UNH Today

In November, UNH joined about 100 universities and colleges around the nation in waiving its application fee for members of the military. While this measure is new, the university’s efforts to help veterans and active members of the U.S. armed forces are not. Here’s a sampling of what UNH has been doing to make college more easily accessible for those who have or are serving our country.

During the 2016-2017 academic year some 822 Granite State guardsmen throughout the university system received tuition waivers totaling of nearly $2.81 million.

Since 1997, the University System of New Hampshire has waived more than $6 million in tuition for members of the New Hampshire National Guard. New Hampshire HB 1450, introduced in 1996, allows guardsmen to take courses tuition-free on a space-available basis. The bill also provides in-state tuition rates for guard members who are out-of-state residents.

During the 2016-2017 academic year some 822 Granite State guardsmen throughout the university system received tuition waivers totaling of nearly $2.81 million. New Hampshire Guard students can receive up to $4,000 per year once they have first applied for federal assistance. 

In 2015, a permanent office for UNH Military & Veterans Services opened on the third floor of Thompson Hall, and the following year, a student lounge for veterans, guardsmen and reservists was added. What’s more, there is now a pre-orientation program only for past and current members of the armed forces.

Northeast Passage (NEP), a recreation and adaptive sports program for individuals with disabilities, has been serving veterans for 10 years. Individuals are encouraged to participate in any of the programs or in the “veterans-only” events that take place throughout the year. Many of the options are provided at no cost to former and active members of the armed services.

The new application fee waiver, available in 2018 for 2019-2020 academic year applicants, is being coordinated through Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success, a group committed to making college a reality for all students. Veterans and current service members can apply online through the coalition’s website.

Currently there are 302 veterans, active duty service members, National Guard and reservists enrolled at UNH. Student veterans are awarded four elective credits for their service and, depending on their military training and/or schooling, they can earn up to 32 elective credits toward their degree. SATs, required for other students, are optional for veterans.

The Fellowship Office has a list of scholarships available to veterans and members of the military.