are employed or enrolled in graduate programs within one year. The college ranks #6 in Best Value Regional Colleges North (2026 US News), #9 overall in its region, and #5 in Best Undergraduate Teaching. Washington Monthly ranked it 34th among 223 bachelor's-degree-granting colleges (2024) based on contribution to public good. Notable alumni include Jim Ferry (UMBC basketball coach) and Fritz Wetherbee (television host, 'Voice of New Hampshire').