43 Million Strong Introduction
There are 43 million people in the United States that have some college experience without a degree.
At some point, life took them in another direction away from school. Still, it is important to know that no matter what the reason, there are many paths back to college.
In fact, over 89% of UNH College of Professional Studies students arrive with transfer credit.
Whether your goals are professional or personal, academic or entrepreneurial, earning your degree is a valuable milestone that can help you reach success.
We can help.
In this guide, we’ll provide information and inspiration to help get you on the path to complete your degree.
We’ll Explore:
• Key reasons to complete your degree
• Selecting a career-focused college major
• Getting credit for your experience
• Getting started
Source:
U.S. Census. Current Population Survey, Educational Attainment, Table 1.
Key Reasons to Complete Your Degree
We all know we should finish our college degree, but still many of us can’t seem to find a convenient time to take this on. The reality is, you are pulled in many directions and finding the time to focus on college and enrich your life may not come naturally.
Here’s a collection of reasons that will remind you why it’s so important to finish.
Employers Hire People with Degrees
87%
87 percent of executives and hiring managers care about higher education credentials and believe a degree is worth the investment.
Higher Employment Rate
Unemployment Rate Chart
The unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree holders is 3.5 percent, compared to 6.2 percent for those with a high school diploma (2021).
Finishing Your Degree Pays Off
$963 $1,334 vs
Those who have a high school diploma make about $809 each week. This figure grows to $963 if you have an associate degree and $1,334 if you have a bachelor’s degree.
Sources:
Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor and Statistics, “Earnings and unemployment rates by educational attainment.”
CareerBuilder, “Not Enough Education Workers – Why This Matters to You.”
When it was time for my oldest child to select a college, I realized that it was important to set a real example for my children. I wanted them to see that it was possible get good grades, while still working, or pursuing their volunteer interests.
“ “
Lyndele Von Schill Bachelor of Science Class of 2015
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
Selecting a Career-Focused College Major
As an adult with real-world experience, you have a distinct advantage with college exploration: you understand the realities of today’s workforce and recognize what it takes to be an asset in the workplace. This helps to remove some of the guesswork out of selecting a college major. With a greater level of insight into the job market, you have the opportunity to make a smart selection so you can make progress towards your top career goals.
Here’s a breakdown of bachelor’s degree programs within today’s fastest growing industries.
Industry
Business, Management, and Finance
Related Programs
B.S. Accounting and Finance
B.S. Business Management
B.S. Human Resource Management
B.S. Operations, Supply Chain and Logistics Management
B.S. Digital Communication Design
Communications and Media
Education
Human Services and Public Safety
Health Care and Nursing
Liberal Arts
Technology
B.S. Marketing
B.S. Professional Communication
B.S. Early Childhood Education with Teacher Certification
B.A. Math Studies with Teacher Certification
B.S. Criminal Justice
B.S. Fire Service Administration
B.S. Human Services
B.S. Public Administration
B.S. Health Care Management
B.S. Nursing (RN to BSN)
B.A. Historical Studies
B.S. Individualized Studies
B.S. Computer Information Technology
B.S. Technology Management
Tips for New Students
Starting or returning to college is a tremendous milestone that will present you with an exciting range of opportunities. As a new student, there’s a lot to look forward to, but also many questions and unknowns to address. To help make this a smooth transition, we assembled a group of experienced alumni, faculty, and staff to offer up their best advice so you can embrace your UNH College of Professional Studies experience with confidence!
Meet Our Experts
Bonnie Gorman ‘19
B.S. Communication Studies
Christine Williams ‘18 AVP Enrollment Operations
Keri Bresaw Academic Advisor
Lindsay Atoro Advising Manager
Mary Stanton Academic Advisor
Melissa Plante ‘20 Business Analyst
Reta Chaffee Director of Educational Technology
Tina Underwood Academic Support Coordinator
Overall Orientation
Lindsay: Once you’ve made the decision to return to college, explore the College’s available resources for degree and career planning. With expert support from your advisor, you’ll build a road map toward achieving your unique goals. cps.unh.edu/online/resources
Bonnie: Never hesitate with any questions. The staff and faculty understand that this is all new for you and they genuinely care about setting you up for growth and success.
Study Habits
Tina: Plan ahead and study as you go along. Do not try to cram — it is not a successful way of studying information that you want to keep in your long-term memory.
