University of New Hampshire Scholarships — Merit Aid for In-State and Regional Students

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🎓 University of New Hampshire Scholarships: What Parents Need to Know

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) is known for being a solid in-state option—but the real surprise is how much merit money they offer, especially for students from nearby states like Massachusetts, Maine, and New York.

UNH also participates in the New England Regional Student Program, which can knock thousands off the tuition bill if your student’s major qualifies. And if they’ve kept up a strong GPA, the automatic scholarships can stack up fast.

If you’ve been staring at the out-of-state price and wondering if it’s worth it—you’re not alone. This guide breaks it all down so you can see what your student might actually get—not just what’s advertised.

📚 Cost of Attendance | 📘 Automatic Scholarships | 🏆 Competitive Scholarships | 💎 Hidden Gems | 🎓 Honors College | 📝 What To Do Next

💰 Cost of Attendance at UNH (2025–2026)

The University of New Hampshire has different sticker prices depending on where you live—but for students in the Northeast, the actual cost is often much lower thanks to merit scholarships and regional tuition discounts.

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees $19,270 $39,990
Housing & Meals $13,352 $13,352
Books, Supplies, Other $3,150 $3,150
Total Estimated Cost $35,772 $56,492
🎯 Regional Savings Tip:
UNH participates in the New England Regional Student Program, which gives out-of-state students in nearby states discounted tuition for eligible majors. This program can reduce the total cost by $8,000–$12,000 per year—and it stacks with merit scholarships.
📊 What Families Actually Pay:
According to federal data, the average net price (after scholarships and grants) for UNH students is:
  • $17,395 for families earning $48–75k
  • $23,568 for families earning $75–110k
Many middle-income families pay far less than the full sticker price.

🎓 Merit Scholarships at UNH (2025–2026)

UNH automatically considers students for merit scholarships when they apply — no separate application required. Most awards are based on a combination of GPA and test scores (if submitted), but test scores are not required for scholarship consideration.

Important Notes About Eligibility:

  • GPA is based on your weighted high school GPA as reported on your transcript.
  • Test scores are not required for merit or competitive scholarships — but they can help strengthen your case if submitted.
  • UNH does superscore the SAT and ACT, meaning they consider your highest section scores across test dates.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Criteria Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Presidential Scholarship Up to $14,000/year Top academic applicants; typically a GPA above 3.9 ❌ ✅ High-achieving students, often in Honors College
Chancellor’s Scholarship Up to $10,000/year Strong academics; typically 3.7–3.89 GPA ❌ ✅ Competitive applicants just below Presidential level
Dean’s Scholarship Up to $6,000/year Solid academic profile; typically 3.5–3.69 GPA ❌ ✅ Many admitted students fall into this range
Director’s Scholarship Up to $2,000/year Typically awarded to students with GPA 3.3–3.49 ❌ ✅ Helps reduce cost for borderline merit recipients

🔎 FAQ: Merit Scholarships at UNH

Do I need to submit test scores to qualify for scholarships?
No. UNH is test-optional, and test scores are not required to receive merit scholarships. However, strong scores may still help if submitted.
Are these scholarships available to out-of-state students?
Yes. All of the listed scholarships are available to both in-state and out-of-state students — but out-of-state students typically receive the higher end of the award ranges to help offset the cost.
Can I receive more than one merit scholarship?
No. These awards do not stack — students receive the highest scholarship for which they qualify.
Is there a GPA requirement to keep the scholarship each year?
Yes. Most UNH merit scholarships require maintaining a 3.2 GPA to remain eligible for renewal. Always check your award letter for specific terms.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships at UNH

UNH offers one primary competitive scholarship for incoming first-year students: the Hamel Scholars Program. It’s highly selective and goes to students with exceptional academic records (typically a 3.9+ GPA), strong leadership experience, and a history of community involvement. Students are invited to apply after admission — there is no general application for most students.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Hamel Scholars Program Up to $8,000/year + enrichment funding Top students invited to apply; strong academics and leadership ✅ ✅ Students with a 3.9+ GPA, leadership roles, and community involvement

