As a Veteran, Service Member, or Dependent, we know you have many options when choosing where to use your VA or military educational benefits. This is why UNH has made supporting you a priority. There are many reasons why you should choose UNH to be your higher education home, not least of which is the variety of services the MVS Office provides. From a recently remodeled space (with over 2200 square feet!) to three full-time staff members, we offer timely processing of your benefits with extensive programming to support you in ways that allow you to focus on your academic and career goals. Thanks for stopping by and hope to hear from you soon!
Kalyn Ryll
Director, Military & Veteran Services
University of New Hampshire
Frequently Asked Questions
For Veterans, Current Service Members, and Dependents
VA Benefits at UNH
How do I obtain my benefits?
Apply for your benefits online through the Veterans Affairs website. The VA will then send you a benefits decision letter through traditional mail explaining the education benefit to which you are entitled. Bring us a copy of this letter, also called a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), as soon as you receive it in the mail. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions or concerns about this process.
Visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs site to learn more about educational benefits and eligibility. You may also call the VA directly at 888-442-4551.
I am a Veteran using VA benefits. Will I get in-state residency status?
As a Veteran, you will receive in-state residency as long as you are living in New Hampshire, regardless of how long you have lived in New Hampshire. If you decide to live in Maine or Massachusetts and commute to UNH for your classes, you will not receive in-state residency status, however you may be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Does UNH participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program?
Yes, UNH does participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. However, Yellow Ribbon is only available to students who are eligible for 100% Post 9/11 GI Bill®. Furthermore, in most cases students using Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits qualify for in-state tuition, making participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program unnecessary. Contact our office for more information.
Can I use my Post 9/11 GI Bill® to study abroad?
Due to COVID 19, there are no Study Abroad opportunities at this time. When this changes we will update this information for those using the GI Bill.
Applying at UNH
How do I apply to UNH?
Begin by applying for admission through the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Incoming student Veterans can apply either as a first-year or transfer student. For more information on which application you should complete, please contact the UNH Undergraduate Admissions Office at 603-862-1360 or admissions@unh.edu.
First Year Student Admissions Information
If you are interested in pursuing a graduate or post-graduate degree or program, please visit the UNH Graduate School site for more information on their application requirements and process.
What are the application requirements?
Veterans and non-traditional students are considered either first-year or transfer students.
Application Requirements First-Year Students
Application Requirements Transfer Students
Please note that you will be required to produce your high school transcripts, regardless of how long it has been since you received your diploma.
Will I get credit for my military training?
Yes, although how much will depend. Along with your application, please provide any transcripts from military schooling and prior college transcripts. The admissions staff will determine what you will be awarded as transfer credits.
Visit the Joint Services Transcript (JST) website or the Community College of Air Force Transcript Request (CCAR-Air Force Only), and request an official transcript be sent to UNH Undergraduate Admissions.
What is the UNH Pre-Admissions Program?
The Pre-Admission Program allows non-traditional students who may need to strengthen their academic credentials the opportunity to begin their studies through Continuing Education and to use coursework completed while in the Pre-Admission Program as a credential for admission to a UNH bachelor’s degree program. Contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Attending UNH
Should I apply for Financial Aid while using Educational Benefits?
Yes! You absolutely can combine some grants and scholarships with your VA education benefits, so we highly recommend applying for Financial Aid to ensure you receive all the aid for which you may be eligible, even if you plan on using your education benefits.
Visit the FAFSA Website to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may also visit the UNH Financial Aid website for more information or for assistance in completing the FAFSA.
Are there any on-campus job opportunities?
Wildcat Careers maintains a list of all work-study positions available on campus. Furthermore, VA work-study positions are also occasionally available in the Military & Veteran Services Office. Contact Kalyn Ryll if you are interested in learning more.
Are there any grant or scholarship resources available to Veterans?
Yes, you should fill out the FAFSA form every year, as it often provides you with opportunities for scholarships. Visit the FAFSA Website to fill out and submit the application. You may also visit the UNH Financial Aid website for more information or for assistance in completed the FAFSA.
Military- related scholarships, fellowships, and grants
Is there a way to find other Veterans on campus?
Yes, please stop by the Military & Veteran Services Office and the Veterans Lounges located on the Ground Floor of Hood House, 89 Main Street, Durham!
You can also check out the Student Armed Forces Association. They are a recognized student organization active in the UNH Wildcat community and are always looking for new members!
Are study abroad, summer, or inter-session credits eligible for coverage under the GI Bill®?
You will first want to check in with your academic advisor to make sure these courses are meeting your unmet requirements. Then follow up with our office to determine eligibility.
Can I get credit for World Cultures because I served overseas?
Maybe. You will want to fill out a petition to variance submitted to the Academic Dean of your department. Your petition must show your rationale for why you believe you have fulfilled this requirement.
New Hampshire National Guard
I am a member of the New Hampshire National Guard and am thinking about going to school at UNH. Where do I start?
