The New England Better Newspaper Competition is New England’s most prestigious recognition program for college journalism, and we’re excited to invite your newsroom to participate in the 2025 contest.
Since 2022, student news organizations from across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont have competed in 32 categories, including College Newspaper of the Year. Participation has grown each year, with more than 20 colleges and universities entering.
This is your opportunity to showcase your students’ best work, benchmark against peers, and gain regional recognition for excellence in journalism.
To celebrate the opening of entries for the 2025 New England Better Newspaper Competition, NENPA is offering a limited-time Academic Membership discount. Click here to learn more about membership and expanded benefits. Join now and get 10 free contest entries included with your membership — perfect for student publications preparing to submit their best work.
Eligibility & Entry Details:
- Open to all college and university publications in New England, regardless of NENPA membership status
- Each publication may submit up to 10 entries for a flat fee of $125
- Entries must be published (print or online) between August 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025
Download the Information Packet, which includes:
✔ Full description of competition categories
✔ Rules and entry guidelines
✔ Judging criteria
Important Dates:
- Entry Deadline: Friday, November 14, 2025
- Awards will be presented at the annual New England Newspaper Convention in Spring 2026 (location and dates to be announced soon).
We look forward to seeing your students’ work in this year’s competition. If you have any questions, please email students@nenpa.com.
Learn more about the Better Newspaper Competition
Download the Information Packet