UNH College of Professional Studies has a proud history of helping military and veteran students succeed since its earliest days as the College of Lifelong Learning and Granite State College. Our team of dedicated professionals supports you through each step, beginning with your application and continuing after your graduation. We’re here to help you balance the demands of earning your degree with military service and everyday life.
We sat down with one of our military-focused academic advisors, Joe Hannon, to discuss some of the ways our college supports military students.
Joe is an Army veteran and alum, who used the Post 9/11 GI Bill® to pay for his education. He is currently enrolled in the Master’s in International Criminal Law and Justice (LL.M.) program at UNH’s Franklin Pierce School of Law.
Joe, who’s been a part of the college community for 10 years, is heavily involved in networking with New Hampshire’s veteran community and building relationships with military bases nationwide.
Academic and Career Resources for Military Students
Joe highlighted the academic and career resources UNH CPS provides to military students as one of the primary benefits.
One of the great things about the college is that we not only provide strong support resources, but also help military students find additional resources outside the college.
Military-Focused Academic Advisors
At the College of Professional Studies, we have several academic advisors like Joe who specialize in working with military students.
Military students often prefer to work with an advisor who has a military background, because we speak the same language. There’s a certain degree of common ground and a sense of trust, so you can make a bond.
Your advisor will support you throughout your time at the college. They’ll guide you through the financial aid process, help you select a program and the right course, and provide resources as you work toward graduation. They can also help you connect with other resources, such as student support services, career advising, tutoring, and counseling services.
Career Advising
Our college’s Career Advising team can help you successfully plan to make your career goals a reality. Whether you seek to advance up the ranks through your military service or prepare for a civilian career, we can help you determine the right path to meet your goals. Through one-on-one sessions, we conduct career assessments, discuss work experience options, and offer professional resources for networking and resume and cover letter writing.
Military Tuition Discount and Military Benefits
Joe shared that one of the key benefits at the College of Professional Studies is our substantial tuition discount for military students and spouses.
We’re an excellent choice for active duty soldiers because our tuition payment structure mirrors the tuition assistance provided by the military. The military offers a maximum of $250 per credit hour of tuition assistance, and that’s what we charge active duty students, so there’s no extra out-of-pocket payment for the student. Not all colleges can do that.
Additionally, Joe noted that our team also helps military students take advantage of other military benefits. This includes the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program and the NH National Guard Tuition Waiver program.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program
The college participates in the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program, which means that if your tuition and fees as a nonresident student exceed the benefit provided under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, then we can make additional funds available for your education without an additional charge to your GI Bill entitlement.
NH National Guard Tuition Waiver
If you’re serving in the NH Army National Guard or NH Air National Guard, this waiver covers 100% of your tuition!
Transfer Your Military Experience as College Credits
Joe shared that UNH CPS is transfer-friendly, allowing you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your undergraduate degree. Plus, as a Military Friendly® college, our team will also help you to maximize your military experience for college credit.
We work closely with the Registrar’s Office to make sure any experience you have, inside or outside the classroom, is evaluated for college credit.
Another great way to maximize your transfer credit at the College of Professional Studies is through credit-by-examination programs. These exams allow you to demonstrate prior knowledge and earn transfer credit.
Student Support Services
Joe also acknowledged the support services our college offers to students to help them succeed.
We are committed to helping students complete their degrees. We also know that balancing military service and college can be challenging. That’s why we have these support services in place.
Need help with a tricky assignment? We offer all students free one-on-one online tutoring sessions in subjects such as math, writing, and other general education topics.
We also know that your well-being and happiness, both inside and outside the classroom, have a profound impact on your ability to meet your goals. That’s why we offer free counseling services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Up to six counseling sessions are available. You can meet with a professional counselor virtually, by phone, or get a referral to meet in person with a local counselor at no cost to you.
Connect With an Academic Advisor
Get started today and connect with an academic advisor. It would be our honor to help you earn your degree.