All first-year student applicants to UNH are considered for merit scholarships at the time of application review. There is no additional application and/or essay required. Scholarship decisions take place through a comprehensive, holistic review process. The University evaluates applicants relative to admission and scholarship requirements based on the rigor of a student’s program of study, performance relative to one’s peers (as measured by class rank, if available), the trend of achievement, essay, recommendation(s), and extra-curricular activities.

Scholarships are awarded to students for three reasons:

1. Students demonstrate through their high school careers that they possess the academic abilities to fully benefit from the academic opportunities available to students at UNH.
2. Students demonstrate that they can contribute to the dynamic communities found at UNH.
3. Offers some incentive for talented students to enroll at UNH.

Whether a student chooses to apply test optional or not, academic performance is the most critical factor in awarding merit scholarships at the University. Scholarships are intended to recognize, and reward behaviors valued by UNH. These include but are not limited to: rigor of curriculum, engagement in community, citizenship, co-curricular engagement, etc.

Students who chose to be test optional and not submit test scores to the University will have full and equal access to merit scholarships at the University.

Additional scholarships are available for current UNH students, students in specific college divisions, individual programs, and applicants to the Manchester Campus.

Award amounts listed below are per year, for four years. Scholarships are renewable for up to 8 consecutive semesters of academic coursework at UNH provided that the recipient makes appropriate progress towards their degree, meets the GPA requirements (3.2 on a 4.0 scale) and demonstrates acceptable standards of citizenship and character expected of all members of the university community.

Questions? Contact Undergraduate Admissions

Awarded to:

First-Year Applicants

Amount:

NH Residents: $9,000; $12,000 (non-N.H. residents and international students)

How to apply:

No additional application necessary
All applicants to UNH are considered for the presidential scholarship at the time of application review. Presidential scholarships are awarded based on class rank, strong college preparatory curricula, consistent achievement and standardized test scores.

Criteria and restrictions:

• Rank in the top 10% of their graduating class (or equivalent level for unranked schools, as determined by GPA and/or information on the school profile)
  • For context, recipients of Presidential Scholarships will typically earn high school GPA’s in excess of 4.0 on a 4.0 weighted scale. Note that UNH recalculates applicant GPA’s to a weighted 4.0 scale using core academic courses and that earning this GPA does not guarantee receipt of a merit scholarship since other factors are considered in awarding scholarships.
• Show a strong college preparatory curriculum and consistent achievement
• If not test optional, test scores (SAT or ACT) will be considered; generally, 1390+ SAT or 29+ ACT Composite
• Other factors that are considered, but weighed less heavily, in the awarding process include diversity (broadly defined to include: race/ethnicity, socio-economic, geography, among other characteristics.), and the quality and/or depth of high school, family or community involvements or commitments.
• Our assessment of the applicant’s ability to thrive/contribute/benefit from the UNH experience by engaging in the many communities found at UNH.
• This scholarship is valued at $12,000/yr. for non-residents and $9000/yr. for NH residents.

Questions? Contact Undergraduate Admissions

Awarded to:

First-Year Applicants

Amount:

NH Residents: $6,000; $8,000 (non-N.H. residents and international students)

How to apply:

No additional application necessary
All applicants to UNH are considered for the dean’s scholarship at the time of application review. Dean’s scholarships are awarded based on class rank, strong college preparatory curricula, consistent achievement and standardized test scores.

Criteria and restrictions:

• Rank in the top 15% of their graduating class (or equivalent level for unranked schools, as determined by GPA and/or information on the school profile)
  • For context, recipients of Dean’s Scholarships will typically earn high school GPA’s in excess of 3.9 on a 4.0 weighted scale.  Note that UNH recalculates applicant GPA’s to a weighted 4.0 scale using just core academic courses and that earning this GPA does not guarantee receipt of a merit scholarship since other factors are considered in awarding scholarships.
• Show a strong college preparatory curriculum and consistent achievement
• If not test optional, test scores (SAT or ACT) will be considered; generally, 1260+ SAT or 26+ ACT Composite
• Other factors that are considered but weigh less heavily in the awarding process include diversity (broadly defined to include: race/ethnicity, socio-economic, geography, among other characteristics), and the quality and/or depth of high school, family or community involvements or commitments.
• Our assessment of the applicant’s ability to thrive/contribute/benefit from the UNH experience by engaging in the many communities found at UNH.
• This scholarship is valued at $8000/yr. for non-residents and $6000/yr. for NH residents.

