How to win New Hampshire scholarships
New Hampshire is a small New England state with a huge number of attributes! In order to win New Hampshire scholarships, you should consider highlighting these unique features in your scholarship application while simultaneously connecting to your own special interests and passions.
For example, perhaps you enjoy skiing on Loon Mountain, which has led you to be interested in studying environmental science. Or maybe hiking in the beautiful fall weather has led you down a path towards becoming a park ranger. Whatever your personal interests, connect it back to your life as a New Hampshirite (or hopeful future New Hampshirite!) This will help you stand out in the scholarship application pool as well as show how meaningful New Hampshire is in your higher education journey!
Writing resources for writing New Hampshire scholarship essays
Many New Hampshire scholarships may have you write an essay about yourself. These scholarship essays can vary in length from 250 words up to 500 words. Therefore, make a point to read over our Scholarships360 ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to ensure you are well prepared to not only reply to these New Hampshire scholarships but also win them! Additionally, check out our guides on how to start a scholarship essay and how to end a scholarship essay to ensure your New Hampshire scholarship application is flawless.
New Hampshire student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, in total, New Hampshire residents owe $6.5 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $34,085 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 59.3% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for!
Keep on reading to learn more about merit scholarships from colleges in New Hampshire as well as top scholarships in New Hampshire!
Merit scholarships at New Hampshire colleges and universities
University of New Hampshire
- Eligibility: UNH first year students who have a 3.1+ GPA and demonstrate high academic achievement in the classroom
- Amount: $1,000 up to $12,000
- Deadline: Admission to the University of New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen who have strong academic achievement and a strong high school GPA
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to the Southern New Hampshire University
Keene State College
- Eligibility: First year students who have a 2.0+ GPA
- Amount: $1,000 up to $7,500
- Deadline: Admission to Keene State College
Saint Anselm College
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen who display exemplary academic credentials
- Amount: $16,000 up to $30,000
- Deadline: Admission to Saint Anselm College
Plymouth State University
- Eligibility: First year students who have a 2.24+ GPA
- Amount: $2,000 up to $11,000
- Deadline: Admission to Plymouth State University
Colby-Sawyer College
- Eligibility: First year students who submit their application are automatically considered
- Amount: Up to $8,000
- Deadline: Admission to Colby-Sawyer
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.
Here are a few well-known New Hampshire universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
University of New Hampshire
- In-state tuition: $15,520
- Out-of-state tuition: $35,290
Keene State College
- In-state tuition: $11,754
- Out-of-state tuition: $23,230
Plymouth State University
- In-state tuition: $14,558
- Out-of-state tuition: $25,498
How do you get in-state tuition?
Being a New Hampshire resident can significantly reduce the cost of tuition for New Hampshire colleges and universities. In order to become a New Hampshire resident for tuition purposes, you will need to physically reside in New Hampshire for no less than 12 continuous months prior to the term for which in-state status is desired. Additionally, you must be residing in New Hampshire for some purpose other than attending the University, such as obtaining employment in New Hampshire. In addition, you will need to prove that you want to remain in the state of New Hampshire by obtaining physical proof, such as a New Hampshire driver’s license or registering your vehicle in New Hampshire. It is important to note that each New Hampshire university of college may have different requirements for residency so double check with your intended institution on their rules!
Does New Hampshire offer tuition reciprocity?
Yes, New Hampshire is part of the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break program. This agreement provides tuition reciprocity savings to residents in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and of course, New Hampshire. Eligibility for this program varies by state and institution, so be sure to double check with your intended institution.
New Hampshire scholarship spotlight
League of NH Craftsmen Gerry Williams Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: New Hampshire residents who participate in educational activities that present creative approaches to learning such as workshops, courses, seminars or other activities
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Open year round
New Hampshire Governor’s Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: New Hampshire high school graduates who enroll full-time and continuously attend a participating postsecondary institution within New Hampshire. Any full-time, Pell Grant-eligible student who earns the New Hampshire Scholar designation and meets the residency and academic requirements may be eligible
- Amount: New Hampshire scholars: $2,000 per year; Non-New Hampshire scholars: $1,000 per year
- Deadline: April 15
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Four-year or Bachelor’s Degree Program
- Eligibility: New Hampshire students with financial need pursuing a 4-year degree and other non-academic factors such as community service, school activities and work experience
- Amount: $250 up to $7,500
- Deadline: Mid-April
New Hampshire Society for Professional Engineers Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: New Hampshire high school seniors or college undergraduates who are or will be enrolled in an ABET-EAC accredited engineering program
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: End of April
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Two-year or Associate Degree Program
- Eligibility: Applicants should demonstrate reasonable achievement and a commitment to their chosen field of study. Preference is given to students who have previously received funding and successfully completed prior educational work or for students entering high-demand professions, including but not limited to STEM fields
- Amount: $100 up to $3,500
- Deadline: December 15
Plan NH Scholarship
- Eligibility: Recognizes and honors outstanding students from New Hampshire who are studying a field that supports the mission: to “foster excellence in planning, design and/or development of New Hampshire’s built environment.”
This may include, but is not limited to: Architecture, Art / Fine Arts, Construction Management, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Historic Preservation, Interior Design, Planning - Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Early April
Additional New Hampshire resources
New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation
A useful college preparation and exploration website for New Hampshire residents!
FAFSA guide
On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. New Hampshire students should complete the FAFSA to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.
Frequently asked questions about New Hampshire scholarships
Does New Hampshire offer tuition-free community college?
Does the University of New Hampshire award full ride scholarships?
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