The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is a public research university located in Durham, New Hampshire, United States. It was founded in 1866 as the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts and has since grown into a comprehensive university with a wide range of academic programs. In this essay, we will examine the pros and cons of attending the University of New Hampshire.
Pros:
- Strong academic programs: UNH has a wide range of strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of business, engineering, and the natural sciences. The university has been consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the Northeast region of the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
- Research opportunities: UNH is a research-intensive university, and students have many opportunities to get involved in research projects in a variety of disciplines. The university has several research centers and institutes, including the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space and the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station.
- Beautiful campus: UNH’s main campus is located in a picturesque New England town and features beautiful architecture, well-maintained green spaces, and a variety of amenities. The campus is also home to several art galleries and museums, including the Museum of Art and the University of New Hampshire Observatory.
- Active student life: UNH has a vibrant student life, with over 200 student organizations and clubs, including academic and professional organizations, cultural and diversity groups, and sports and recreation clubs. The university also has a Division I athletic program, with 20 varsity sports teams competing in the America East Conference.
- Internship and job opportunities: UNH has strong connections with employers in the region and provides students with many opportunities for internships and job placements. The university also has a large alumni network, which can be a valuable resource for students looking for career advice and job leads.
Cons:
- Cost: UNH is a public university, but it is still relatively expensive compared to other public universities in the region. In-state tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 academic year were $18,879, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $35,049. Room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses can add significantly to the cost of attendance.
- Class sizes: While UNH has a low student-to-faculty ratio, some classes can still be quite large, particularly in introductory courses. This can make it difficult for students to get individualized attention from professors.
- Limited diversity: UNH has been criticized for its lack of diversity, both in terms of its student body and its faculty. According to U.S. News & World Report, only 20% of UNH students are minorities, and only 21% of faculty members are minorities.
- Location: While Durham, New Hampshire is a beautiful town, it is also somewhat isolated, with few large cities or cultural centers nearby. This can make it difficult for students who are looking for a more urban or diverse experience.
- Limited graduate programs: While UNH has a strong undergraduate program, its graduate programs are relatively limited, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.
Conclusion:
Overall, the University of New Hampshire is a strong public university with many advantages, including strong academic programs, research opportunities, a beautiful campus, active student life, and internship and job opportunities. However, the university also has some drawbacks, including its relatively high cost, large class sizes, limited diversity, isolated location, and limited graduate programs. Ultimately, whether UNH is the right choice for a particular student will depend on their individual priorities and preferences.