Christine: If you haven’t taken a course in a long time, it may take you a while to figure out how you study. Rest assured that you will figure it out. Talk to your classmates, your advisor or your instructor for tips. You know yourself the best but if you need support we are here to help.
Time Management
Reta: If you are taking an online course, log into your course, if not every day, at least every other day to check on new activity. Create a work plan at the start of each week and pace yourself. Don’t procrastinate.
Christine: At the start of your course take a look at your syllabus and add the deadlines into your calendar so you don’t miss anything. Leveraging your calendar and even adding an appointment for study or homework time can be helpful.
Online Classes
Reta: Just like driving a new car for the first time, take some time to get comfortable with the layout and tools before you start your engine. You can access your course in Canvas three days prior to the start.
Keri: It’s very easy for online classes to be out of sight, out of mind. If you’re away too long, it can be challenging to catch up, it’s better to stay on top of readings and assignments from day one.
Academic Success Tips
Mary: Our library offers personalized support in addition to millions of research-quality articles, e-books, and more. Whether you need assistance with citing sources, a research paper, or strategy for your capstone research, the librarian can help.
Melissa: Make sure you have a good emotional support system throughout your educational career: friends, family, and loved ones. It’s incredibly important for academic success.
UNH College of Professional Studies offers high quality instruction, affordable tuition, and personalized learning based on your unique experiences and goals. Our thoughtful approach to transfer evaluation saves students time and money as they complete their bachelor’s degrees.
Students may transfer in up to 90 credits towards a bachelor’s degree program. These credits can be transferred in from a variety of sources.
How it all Works ...
Higher education is changing. Transfer credits aren’t limited to what you earned when you attended college in the past. If you’ve gained experience outside of the classroom setting, that matters, too.
Here are some ways you can demonstrate your college-level knowledge and gain more college credit:
Validated Training Programs
In professional training programs, you can learn and master concepts that are similar to college coursework. Many career credentials are approved for college credit, as they signal competence in a chosen field and mastery of a specific knowledge.
Equivalency Testing
Passing scores on standardized tests, such as the CLEP exam, fulfill requirements for coursework, too.
Experiential Learning Portfolio
If you’re a seasoned professional, maybe you’ve mastered college-level coursework concepts through your work experience. We can help you document what you’ve learned in an Experiential Learning Portfolio and get it assessed for college credit.
College-Level Coursework
Request transcripts from each college that you previously attended and we’ll work to maximize your incoming college credit to help save you time and money on your degree.
Military Training
At UNH College of Professional Studies, each student is awarded four credits for Basic Training and is eligible for additional credits, which are assessed based on the student’s choice of degree and personal training experience. This follows the recommendations set by the American Council on Education.
Meet Our Students and Alums
Sean, Student, B.S. Public Administration
Sean, a husband, father of two, and a 15-year veteran with the NH State Police, launched into his police career with no formal training. He progressed over time, graduating from NH Technical Institute with his associate degree. In time, he advanced up the ranks to sergeant. That’s when he decided to take the next step toward advancing his career and supporting his department – earning his bachelor’s degree.
“When I got promoted to a leadership role, I wanted to develop myself and learn to mentor the troopers coming up behind me. I knew it was time to finish my bachelor’s degree.”
Sara, Student, RN to BSN
When Sara Ballard ’24, an RN at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, was ready to earn her BSN, she knew she wanted a program that would allow her to finish her degree without sacrificing her time with her family or her commitment to her role at the hospital. Our partnership with the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) offered reduced tuition and allowed Sara to transfer in her full associate degree, maximizing her previous learning.
“There is never a ‘perfect’ time to go back to school, but at UNH College of Professional Studies, the online and hybrid formats allow flexibility for working nurses, which was extremely important to me.”
Denee, AS Business ‘18
Like many of our students, Denee’s path to earning her degree was not a straight line. After dropping out of high school, she earned her GED as a teen and entered the workforce. Years later, she began to consider college, knowing she would need a flexible, affordable option. After learning about how we focus on helping motivated adult students like Denee succeed, she decided to take the leap.
“I made so many excuses not to go back to school. I was reluctant and scared, but in the end, education has helped accelerate my career.”
Adam, Student, B.S. Psychology
After graduating from high school, Adam enrolled in a traditional four-year college but dropped out soon after. Reflecting back, Adam noted he didn’t have the foundation needed to succeed at that time. He went on to pursue a career in construction, eventually starting his own business. Now 39, his bachelor’s program nearly complete, Adam said he feels like a different person from when he began his education at the College.