Thank you for your service to our state and your interest in UNH! Before enrolling at UNH, we encourage you to speak with your Educational Services Officer or counselor within your Military Service Branch. They will help you get started with figuring out what benefits to which you are entitled. They will then direct you to our office for further instructions.
Can I use the New Hampshire National Guard Tuition Waiver at UNH?
Yes! As a member of the New Hampshire National Guard, you are eligible to have 100% of your UNH tuition waived.
However, there are a couple of important things you should note:
You must complete all Initial Entry Training to include AIT (Army) or Tech school (Air Force) before you can use the Tuition Waiver.
You must be in good standing with your unit to use the Tuition Waiver.
The Tuition Waiver must be signed by an E7 or above in your unit as well as your Education Liaison Officer. This confirms that you are in good standing and do not have any negative personnel actions.
If you are a member of the Army National Guard, you are eligible for Federal Tuition Assistance. By New Hampshire law, you must use any Federal Tuition Assistance to which you may be entitled before applying the Tuition Waiver.
The Tuition Waiver may be reduced by any institutional financial aid you may be awarded. This means that some UNH grants will reduce your tuition before the National Guard Tuition Waiver is applied to your account.
The National Guard Tuition Waiver does not cover any fees, including but not limited to mandatory fees, technology fees, course fees, or book fees.
I got the Montgomery GI Bill® as an enlistment incentive when I joined. Can I use my GI Bill® with the Tuition Waiver?
Yes! The Montgomery GI Bill® for Selected Reserves, also referred to as Chapter 1606, is a benefit you can use in conjunction with the National Guard Tuition Waiver.
However, please note that you cannot receive Chapter 1606 for the same credits for which you are also receiving Federal Tuition Assistance. This means that if you are a member of the NH Army National Guard, unfortunately, there will be some semesters where you will not be able to use your Montgomery GI Bill® with your Tuition Waiver.
Furthermore, if you have received the regular Montgomery GI Bill®, also referred to as Chapter 30, in lieu of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Chapter 1606, please be sure to consult with your Educational Services Officer or counselor within your Military Service Branch to clarify what is and is not covered and how Chapter 30 works.
As a member of the New Hampshire National Guard, will I get in-state residency status?
Most likely. Under New Hampshire law, if you have completed your Initial Active Duty for Training, have received an Honorable Discharge releasing you from Active Duty as indicated on a DD 214, have provided a copy of that DD 214 to our office, and are living in New Hampshire while school is in session, you are eligible for in-state residency status. Please contact our office for more information. Furthermore, if you do not meet all of these eligibility requirements (most commonly, you are not living in New Hampshire while school is in session), as an out-of-state student serving in the New Hampshire National Guard, your Tuition Waiver will cover 100% of your out-of-state tuition.
Non-NH National Guard
I am a member of the National Guard in a state other than New Hampshire and am thinking about going to school at UNH. Where do I start?
Thank you for your service and your interest in UNH! Before enrolling at UNH, we encourage you to speak with your Educational Services Officer or counselor within your Military Service Branch. They will help you get started with figuring out what benefits to which you are entitled. They will then direct you to our office for further instructions.
Are there any special UNH benefits for which I am eligible?
Unfortunately, UNH does not have any special benefits for non-New Hampshire National Guard members. However, if you are entitled to the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the Montgomery GI Bill® for Selected Reserves (Chapter 1606), or any Federal Tuition Assistance, we are your one-stop-shop for processing those educational benefits.
Furthermore, if you have received the regular Montgomery GI Bill®, also referred to as Chapter 30, in lieu of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Chapter 1606, please be sure to consult with your Educational Services Officer or counselor within your Military Service Branch to clarify what is and is not covered and how Chapter 30 works.
As a member of the National Guard in a state other than New Hampshire, can I get in-state residency status?
Maybe. Under New Hampshire law, if you have completed your Initial Active Duty for Training, have received an Honorable Discharge releasing you from Active Duty as indicated on a DD 214, have provided a copy of that DD 214 to our office, and are living in New Hampshire while school is in session you are eligible for in-state residency status. Please contact our office for more information.
Reserves
I am a member of the Reserves and am thinking about going to school at UNH. Where do I start?
Thank you for your service and your interest in UNH! Before enrolling at UNH, we encourage you to speak with your Educational Services Officer or counselor within your Military Service Branch. They will help you get started with figuring out what benefits to which you are entitled. They will then direct you to our office for further instructions.
Are there any special UNH benefits for which I am eligible?
Unfortunately, UNH does not have any special benefits for Reservists. However, if you are entitled to the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the Montgomery GI Bill® for Selected Reserves (Chapter 1606), or any Federal Tuition Assistance, we are your one-stop-shop for processing those educational benefits.
Furthermore, if you have received the regular Montgomery GI Bill®, also referred to as Chapter 30, in lieu of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Chapter 1606, please be sure to consult with your Educational Services Officer or counselor within your Military Service Branch to clarify what is and is not covered and how Chapter 30 works.
