University of New Hampshire Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See New Hampshire aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 18, 2026
What This Page Covers:- 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
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📌 University of New Hampshire at a Glance
Average Net Price
$24,762/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$2,000–$20,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
13 opportunities
8 automatic · 1 competitive · 3 hidden gem · 1 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 15 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Honors College
Honors Program Available
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/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in NEBHE.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of New Hampshire 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 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.
🎯 Regional Savings Tip (NEBHE):
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).
Important Notes About Eligibility:
- 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.
Automatic
Trustee's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 15
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$20,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 4.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is the top rung of UNH's merit grid, and only one award from that grid (Trustee's, Chancellor's, Presidential, Dean's, or Director's) can land on a student's package. The very good news for Granite State families: a Trustee's award can sit alongside a Hamel Scholarship, which is how UNH gets to those headline merit totals you'll see quoted in the news.
💡
Strategic Detail
UNH's top automatic merit award. Published maximum is up to $20,000/year for non-residents and up to $11,000/year for New Hampshire residents. UNH is test-optional and recalculates each applicant's GPA using a weighted 4.0 scale across core academic courses in English, math, science, social science, and world language. The award renews for up to four years (eight consecutive semesters) as long as the student stays full-time and meets the renewal GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
UNH's strongest first-year admits — students with a recalculated weighted GPA of 4.01 or higher who've also pushed themselves through a rigorous college-prep curriculum. If your student is at the very top of their class with honors and AP coursework backing it up, this is the tier to aim for.
Automatic
Chancellor's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 15
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$15,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.9+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Only one award from UNH's main merit grid can apply at a time, so the Chancellor's won't stack with Trustee's, Presidential, Dean's, or Director's. It can, however, stack with a Hamel Scholarship if your NH-resident student is invited into that program.
💡
Strategic Detail
Published maximum is up to $15,000/year for non-residents and up to $9,000/year for NH residents. UNH is test-optional; the only number that drives this tier is your recalculated weighted GPA on core academic courses. Renewable for up to four years with full-time enrollment and the renewal GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong admits whose recalculated weighted GPA falls in the 3.90–4.00 range — solid honors and AP transcripts, but typically a notch below the Trustee's-tier 4.01+ profile.
Automatic
Presidential Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 15
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$12,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.7+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Only one of UNH's main merit-grid awards applies at a time. Presidential can still pair with a Hamel Scholarship for NH residents who are invited into that program.
💡
Strategic Detail
Published maximum is up to $12,000/year for non-residents and up to $7,000/year for NH residents. Test-optional. UNH uses its own recalculated weighted GPA on core academic courses, so a transcript that looks borderline on a 4.0 scale can sometimes land higher once UNH does the math.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Competitive admits with a recalculated weighted GPA between 3.70 and 3.89 and a transcript that shows real academic stretch — typically a few honors or AP classes plus consistent strong grades.
Automatic
Dean's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 15
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Only the highest UNH merit-grid award applies on the offer. Hamel is the one that layers on top for invited NH residents.
💡
Strategic Detail
Published maximum is up to $10,000/year for non-residents and up to $5,000/year for NH residents. Test-optional. The GPA UNH uses is its own recalculation across core academics on a weighted 4.0 scale — not your high school's published GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Steady, well-prepared admits with a recalculated weighted GPA between 3.50 and 3.69 — strong coursework, consistent grades, often with a meaningful mix of college-prep rigor.
Automatic
Director's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 15
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is the entry rung of UNH's merit grid — only one award from the grid will apply. Worth confirming on the offer letter, because non-residents at this tier still see a meaningful chunk of tuition reduced.
💡
Strategic Detail
Published maximum is up to $7,500/year for non-residents and up to $2,000/year for NH residents. Test-optional. This is the lowest band on UNH's automatic merit grid — students below a 3.00 recalculated weighted GPA generally won't see a merit award offered automatically.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Admits at the lower end of UNH's merit grid — a recalculated weighted GPA between 3.00 and 3.49, often with steady coursework but less college-prep stretch than the top tiers.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Transfer Excellence Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Semester admission deadlines
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 3 yrs)
$7,000–$12,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.8+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Only one UNH transfer-merit award applies per student. The good news: this is the top of the new transfer grid, so there's nothing higher on the transfer side to chase.
💡
Strategic Detail
Part of UNH's current transfer merit grid. Published amounts: $12,000/year for non-residents and $7,000/year for NH residents. Renews for up to three years (six consecutive semesters) with full-time enrollment and the renewal GPA. Students who already hold a bachelor's degree aren't eligible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top transfer applicants entering a UNH bachelor's program with a cumulative college GPA of 3.80 or higher on their most recent transcript.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Transfer Distinction Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Semester admission deadlines
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 3 yrs)
$5,000–$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Only one UNH transfer-merit award applies. Students with a 3.80+ transfer GPA will see Excellence rather than Distinction on their offer.
💡
Strategic Detail
Part of UNH's current transfer merit grid. Published amounts: $10,000/year for non-residents and $5,000/year for NH residents. Renews for up to three years with full-time enrollment and the renewal GPA. Not available to students who already hold a bachelor's degree.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Transfer applicants entering a UNH bachelor's program with a cumulative college GPA between 3.50 and 3.79.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Merrimack Valley Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Semester admission deadlines
✓ Renews (3.2 GPA, 3 yrs)
$2,000–$7,500/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
One UNH transfer-merit award per student. Worth noting: the renewal bar here jumps from a 2.50 GPA after the first two semesters up to a 3.20 GPA for the rest of the time at UNH, so help your student plan for that step-up.