🔍 FAQ: Competitive Scholarships at UNH

How do I apply for the Hamel Scholars Program?
Students who qualify are invited to apply shortly after being admitted. The strongest applicants typically have a 3.9+ weighted GPA, leadership roles in high school, and a record of community service. If selected to move forward, students submit an essay and may be interviewed.
Are there other competitive scholarships open to all students?
Not really. UNH’s only major competitive scholarship for first-year students is the Hamel Scholars Program. Other scholarships are either automatic, based on need, or tied to specific groups (like legacy students or NH residents).
Can you stack competitive scholarships with merit awards?
In most cases, yes. Competitive scholarships like the Hamel award can be stacked on top of merit aid — but the total cannot exceed your cost of attendance.
Do I need a certain GPA to keep this scholarship?
Yes. Hamel Scholars must meet GPA and participation expectations each year. These are outlined clearly in the program guidelines and award letter.

💡 Hidden Gem Scholarships at UNH

These smaller or lesser-known scholarships don’t show up on the main merit chart — but they can still make a difference, especially when stacked with other aid. Some are based on your background or financial need; others are tied to activities like band, ROTC, or family history.

💡 Why these matter: These scholarships may not be flashy, but they’re stackable — meaning they can be added on top of other aid like merit awards, Pell Grants, or work-study. For many families, a few thousand dollars can make the difference between borrowing or not.

Scholarship Award Amount Who It’s For Separate App? Stackable? How to Apply
UNH First-Year Scholarship $1,000–$3,000 (one-time) Incoming students with financial need ❌ ✅ Just file the FAFSA
Alumni Family Scholarship $1,000 (one-time) Children or grandchildren of UNH graduates ✅ ✅ Quick online form due by March 1
Army & Air Force ROTC Scholarships Full tuition + stipend + books Students enrolling in UNH ROTC programs ✅ ✅ Apply via national ROTC application
Marching Band Participation Awards $250–$1,000/year Students who join the Wildcat Marching Band ❌ ✅ Participate and confirm with band director

🔍 FAQ: Hidden Scholarships at UNH

Can I get these in addition to merit or need-based aid?
Yes. These smaller scholarships are considered stackable and won’t reduce your other aid, unless you’re already receiving a full ride.
Do I have to be a New Hampshire resident to qualify?
No. All scholarships listed here are available to both in-state and out-of-state students.
Are there scholarships for first-generation or underrepresented students?
UNH doesn’t offer a named first-gen scholarship for incoming freshmen, but first-generation students often qualify for extra support and funding through programs like TRIO and the Connect Program. For underrepresented students, identity-based scholarships are more commonly awarded after enrollment. Students should also explore external scholarships and connect with the Office of Community, Equity and Diversity once on campus.
Where can I find more small scholarships like these?
Many departments at UNH offer their own scholarships for current students. Once enrolled, keep an eye on your major’s website and your UNH email for internal opportunities.

✅ What to Do Next

  • Apply by early action if your student wants to maximize merit aid and be considered for Honors or competitive scholarships like the Hamel Program.
  • Submit the FAFSA as soon as it opens (usually in October). Some UNH awards — like the First-Year Scholarship — are only given to students with demonstrated need.
  • Ask about stackable opportunities — like band, ROTC, or departmental scholarships — even if they aren’t clearly listed on the website.
  • Compare real costs using our College Offer Comparison Sheet. It’s not just about the scholarship amount — it’s about what’s left to pay.

📘 Final Thoughts: What to Know About Paying for UNH

At UNH, most students don’t pay the full sticker price. Between automatic merit aid, small stackable scholarships, and need-based grants, there are real ways to bring the cost down — especially for out-of-state students who qualify for higher awards.

That said, competitive full-ride scholarships are rare here. The strongest savings come from stacking: combining merit aid, need-based aid, and hidden gems like marching band or alumni awards. The more your family understands what’s possible, the easier it is to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary debt.

Need help comparing offers? Download our College Offer Comparison Sheet — built to help families line up real costs side by side. And if your student is still applying, make sure to grab our Recommendation Toolkit and College Essay Guide too.

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