As a member of the Reserves, can I get in-state residency status?
Maybe. Under New Hampshire law, if you have completed your Initial Active Duty for Training, have received an Honorable Discharge releasing you from Active Duty as indicated on a DD 214, have provided a copy of that DD 214 to our office, and are living in New Hampshire while school is in session you are eligible for in-state residency status. Please contact our office for more information.
Active Duty or Active Guard and Reserves
I am currently on Active Duty (or am in the National Guard or Reserves on Active Duty orders) and am thinking about going to school at UNH. Where do I start?
Thank you for your service and your interest in UNH! Before enrolling at UNH, we encourage you to speak with your Educational Services Officer or counselor within your Military Service Branch. They will help you get started with figuring out what benefits to which you are entitled. They will then direct you to our office for further instructions.
Are there any special UNH benefits for which I am eligible?
Unfortunately, UNH does not have any special benefits for non-New Hampshire National Guard members. However, if you are entitled to the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the Montgomery GI Bill® for Selected Reserves (Chapter 1606), or any Federal Tuition Assistance, we are your one-stop-shop for processing those educational benefits.
Furthermore, if you have received the regular Montgomery GI Bill®, also referred to as Chapter 30, in lieu of the Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Chapter 1606, please be sure to consult with your Educational Services Officer or counselor within your Military Service Branch to clarify what is and is not covered and how Chapter 30 works.
As a member of the National Guard in a state other than New Hampshire, can I get in-state residency status?
Maybe. Under New Hampshire law and University System of NH Board of Trustees policy, if you are on Active Duty and are serving in New Hampshire or at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, you are eligible for in-state residency status. If you are on Active Duty orders in the National Guard or Reserves, have completed your Initial Active Duty for Training, have received an Honorable Discharge releasing you from Active Duty as indicated on a DD214, have provided a copy of that DD214 to our office, and are living in New Hampshire while school is in session, you are also eligible for in-state residency status. Please contact our office for more information.
VA Benefits at UNH
How do I obtain my benefits?
Apply for your benefits online through the Veterans Affairs website. The VA will then send you a benefits decision letter through traditional mail explaining the education benefit to which you are entitled. Bring us a copy of this letter, also called a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), as soon as you receive it in the mail. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions or concerns about this process.
Visit the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs site to learn more about educational benefits and eligibility. You may also call the VA directly at 888-442-4551.
I am a dependent using VA benefits. Will I get in-state residency status?
Students using the Post 9/11 GI Bill® or Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance GI Bill® who are living in New Hampshire while attending UNH will receive in-state residency status for the purposes of tuition and fees. However, if you do not have enough months of benefits to cover the time it takes to complete your degree program, your in-state residency status will expire when your benefits do unless you are otherwise considered a New Hampshire resident. For more information, please contact our office.
Does UNH participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program?
Yes, UNH does participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. However, Yellow Ribbon is only available to students who are eligible for 100% Post 9/11 GI Bill®. Furthermore, in most cases students using Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits qualify for in-state tuition, making participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program unnecessary. Contact our office for more information.
Can I use my Post 9/11 GI Bill® to study abroad?
In order to use Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits for Study Abroad, students must plan to:
- Take courses that count towards their degree program. This includes major, minor, or Discovery courses. All language courses must count towards one of those three categories.
- Complete a Study Abroad Course Planning Form, which is part of the Study Abroad registration process.
- Not take any course repeats.
Not all expenses are covered by Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits, so students must plan accordingly. The student will be responsible for costs related to travel, room and board, deposits and travel insurance. The current Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)/Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) will vary by country. Please contact the VA hotline for more information.
Students must work closely with a Military Benefits Specialist and an Education Abroad Advisor to find the program that fits the requirements of the VA and their study abroad goals.
Examples of programs that may meet these requirements are UNH Exchange Programs and some UNH Managed Programs. However, you should always consult with an Education Abroad Advisor and the Military Benefits Specialist for official approval.
Get started and attend a Study Abroad Information Session. We look forward to working with you!
Applying to UNH
How do I apply to UNH?
There are no specific requirements or special application procedures for dependents using VA educational benefits. Please refer to UNH Admissions for more information on applying.
If you are interested in attending Graduate School, you will want to visit the UNH Graduate School site for more information on their application requirements and procedures.
Attending UNH
Should I apply for Financial Aid while using Educational Benefits?
Yes! You absolutely can combine some grants and scholarships with your VA education benefits, so we highly recommend applying for Financial Aid to ensure you receive all the aid for which you may be eligible, even if you plan on using your education benefits. Furthermore, if you ever want to work on campus in a work-study position, you must have completed the FAFSA and be approved for work-study funds.
Visit the FAFSA Website to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may also visit the UNH Financial Aid website for more information or for assistance in completing the FAFSA.
Are study abroad, summer, or inter-session credits eligible for coverage under the GI Bill®?
You will first want to check in with your academic advisor to make sure these courses are meeting your unmet requirements. Then follow up with our office to determine eligibility.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
