University of New Hampshire Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 18, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~88%
- Middle 50% ACT: 28
- Middle 50% SAT: 1190
- Average GPA: 3.63
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of New Hampshire at a Glance
University of New Hampshire is one of those schools that doesn’t always get the spotlight—but quietly delivers on the financial side. Most students are automatically considered for merit, and the award ranges are wide enough that a solid GPA can make a real dent in the cost, especially for out-of-state families.
What makes UNH interesting is how the pieces can stack. Between automatic merit, NEBHE tuition discounts, and need-based programs like the Granite Guarantee (for in-state students), families can often bring the price down more than expected. It’s not a “lottery ticket” school—it’s one where you can actually plan your cost going in, which is a big win.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of New Hampshire is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 28; SAT: 1190.
Average net price? About $24,762/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in NEBHE.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of New Hampshire 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $19,682 | $40,844 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $14,320 | $14,320 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $34,002 | $55,164 |
Average Federal Net Price: $24,762 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
UNH participates in the New England Regional Student Program (Tuition Break) . You can also check out our in plain English NEBHE Guide. Eligible out-of-state students from CT, ME, MA, RI, and VT in approved majors pay a reduced rate — approximately $9,200/year less than standard nonresident tuition, and it can stack with merit scholarships.
Sources: https://www.unh.edu/business-services/tuition-fees/undergraduate-tuition-fees-durham-campus • https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-new-hampshire/tuition-and-costs •
Find a Program
🎓 Merit Scholarships at UNH (2025–2026)
UNH automatically considers every applicant for these scholarships—no extra application needed. Merit awards are based primarily on your weighted high school GPA, but strong SAT/ACT scores can help (if submitted).
- GPA is based on your weighted high school GPA as shown on your transcript.
- Test scores are not required for scholarships, but may help if submitted.
- UNH superscores SAT/ACT—your highest scores from any test dates are considered for maximum eligibility.
🔎 FAQ: Merit Scholarships at UNH
Do I need to submit test scores to qualify for scholarships? No—UNH is test-optional; test scores are not required but can strengthen your case if submitted.
Are these scholarships available to out-of-state students? Yes—all merit awards are available to in-state and OOS students, and amounts are often higher for OOS recipients to offset costs.
Can I receive more than one merit scholarship? No—only your highest merit award applies; merit scholarships do not stack.
Is there a GPA renewal requirement? Yes—you must typically maintain a 3.2 UNH GPA to keep your merit scholarship each year.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships at UNH
UNH offers one primary competitive scholarship for first-year students: the Hamel Scholars Program. This award recognizes top students with exceptional academic achievement (GPA ~3.9+), strong leadership, and consistent community involvement.
🔍 FAQ: Competitive Scholarships at UNH
How do I apply for the Hamel Scholars Program? Students who meet the criteria are invited soon after admission. If invited, you’ll submit a brief essay, and may be asked to interview before a final decision. Criteria include a 3.9+ weighted GPA, strong leadership, and meaningful community service.
Are there other competitive scholarships for incoming freshmen? No—Hamel is the flagship competitive award for entering first-year students. Other scholarship types at UNH are either automatic, need-based, or departmental/group specific.
Can competitive awards stack with merit aid? Yes, Hamel and other competitive awards can often be stacked with base merit but not beyond your cost of attendance.
Is there a minimum GPA to keep the Hamel Scholarship? Yes, Hamel Scholars must maintain a strong academic record and active engagement—details are provided with the program offer letter.
🌟 Hamel Honors & Scholars College at UNH
The Hamel Honors & Scholars College welcomes its new class each year as UNH’s flagship home for high achievers. Honors students enjoy a close-knit community, small interdisciplinary seminar experiences, dedicated advising, and a “choose your own path” model that emphasizes research, service, and practical impact.
FAQs: UNH Honors & Scholars College
Who gets invited to Honors? Top 10–15% of applicants by GPA, course rigor, and essays; applying Early Action gives access to the widest opportunities.
Can you join after starting at UNH? Yes, admitted first-years in the top 10% of their class after their first semester or with a 3.5+ GPA may be invited or can petition.
Are there special scholarships just for Honors? Yes—all Honors admits receive a base merit award ($9,000+/year) and access to additional, essay/project-based scholarships and research funding.
What do Honors students actually do? Take small seminars, design research or service-learning projects, live in Honors housing, and build advanced skills for grad school or career.
Does Honors cost more? Is it worth it? There’s no extra tuition or fee for Honors. Students gain priority academic support, higher minimum merit, and mentorship that help with grad or professional goals—96% of recent grads are employed or in further education.
What’s required to stay in Honors? Maintain ~3.2–3.5 GPA (varies by year), engage in Honors curriculum, and complete a capstone research, leadership, or service project by graduation.
Can I study abroad or double major? Yes—the program is flexible and supports study abroad, internships, and interdisciplinary programs.
🎯 What UNH Is Known For
At the heart of New England, the University of New Hampshire pairs a small-community feel with big-university research and outreach. As a Carnegie R1 research university, UNH is celebrated for hands-on learning, nationally ranked sustainability and business programs, and coastal science that draws on the state’s unique marine ecosystem. Faculty regularly involve undergraduates in real research as early as their first year.
Rated #58 nationwide by Poets&Quants 2025 for best undergraduate business schools—and a New England public leader for student experience, internship access, and alumni career outcomes.
- Ocean Engineering — ABET-accredited, top 10 in the U.S. (by College Raptor, 2026), with campus fieldwork on New Hampshire’s coast.
- Marine, Estuarine & Freshwater Biology — Full research access through the School of Marine Science & Ocean Engineering; consistently noted among the best U.S. marine programs.
- Civil Engineering — Among the top 100 in U.S. (Payscale/College Raptor); most cited as #1 in New Hampshire for industry placement.
- Online Bachelor’s (College of Professional Studies) — Ranked #51 nationally for 2025 by U.S. News; #37 “Best for Veterans”.
Notes: Rankings are from Poets&Quants, U.S. News 2025, College Raptor, and verified program websites. Academic reputation, faculty mentoring, and career outcomes drive these standout results.