Grants are a type of financial aid that do not need to be repaid.
Federal Grant Programs
Federal Grants are provided to students by the Federal Government and do not need to be paid back. Students apply for these grants by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Pell Grants are considered a foundation of federal financial aid. A Federal Pell Grant is awarded based on each student’s financial need. Pell grants are only awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned their first bachelor’s degree. The maximum Pell Grant award is annually established by the Federal Government.
Lifetime Limit of Eligibility
A student may receive a Pell grant for no more than six scheduled awards.
FSEOG is awarded to undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need, with priority given to Federal Pell grant recipients with the lowest Student Aid Index (SAI). The annual award is up to $200 per semester, not to exceed $600 total. Awards are based on availability from an annual allocation and the UNH College of Professional Studies cannot guarantee every eligible student will receive an FSEOG award.
State Grant Programs
State Grants are provided to students based on merit, need and even areas of study by their state of residence. For more information, students should contact their state’s postsecondary or higher education commissions directly.
The Governor’s Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible high school graduates or recent high school graduates who meet the following criteria.
- Eligible for a Federal Pell Grant
- New Hampshire resident
- Must be a first time college student
- Continuous full time enrollment in a degree program (12 credits per semester in fall and spring semesters with no time off other than summer off).
- Not have been adjudicated or convicted or pled guilty or nolo contndere to any felonies or any second or subsequent alcohol or drug related offenses under the laws of this or any other state, or under the United States, except that an otherwise eligible person who has been adjudicated delinquent or has been convicted or pled guilty or nolo contendere to a second or subsequent alcohol or drug related misdemeanor offence shall be eligible or continue to be eligible for a scholarship after the expiration of one academic year from the date of adjudication, conviction, or plea.
- Graduated from a New Hampshire high school or obtained a New Hampshire high school equivalency certificate based on the HiSet tests no more than 3 years prior to his or her application for a scholarship.
- Students with the NH Scholars designation will be eligible for $2,000 annually, others will be eligible for $1,000 for up to four years. NH Scholars must maintain a 2.5 GPA for annual renewal, all others must maintain a 2.0.
- Awards are renewable based on the initial program enrollment. Students pursing a bachelor’s degree will have 4 years of eligibility while students pursing an associated degree will have 2 two years of eligibility. ‘
- If the student loses the award for any reason, it will not be reinstated.
- Awards are limited and not guaranteed to all eligible students.
The UNIQUE programs provide increased, equal access and choice for deserving, high-need New Hampshire residents seeking the benefits of postsecondary education at a New Hampshire institution.
UNIQUE Endowment
The annual award is up to $2000 per semester and is only available during the Fall and Spring semesters. To be eligible, you must:
- Be a New Hampshire resident
- Must be Pell eligible with demonstrated financial need
- Be enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program
- Not have a prior bachelor’s degree
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
- Amount may change based on enrollment status at the Pell recalculation date of each semester
- Used to help cover the gap between direct costs and grants/waivers
UNIQUE Allocation
The annual award is up to $1250 per semester and is only available during the Fall and Spring semesters. Awards are based on available funding and the UNH College of Professional Studies cannot guarantee every eligible student will receive a UNIQUE Allocation Scholarship. To be eligible, you must:
- Be a New Hampshire resident
- Must be Pell eligible
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate program
- Not have a prior bachelor’s degree
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
- Have the application process completed by filing the FAFSA before the deadline of January 31
- Amount may change based on enrollment status at the Pell recalculation date of each semester
Every state operates a vocational rehabilitation program to assist people with a variety of disabilities to return to productive activity. In certain cases, a vocational rehabilitation agency will assist disabled students to meet their college expenses. New Hampshire residents may find more information at the New Hampshire Department of Education.
Non-New Hampshire residents should contact their state agency for more information.