Questions? Contact Undergraduate Admissions

Awarded to:

First-Year Applicants

Amount:

NH Residents: $3,000; $5,000 (non-N.H. residents and international students)

How to apply:

No additional application necessary
All applicants to UNH are considered for the dean’s scholarship at the time of application review. Dean’s scholarships are awarded based on class rank, strong college preparatory curricula, consistent achievement and standardized test scores.

Criteria and restrictions:

• Rank in the top 30% of their graduating class (or equivalent level for unranked schools, as determined by GPA and/or information on the school profile)
  • For context, recipients of Director’s Scholarships will typically earn high school GPA’s in excess of 3.6 on a 4.0 weighted scale.  Note that UNH recalculates applicant GPA’s to a weighted 4.0 scale using just core academic courses and that earning this GPA does not guarantee receipt of a merit scholarship since other factors are considered in awarding scholarships.
• Show a strong college preparatory curriculum and consistent achievement
• If not test optional, test scores (SAT or ACT) will be considered; generally, 1200+ SAT or 25+ ACT Composite
• Other factors that are considered but weigh less heavily in the awarding process include diversity (broadly defined to include: race/ethnicity, socio-economic, geography, among other characteristics), and the quality and/or depth of high school, family or community involvements or commitments.
• Our assessment of the applicant’s ability to thrive/contribute/benefit from the UNH experience by engaging in the many communities found at UNH.
• This scholarship is valued at $5000/yr. for non-residents and $3000/yr. for NH residents.

Questions? Contact Undergraduate Admissions

Awarded to:

First-Year Applicants from New Hampshire

Amount:

$2,000 - $10,000

How to apply:

The Hamel Scholarship provides a yearly award to exceptional in-state students who apply by the early-action deadline. Applicants in the top 10 percent of their class who have demonstrated leadership skills and high standardized test scores are considered for the Hamel Scholarship.

Criteria and restrictions:

• $2,000-10,000
• NH Residents only
• The Hamel Scholars Program seeks to help exceptional in-state students develop their full potential and graduate from UNH poised to become active, engaged leaders in communities throughout the state. The scholarships are funded through a gift from Dana Hamel, a resident of New Hampshire and a long-time supporter of UNH.
• The scholarship provides substantial financial support in the form of a yearly scholarship plus special opportunities for academic and co-curricular engagement. The Admissions Office will determine the amount of each award, which is a supplement to any merit or need-based financial aid awards.
• Selection is very competitive, is not automatic, and limited to in-state applicants who apply by the early action deadline. A limited number are awarded each year to the highest caliber in-state students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement coupled with notable leadership skills in their school and/or communities. Renewable for all four years of a recipient’s UNH undergraduate career, provided he or she meets the renewal criteria.
• Minimally, candidates will have academic credentials in line with those of students who are invited to the University Honors Program and demonstrate meaningful involvement in school or broader community and a strong interest in and capacity for sustained community engagement.
• We suggest applying by the November 15, early action deadline for preferred consideration.  Students who are deemed competitive for the Hamel Scholarship are invited to submit a required supplemental application for the Hamel Scholarship.

Questions? Contact Undergraduate Admissions

Awarded to:

First-Year Applicants to the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Amount:

Variable

How to apply:

Scholarship covers a portion of a student’s tuition, fees and room and board for four years of undergraduate education at UNH

Criteria and restrictions:

• Additional application required. Students are required to apply by the November 15 Early Action deadline to receive full consideration for this scholarship.
• Students admitted to CEPS will be invited to apply if they meet eligibility requirements, which include:
  
  • Rank in the top 10% of their graduating class (or equivalent level for unranked schools, as determined by GPA and/or information on the school profile)
  • Show a strong college preparatory curriculum and consistent achievement
  • If not test optional, test scores (SAT or ACT) will be considered; generally, 1390+ SAT or 29+ ACT Composite
• Other factors that are considered, but weighed less heavily, in the awarding process include diversity (broadly defined), leadership experiences, and high school or community involvement.

More Information

Questions? Contact Undergraduate Admissions

Awarded to:

First-Year Applicants to the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics

Amount:

$5,000

How to apply:

No additional application necessary
All applicants to a major in the UNH Paul College are considered for this scholarship at the time of application review. Peter T. Paul scholarships are awarded based on class rank (top 15 percent), consistent achievement and standardized test scores.