“I’m really thankful for my experience. I will come out of this program a new man.”
Derek, B.S. Communications Studies ’20
Derek, a Marine who’s completed three deployments, decided to finish his degree with us because he knew being Military Friendly® is ingrained in our mission. The College’s flexible, online programs fit his busy lifestyle, allowing him to focus on his role as an HR Recruiter for the NH National Guard while also serving as a youth hockey coach and mentor.
“For me, the College was a perfect fit. The class schedule fit my lifestyle, especially once I started full-time jobs with the National Guard.”
Martin, B.S. Business Management ‘21
Martin’s life was uprooted at an early age when civil war tore apart his homeland, Ivory Coast, Africa. After arriving in America with his family as a refugee, he was encouraged to embrace what he was learning at school.
“They wanted me to get an education in hopes of changing the life of my family and creating opportunities for those around me and those back home where I come from.”
Upon graduating from high school, Martin was filled with passion and drive that would carry him through his college years and into his career as a community organizer and activist. Understanding the importance of cost-effective education, Martin completed his associate degree at New Hampshire Technical Institute and then enrolled in our credit-efficient Transfer Pathway program to achieve his bachelor’s degree. Since, he has been named the Civic Leader of Year by a local program that recognizes New Hampshire’s rising young professionals.
About UNH College of Professional Studies
University of New Hampshire brings together students, faculty, and private and public partners to create lifechanging opportunities and innovative solutions in our neighborhoods and across the world.
Exclusively Focused on Adult Students
With associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, postbaccalaureate programs for teachers, credit for prior learning, and a variety of transfer opportunities, UNH College of Professional Studies focuses on areas of study that are responsive to the needs of employers. Our degree programs and certificates align with the schedules of working professionals, parents, and others with full lives and busy routines. Our faculty and staff specialize in supporting adult learners. We understand that you’re balancing many responsibilities and that going to college is only one part of what makes you, you.
Top Ranked & Trusted
We’re proud to be top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report for “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” and “Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans”.
100% Online, Accredited, and Affordable
We are a public, nonprofit college that’s regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and we annually achieve top honors from U.S. News & World Report for Best Online Programs.
Credit for What You Know
Students can choose from among several options for demonstrating college-level learning acquired from many types of life experiences including workplace training, onthe-job learning, volunteer training, or self study.
Complimentary Career Advising
Through one-on-one appointments at our Manchester campus or virtually, our team can help you map out a business career strategy tailored to your goals. Just one of many online career resources offered to students is LinkedIn Learning. Discover a world-class library of over 16,000 expertly-produced and consistently updated courses across seven languages.
Admissions Checklist
Talk to an Advisor
Academic advisors guide students through the application process. They can answer questions about degree programs and help you with financial aid. To speak with an advisor, call 855-472-4255 or visit:
cps.unh.edu/contact
Apply Online for Free
Complete the admissions application online with no application fee. If you have questions, your advisor will be able to help you navigate step-by-step through the application or you can utilize our live chat feature.
cps.unh.edu/apply
Request Your Transcripts
If you earned credit from one or more previous colleges, make arrangements with these institutions to have your transcripts sent to UNH College of Professional Studies. This will kick off the process of evaluating your transfer credit so you can apply credits toward your degree at UNH College of Professional Studies.
Mail: UNH CPS Online, Admissions, 88 Commercial St., Manchester, NH 03101
Email: admissions.cps@unh.edu
Fax: 603-513-1386
Apply for Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available to help make college costs more affordable. Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Start Your FAFASA
Phone: 603-513-1392 | 855-472-4255 option #3
Email: financialaid.cps@unh.edu
Make Your Tuition Payment
Tuition payment or documented payment arrangements (including financial aid) are due prior to the start of term. Accepted students can pay online after creating their Webcat account.
Financing Your Education Using Military and VA Benefits?
Servicemembers and veterans have several education benefits programs that can help fund your college education. Your status and branch of service will determine what benefits you can use. Servicemembers can discuss their benefits with their Education Services Officer and our Military and Veterans Benefits Coordinator can answer any college-related benefit questions.
cps.unh.edu/online/military-benfits
855-472-4255 | cps.unh.edu/online