Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Keene, NH (2026)
Keene, New Hampshire has a population of about 22,923. The city’s median household income is $78,183 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 43.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Keene, with tuition ranging from $58,150 to $77,082 per year. In New Hampshire, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $103,810 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Keene
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Keene city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | 40.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Bennington College | Bennington, VT | 47.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester, MA | 52.9 mi | $59,070 - $75,678 | – |
| Bentley University | Waltham, MA | 67.3 mi | $58,150 - $77,082 | – |
| Lasell University | Newton, MA | 68.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all New Hampshire schools on the New Hampshire liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Keene
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (New Hampshire, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $70,570 |
| Management Analyst | $103,810 |
| Technical Writer | $91,710 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $43,700 |
| Editor | $65,920 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $71,740 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $65,610 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Keene at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,923 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $78,183 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 43.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Liberal Arts-related employment in Cheshire County | 116 workers, 13 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Keene-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Gardner, MA – 29.8 mi away (20,430 pop)
- Fitchburg, MA – 34.9 mi away (40,414 pop)
- Leominster, MA – 39.9 mi away (119,538 pop)
- Concord, NH – 42.1 mi away (42,821 pop)
- Nashua, NH – 43.2 mi away (230,061 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Keene, NH?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Keene. The closest is University of Massachusetts-Amherst in Amherst, MA (40.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Lasell University (68.2 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles in New Hampshire?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles in New Hampshire are: Management Analyst ($103,810), Technical Writer ($91,710), Training and Development Specialist ($71,740). Wages for Keene workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Gardner instead of Keene?
Gardner, MA is 29.8 miles from Keene and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Keene an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Keene’s median household income of $78,183 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Keene while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and New Hampshire public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in New Hampshire
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
Back to Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in New Hampshire (2026)
Return to Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in New Hampshire (2026)