New Hampshire scholarships can make college affordable in a state where tuition runs well above the national average. The Granite State’s public universities charge $15,000 to $19,700 per year in tuition alone. That is 30 to 65 percent higher than the national average of roughly $11,950.
However, state-funded grants, institutional aid programs, and private scholarship foundations award millions of dollars each year to New Hampshire residents. This guide covers every major program available to New Hampshire students. You will find specific dollar amounts, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and strategies to maximize your financial aid package. Whether you plan to attend UNH, a community college, or a private institution, these resources can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
New Hampshire State-Funded Scholarships and Grants
New Hampshire ranks among the lowest states in per-student financial aid spending. However, the state does offer several important programs. The Governor’s Scholarship Program awards $1,000 per year for up to four years to Pell-eligible New Hampshire residents. Students who earn the NH Scholar designation receive $2,000 per year. You must attend an accredited institution in New Hampshire and maintain a 2.0 GPA. NH Scholars must maintain a 2.5 GPA for renewal.
The New Hampshire Leveraged Incentive Grant Program provides up to $7,500 per year. This need-based award targets sophomores, juniors, and seniors at accredited NH colleges. Applications are accepted year-round. For example, a student who missed the Governor’s Scholarship as a freshman can still access this funding in later years. The New Hampshire Higher Education Commission oversees state higher education policy and can direct students to additional resources.
The CCSNH Promise Program covers the gap between grants and tuition at all seven New Hampshire community colleges. You must be Pell-eligible and enrolled in at least six credits per semester. No separate application is required. As a result, eligible students can attend community college with little or no tuition cost. This program was funded with $3 million from the state biennial budget.
Top New Hampshire Scholarships Programs
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Deadline | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governor’s Scholarship Program | $1,000–$2,000/year | Varies by institution | Pell-eligible NH residents attending NH colleges |
| NH Leveraged Incentive Grant | Up to $7,500/year | Year-round | Need-based; sophomores through seniors at NH colleges |
| NH Charitable Foundation Scholarships | $250–$7,500 | Mid-April (bachelor’s/graduate) | NH residents at accredited post-secondary programs |
| UNH Granite Guarantee | Full tuition | FAFSA filing required | Pell-eligible NH residents; first-time freshmen or CCSNH transfers |
| Saint Anselm Community Commitment | Full tuition | February 15 FAFSA priority | NH residents; 3.25+ GPA; family income under $100,000 |
| Granite Edvance Scholarship | $1,000–$1,500 | Varies | NH undergraduates; 2.0+ GPA; enrolled in 6+ credits |
| CCSNH Promise Program | Tuition gap coverage | No separate application | Pell-eligible students at NH community colleges |
| Franklin Pierce Merit Scholarships | $15,000–full tuition | Admission deadline | NH Scholars, STEM, or ARTS students |
| NH Food Industries Education Foundation | $1,500 | January application period | Employees or dependents of NH Grocers Association member firms |
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is the largest private scholarship provider in the state. It awards over $8 million annually to nearly 2,000 students. Individual awards range from $250 to $7,500 for four-year programs. Selection criteria include financial need, academic merit, and community service. Typically, students with the fewest financial resources receive the highest priority.
New Hampshire scholarships from institutional sources can be even more valuable. The UNH Granite Guarantee covers full tuition for Pell-eligible NH residents. It is renewable for four years with no minimum GPA requirement for initial eligibility. Saint Anselm College offers tuition-free education to NH residents with a 3.25 GPA and family income under $100,000. These programs make private and public education genuinely accessible.
Cost of College in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has some of the highest public university costs in the nation. UNH Durham charges $19,682 in tuition and fees for in-state students. Plymouth State University costs $15,068 per year. Keene State College charges $15,154 annually. In most cases, room and board adds another $12,000 to $15,000 on top of tuition. The national average for in-state public university tuition is approximately $11,950.
Community colleges offer a more affordable path. The Community College System of New Hampshire charges $230 per credit. A full-time student taking 30 credits pays about $6,900 per year. This is roughly one-third the cost of UNH. For students who need to save money, completing two years at a community college before transferring is a smart strategy.
Private institutions vary widely. SNHU charges $17,010 for on-campus tuition. However, 94 percent of full-time SNHU students receive grant or scholarship aid. Dartmouth College meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need with no loans. Families earning under $65,000 pay no parent contribution at Dartmouth. Students renting apartments near campus should also compare renters insurance at Home Insure Guide to protect their belongings at an affordable rate.