Criteria and restrictions:

• $5,000 per year
• The Paul Scholars Program seeks to support high performing students develop their full potential and graduate from UNH prepared to develop meaningful and successful careers and provide leadership in their fields.  The scholarships are funded through gifts from UNH alumni Peter T. Paul ’67 and the estate of Bernard Grochmal ‘64.
• The scholarship provides substantial financial support in the form of a yearly $5,000 scholarship as well as special opportunities for academic and co-curricular engagement within a cohort experience. The scholarship supplements any merit or need-based financial aid awards. Scholarships are renewable for all four years of a recipient’s UNH undergraduate career, provided he or she meets the renewal criteria.
• Available to students admitted to Paul College of Business and Economics who meet eligibility requirements, which include:
  
  • Rank in the top 15% of their graduating class (or equivalent level for unranked schools, as determined by GPA and/or information on the school profile)
  • If not test optional, test scores (SAT or ACT) will be considered; generally 1300+ SAT or 27+ ACT composite
  • Other factors that are considered but weigh less heavily in the awarding process include program of study, diversity (broadly defined), leadership experiences, and high school or community involvement

Questions? Contact Undergraduate Admissions

Criteria and restrictions:

• $3,000 per year
• Students who are deemed competitive for the Rutman Fellows Scholarship are invited to submit a required supplemental application for this scholarship program.
• The Rutman Fellows Program is a component of the Paul College’s Advancing Women’s Leadership Initiative. The program seeks to support high performing students who are committed to developing as leaders and to advancing women’s leadership in business and economics.  The scholarships are funded through gifts from Morgan Rutman ’84 and Tara Rutman and the Och Family Foundation. 
• The scholarship provides financial support in the form of a yearly $3,000 scholarship plus special opportunities for academic and co-curricular engagement within a cohort experience. The scholarship supplements any merit or need-based financial aid awards. Scholarships are renewable for all four years of a recipient’s UNH undergraduate career, provided he or she meets the renewal criteria.
• Students admitted to Paul College of Business and Economics will be invited to apply if they meet eligibility requirements, which include:
  
  • Rank in the top 30% of their graduating class (or equivalent level for unranked schools, as determined by GPA and/or information on the school profile)
  • If not test optional, test scores (SAT or ACT) will be considered; generally, 1200+ SAT or 25+ ACT composite.
  • Other factors that are considered in granting the award include the applicant’s demonstrated leadership experience, genuine interest in and commitment to the advancement of women in business and economics, and ambition to develop as leaders. 
• Students of all genders may apply.

Awarded to:

First-year applicants who are student athletes

Amount:

Variable

How to apply:

Contact UNH Athletics for details. The director of athletics, in consultation with coaches, distributes financial assistance to student athletes.

More Information about Criteria and Restrictions

Awarded to:

First-year international student applicants

Amount:

Variable

How to apply:

No additional application necessary
All applicants to UNH are considered for the dean’s scholarship at the time of application review. Dean’s scholarships are awarded based on class rank, strong college preparatory curricula, consistent achievement and standardized test scores.

More Information about Criteria and Restrictions

Awarded to:

An incoming freshman who is a direct descendant of a relative who is/was an alumnus/a of UNH and who has served or continues to serve UNH

Amount:

$3,000/year (provided recipient maintains GPA of at least 3.2 and in good standing); based on need

How to apply:

Submit application

More Information about Criteria and Restrictions

Awarded to:

A first-year full-time student on the UNH Manchester campus who participated on a FIRST Robotics Competition team during high school

Amount:

$5,000, renewable for four years

How to apply:

UNH Manchester application for admission, plus FIRST application, letter of recommendation from a FIRST mentor or coach, and an essay describing your FIRST experience. This is awarded on merit. The recipient must maintain continuous full-time enrollment and a GPA of at least 3.0 for renewal.

More Information about Criteria and Restrictions

Awarded to:

A student whose families have resided in New Hampshire for at least three generations

Amount:

Variable

How to apply:

Self-nominate or be nominated by faculty or staff member

More Information about Criteria and Restrictions

Awarded to:

Students who enroll in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve

Amount:

Paid tuition and fees; monthly drill pay; monthly cadet stipend

How to apply:

Find forms on the UNH Army ROTC website

More Information about Criteria and Restrictions

Awarded to:

Students who enroll in the UNH Air Force ROTC program

Amount:

Tuition and most lab fees; textbook allowance; monthly cash stipend

How to apply:

Apply on the U.S. Air Force ROTC website

More Information about Criteria and Restrictions

Awarded to:

Students who are enrolled at UNH-Durham and UNH-Manchester undergraduate and incoming students

Amount:

Variable

How to apply:

An application is available here