💡
Strategic Detail
Part of UNH's current transfer merit grid. Published amounts: $7,500/year for non-residents and $2,000/year for NH residents. Renews for up to three years with full-time enrollment; recipients need a 2.50 cumulative GPA after two semesters and a 3.20 from that point forward.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Transfer applicants entering a UNH bachelor's program with a cumulative college GPA between 3.01 and 3.49.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
🔎 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.
App Required
Hamel Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Nov 15 · 📢 Results: Late Feb to early Mar
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Approximately 100 active Hamel Scholars at a time winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is one of the few UNH awards that explicitly layers on top of a general merit scholarship — UNH itself gives the example of a Hamel award sitting alongside a Trustee's Scholarship. For an NH resident at the top of the academic pile, that combination is how the largest published merit packages get built.
📄
How to Apply
Step one is to apply to UNH by the Early Action deadline as a New Hampshire resident and qualify for the Hamel Honors & Scholars College. Competitive candidates are then invited (typically mid-December through early January) to submit a required supplemental Hamel application — written responses about leadership and community engagement. Award notifications go out in late February or early March.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
UNH's most prestigious scholarship program — about 100 active scholars at a time. Awards are merit-based and need-aware, so students with greater financial need can receive larger Hamel awards. The dollar amount varies per student and isn't published as a fixed cap. Hamel renews at the same amount for up to eight undergraduate semesters as long as the student stays in good standing in the Hamel Honors & Scholars College.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Roughly the top in-state freshmen each year — students whose academics line up with Honors College admission and who can show real, sustained leadership and community engagement in their high school or town. This is selective, and it's not awarded automatically.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
🔍 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.
💡 Hidden Gem Scholarships at UNH
These lesser-known awards can make a difference—especially since they are stackable with other scholarships, grants, and need-based aid.
💡 Why these matter:
These scholarships may not be as large as major merit awards, but can often be combined (“stacked”) with other forms of aid and fill important gaps for families.
Automatic
UNH First-Year Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
Non-Renewable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other merit/need-based grants
💡
Strategic Detail
One-time, based on FAFSA
🕵
Who Actually Wins
New incoming students with financial need
App Required
Alumni Family Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 1
Non-Renewable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other aid
📄
How to Apply
Short online application required
Selection criteria: Alumni relation
💡
Strategic Detail
One-time; alumni relation required
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Children/grandchildren of UNH alumni
Full TuitionApp Required
Army & Air Force ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Fall for HS program; rolling for campus
✓ Renews
Full Tuition
full tuition, stipend, book allowance
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with other aid up to COA
📄
How to Apply
Apply through national ROTC program or campus ROTC
Selection criteria: National ROTC selection
💡
Strategic Detail
Full tuition + stipend + book allowance; ROTC participation required
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students joining UNH Army or Air Force ROTC
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Marching Band Participation Award
📅 Deadline: Fall band enrollment
✓ Renews
$250–$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with all other scholarships unless full-ride
💡
Strategic Detail
Amount and renewal depend on activity/participation
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Active participants in Wildcat Marching Band
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
🔍 FAQ: Hidden Scholarships at UNH
Can I get these in addition to other aid? Yes, these are typically stackable unless you’re receiving a full-ride merit or ROTC award.
Do I need to be a NH resident? No—all awards above are open to both in-state and out-of-state students.
Are there scholarships for first-gen/underrepresented students? There aren’t named awards for these groups pre-enrollment—but additional support is available via TRIO, Connect, and similar programs.
How do I find more? Once enrolled, check your major department or college for further awards and watch your UNH email for opportunities.
🌟 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.
Who Gets In? Admission is by invitation to top applicants (weighted GPA usually 3.8+ with rigorous coursework, leadership, and strong essays). After enrolling, first-years in the top 10% by fall grades may also be invited, and students with a 3.5+ GPA can petition.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Continuing Student Honors Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Mid-Mar invitation; spring application window · 📢 Results: Summer prior to the award year
Non-Renewable
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~40-60 awards per year across all funds winners/yr🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
These layer on top of any UNH merit scholarship and Hamel award the student already holds. Several are need-aware, so the financial aid office reviews them alongside the rest of the package.
📄
How to Apply
Eligible Honors College students receive an emailed invitation to apply each spring (typically around mid-March). The application asks for short written responses tied to each named scholarship's criteria — academic achievement, contributions to UNH or the Honors College, financial need, and similar factors.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
UNH's Honors College awards between 40 and 60 of these scholarships each year, drawn from a collection of endowed funds with their own criteria. Eligible students are members of the Honors College in good standing who have completed at least one full year at UNH. The published award range across the funds runs roughly $1,000 to $5,000 per year; some funds support project or research expenses rather than tuition.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors College students at sophomore standing or higher with strong academics, real contributions to UNH or Honors community life, and — for several named funds — demonstrated financial need.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Spotlight Program
Business (Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics)
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.
📎 Official Links — University of New Hampshire
💬 Final Thoughts
The University of New Hampshire blends classic New England charm with strong academics and real-world learning.
Known for its excellence in business, marine science, and sustainability, UNH offers the resources of an R2 research university with the feel of a tight-knit community.
Out-of-state students often find significant value through regional tuition programs and automatic scholarships.
For families who want a beautiful campus, supportive faculty, and a clear return on investment, UNH stands out as one of the Northeast’s most balanced flagships.
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