New Hampshire FAFSA Tips and State Deadlines
New Hampshire does not have a single statewide FAFSA deadline. Each institution sets its own priority filing date. As a result, you must check with your specific college. Plymouth State University has a March 1 priority deadline. Saint Anselm College requires FAFSA filing by February 15 for its tuition-free commitment. Filing early is critical because many new hampshire scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
The federal FAFSA deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is June 30, 2026. However, waiting until June means missing most institutional aid. Typically, students who file in October or November receive the best financial aid packages. The FAFSA became available on October 1, and early filers have the widest selection of new hampshire scholarships and grants.
One common mistake is not filing the FAFSA because you think your family earns too much. Many new hampshire scholarships use FAFSA data for merit-based awards, not just need-based ones. The Governor’s Scholarship, UNH Granite Guarantee, and CCSNH Promise Program all require a completed FAFSA. Skipping it means leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
Best New Hampshire Universities for Financial Aid
Dartmouth College offers the most generous financial aid in the state. It practices need-blind admissions and meets 100 percent of demonstrated need. The average annual scholarship is $67,125. Families earning under $125,000 receive a full-tuition scholarship. Dartmouth uses no loans in its aid packages. For example, a student from a family earning $80,000 could attend Dartmouth for less than a state university.
Saint Anselm College launched its Anselmian Community Commitment for the incoming class. NH residents with a 3.25 GPA and family income under $100,000 attend tuition-free. Additional merit scholarships range from $20,000 to $34,000 annually. UNH provides the Granite Guarantee covering full tuition for Pell-eligible residents. This is renewable for four years with continued Pell eligibility.
Colby-Sawyer College awards merit scholarships between $15,000 and $28,000 per year. About 83 percent of students receive financial aid. Franklin Pierce University offers merit scholarships up to full tuition for NH Scholars, STEM, and ARTS students. An additional $3,500 Health Sciences Scholarship is available for biology and health sciences majors. SNHU provides need-based grants up to $14,400 annually. Students looking for extra cash to cover textbooks or living expenses can also check out bank sign-up bonuses at Bonus Bank Daily for easy money.
How to Maximize New Hampshire Scholarships
Start by filing the FAFSA as early as possible. Many new hampshire scholarships are distributed until funds run out. Apply to the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation regardless of your GPA or income level. With over $8 million awarded annually, there are hundreds of individual funds with different criteria. Some target specific counties, career interests, or backgrounds. You do not need to be a graduating senior to apply.
Consider the community college transfer path. Complete two years at a CCSNH campus using the Promise Program. Then transfer to UNH under the Granite Guarantee. This combination can cover nearly all tuition costs for a four-year degree. In most cases, students save $20,000 or more compared to attending UNH for all four years. New hampshire scholarships stack most effectively when you plan this path early.
Apply to multiple new hampshire scholarships simultaneously. The Granite Edvance Scholarship, Governor’s Scholarship, and institutional merit awards can often be combined. Check with your college’s financial aid office about stacking policies. Also explore lesser-known programs like the NH Farm Bureau Federation scholarship for students connected to agriculture. Every award reduces your borrowing, and small scholarships add up quickly over four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Hampshire offer state-funded scholarships for college students?
Yes, New Hampshire has several state-funded programs. The Governor’s Scholarship provides $1,000 to $2,000 per year for Pell-eligible residents. However, the state’s overall spending on financial aid remains among the lowest in the nation. As a result, students should also pursue private and institutional new hampshire scholarships.
What is the easiest new hampshire scholarship to get?
The CCSNH Promise Program requires no separate application. If you are Pell-eligible and enrolled at a New Hampshire community college, the funding is applied automatically. Similarly, the UNH Granite Guarantee only requires FAFSA completion and Pell eligibility. Both programs make new hampshire scholarships accessible without competitive applications.
Can I get free tuition at a New Hampshire university?
Yes, several institutions offer free tuition to qualifying students. UNH covers full tuition through the Granite Guarantee for Pell-eligible residents. Saint Anselm College offers tuition-free attendance for NH residents with a 3.25 GPA and family income under $100,000. Typically, filing the FAFSA early gives you the best chance at these new hampshire scholarships.
Explore More Scholarship Resources
Looking for more scholarships, financial aid guides, and strategies to pay for college? Browse our complete library of scholarship resources.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on scholarships, financial aid, and federal student programs:
- Federal Student Aid: studentaid.gov
- U.S. Department of Education: ed.gov
- College Board: collegeboard.org
- NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators): nasfaa.org
- NCES (National Center for Education Statistics): nces.ed.gov
- IRS Education Credits: irs.gov
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.