Understanding Your UNH Financial Aid Offer

Understanding Your UNH Financial Aid Offer
Financial Aid Talk
March 2, 2026
Author
Emily Kulp

Getting your UNH degree is more affordable than you might think. We'll help you every step of the way with scholarships, grants, and financial aid that bring our world-class education within each. 

Read on for your roadmap to understanding your financial aid offer and funding your college journey. We've made it simple to understand your options and find the support you need to succeed at UNH. 

UNH students at University Day Picnic
understanding aid

How much will I pay?

Here's a breakdown of the costs you'll be responsible for:

  • Tuition & fees
  • Food & housing
  • Books & school supplies
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation 

 

View current UNH costs

UNH students on a boat
understanding aid

What types of aid can I receive?

Let's explore your financial aid options:

  • Scholarships: From merit awards to unique opportunities, our scholarships help put a UNH education within reach. We award $200 million in scholarships and aid annually.
  • Grants: Free money for college? That's exactly what grants are. Unlike loans, grants never need to be paid back. UNH offers multiple grant programs to help make your education more affordable and accessible.
  • Work-Study: Earn while you learn through federal-funded positions on and off campus. Work-study lets you gain valuable experience while earning money you never have to repay. 
UNH student in greenhouse
understanding aid

What are loans?

Federal student loans help make education possible for most UNH applicants. Though these loans require repayment, they're an investment in your future. If you filled out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) you should be eligible for federal loans. You can go to studentaid.gov to complete the requirements to apply for loans.

Subsidized loans:

  • Based on financial need
  • The federal government pays the interest that accrues while you're in school

 

Unsubsidized loans:

  • Not based on financial need
  • Interest accrues while you're in school
UNH White out the Whitt hockey game in the Whittemore Center Arena
understanding aid

What is my cost of attendance?

You will receive both your cost of attendance and your bill in your portal. Your cost of attendance is your budget, while your bill is what you will actually pay. Some items in your cost of attendance will be billed to you and some will not. For example, your cost of attendance may include estimates for expenses such as traveling to and from campus. 

UNH venue design course
Understanding aid

How can I get more aid?

Your UNH financial aid package is created based on your financial need and your merit award is based on your high school GPA and performance. If you are looking for further aid, we recommend applying for outside scholarships. If there has been a change in your family’s circumstances since you filled out the FAFSA, you can reach out to the financial aid office to fill out a form for further consideration. The financial aid office also offers payment plans, and you have the ability to apply for private loans. 

UNH student with books
Understanding aid

Can I see an example?

Financial Aid Example:

Take a look at this example of an in-state student who received the Trustee's Scholarship from UNH.

Trustee's Scholarship$11,000
 In-State
Tuition$15,908
Trustee's Scholarship-$11,000
Remaining Tuition$4,908
Fees$3,774
Housing $9,346
Food$5,358
Direct Costs$34,386

Merit scholarship reduces tuition by 70%

Merit scholarship reduces direct costs by 32%

More questions about financial aid?

Published
March 2, 2026
Author
Emily Kulp